Houston has two major airports: Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Most international passengers traveling directly to Houston arrive at IAH. Visit fly2houston.com for further information about the airports.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Before departing for the United States, secure the items below in your carry-on luggage. Do not put them in your checked luggage.

• Form I-20
• acceptance letter
• passport (valid for at least six months into the future) with a valid F-1 visa
• cash and credit cards
• cell phone. Free Wi-Fi is available at both airports.

Immigration Procedures at IAH

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. It only allows a foreign citizen to travel to a United States port of entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have the authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. 

If you are traveling into IAH on international flights, you will arrive at gates in either Terminal D or E. Once you arrive at the immigration hall, you will likely be inspected by a CBP official. If you have an F-1 visa, be ready to present your passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20 to the CBP official who may ask:

• What is the purpose of your travel to the United States?
• Where and what you will study?
• Where you will live?
• How will you educational, living and travel costs? 

Then you will proceed downstairs to level one to collect your luggage before going to customs exit control. There will be a CBP Agriculture Specialist to examine food, plants, and other perishables for travelers carrying these items.

You will continue straight after exiting the doors of the customs area and into the Meeter/Greeter Lobby located on the first floor of Terminal E International Arrivals Hall. Ground transportation will be accessible from this area.

Ground Transportation from IAH

• Taxis (estimated costs; not including gratuity):
• $57 to downtown
• $65 to The Galleria/the Texas Medical Center
• $70 to NRG Park
• $78 to Hobby Airport
• rideshare apps. Tips: Before departing for the United States, download the apps, create accounts, and link credit cards.
• Lyft: com/fare-estimate
• Uber: com/price-estimate