Traveling to Campus

Before you leave home, read the U.S. government’s information about the procedures for entering the United States.

red jet with Go Cougs painted on the side

Entering the United States

You should know what to expect at a U.S. port of entry.

Arrival process

Be prepared with the following documents:

  • Passport with a valid non-immigrant visa (Canadians exempt)
  • Original form I-20 or DS-2019 with valid travel signature
  • Evidence of financial resources
  • WSU current schedule and/or transcript

Don’t bring restricted items – see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for rules regarding travel
with medications, food, or pets. You may also be fingerprinted and/or photographed.

Questioning & tips

  • Officers may ask you questions about your reason for entering the United
    States or about your academic program. If an officer asks about your
    academic performance, remain calm, answer honestly and briefly.
  • CBP may also ask questions about or inspect your electronic devices. This
    may include your social media accounts.
  • To protect yourself, put your phone on airplane mode.

More tips on how to prepare your devices

Additional screenings

An officer may determine you (and/or your luggage) require additional
screening. This is not uncommon. You may be asked to go to an interview
area called Secondary Inspection where they will verify information and ask
you additional questions.
You can expect:

  • Long wait time (multiple hours)
  • Additional, more substantial and specific questions

Tip: Make notes of your experience, including officer name and badge number.

To Pullman campus

By plane

Pullman is a significant distance from other regional cities. We recommend flying into Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport.

Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport

2 miles from campus

Services at Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport:

Lewiston-Nez Perce Regional Airport

35 miles from campus (in Idaho)

Services at Lewiston-Nez Perce Regional Airport:

Spokane International Airport

78 miles from campus

Services at Spokane International Airport:

By car

Driving directions

Approximate driving time to Pullman from nearby cities:

  • Lewiston, Idaho/Clarkston, Washington: 45 minutes
  • Spokane, Washington: 90 minutes
  • Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: 2 hours
  • Seattle, Washington: 5 hours
  • Missoula, Montana: 5 hours
  • Portland, Oregon: 6 hours

Road trip resources:

Campus map

By bus or shuttle van

Northwestern Trailways (stops at the Courtyard by Marriott Inn about 3.5 kilometers from campus)

Greyhound

By rideshare

Tripick

“Tripick” is an innovative approach to carpooling. Tripick gives users a platform to offer and find rides with flexible customized prices.

To WSU Tri-Cities

By air

We recommend flying into Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, Washington.

14 miles from campus

Services at Tri-Cities Airport:

By car

Driving directions

Approximate driving time to WSU Tri-Cities from nearby cities:

  • Spokane, Washington: 2 hours, 15 minutes
  • Pullman, Washington: 2 hours, 30 minutes
  • Lewiston, Idaho/Clarkston, Washington: 2 hours, 45 minutes
  • Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: 2 hours, 45 minutes
  • Seattle, Washington: 3 hours, 15 minutes
  • Portland, Oregon: 3 hours, 30 minutes
  • Missoula, Montana: 5 hours, 15 minutes

Road trip resources:

Other campus locations