CBP launches COMPASS chatbot to guide United States nomads through entry rules

What COMPASS does for U.S. arrivals

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is promoting COMPASS, a secure virtual assistant that answers questions about U.S. entry requirements and travel procedures. The tool gives guidance on documents, customs rules and arrival steps, but it doesn't replace visa, ESTA or immigration processes.

CBP is pointing travelers to the chatbot as part of its World Cup 2026 travel push, including the agency’s "Know Before You Go" campaign. It is a support tool, not an entry waiver. CBP officers still make the final admissibility decision at the border.

Why expats and nomads are being told to check it

The assistant is aimed at World Cup visitors, frequent flyers, expats and long-stay travelers who need to confirm what to carry before landing in the United States. That includes passports, visa or ESTA status, proof of legal residence and what must be declared on arrival.

CBP is also using COMPASS to steer travelers toward trusted traveler programs, the I-94 record and other official help pages. For non-U.S. citizens, the practical value is in sorting out the paperwork before a flight, not after a problem starts at inspection.

What travelers should still do before flying

COMPASS is free to use and CBP says it's live now. It can help answer questions about food, medication, cash declarations and other border rules, but the underlying requirements still apply.

Travelers should verify passport validity, visa or ESTA status and any documentation tied to residence or re-entry before departure. The official entry record remains the I-94 and carriers can still deny boarding if paperwork is missing. Read our full United States guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates page for more country changes.