The Complete USA Visitors Guide

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, Ireland, Australia and most of the EU) need an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply only on the official CBP website at least 72 hours before travel. It's valid for two years.

If you're not eligible for ESTA, apply for a B-2 tourist visa through your nearest US embassy. Interview wait times can be months, so start early.

Your passport should be valid for your whole stay; many nationalities are exempt from the six-month rule, but airlines may still check. E-passports are required for ESTA.

Fresh fruit, meat and plants are generally prohibited. Declare food items and cash over $10,000. Mobile Passport Control can speed up arrival at major airports.

The US dollar (USD) is used everywhere. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors.

Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and rideshares, $2–5 per night for housekeeping and $1–2 per bag for porters.

Prices shown in stores usually exclude sales tax, which varies by state and city (0–10%). Hotels add occupancy taxes and often resort fees.

Budget travelers can manage on $120–180 a day; mid-range trips cost $250–400 per person per day including hotels. Cities like New York and San Francisco cost more.

A car is essential outside major cities. Drivers usually need to be 21+ (25+ to avoid surcharges). Your home license is valid in most states for visitors; an IDP is recommended.

Drive on the right. Turning right on red is allowed after a full stop unless signed otherwise. Speed limits are in miles per hour. School buses with flashing red lights must not be passed.

Flying is the fastest way to cover long distances. Budget airlines charge for bags and seats; compare total fares. Arrive 90 minutes early for domestic flights.

Amtrak's Northeast Corridor links Boston, New York and Washington D.C. quickly. Long-distance routes like the California Zephyr are scenic but slow.

New York, Chicago, D.C. and San Francisco have good subways. Use contactless cards to tap and pay. Rideshare apps Uber and Lyft work nationwide.

US healthcare is very expensive. Buy travel insurance with at least $1 million medical cover before you go.

Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance. For non-urgent care, urgent care clinics are cheaper than hospital emergency rooms.

In summer, desert parks can exceed 110°F (43°C). Carry a gallon of water per person per day, hike early and never leave the trail in extreme heat.

Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from bison and elk. Carry bear spray in Yellowstone and Alaska.

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1–November 30, peaking August–October. Book flexible rates for Florida, the Gulf Coast and the Carolinas.

The legal drinking age is 21 and venues check ID regardless of age. Carry your passport or a photo ID copy.

Smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces. Cannabis laws vary by state and it remains illegal on federal land, including national parks.

The US uses Type A/B plugs at 120V. Bring an adapter; most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage.

Buy an eSIM before you fly for cheap data, or a prepaid SIM from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon on arrival.

The US spans many climates. San Francisco can be cold in summer, desert nights are chilly and air-conditioning is strong indoors — pack layers.

An $80 annual pass covers entry to all national parks for a vehicle. Non-resident fees may apply at some popular parks — check the NPS site before you go.

Popular parks such as Yosemite, Arches, Rocky Mountain and Glacier may require timed-entry reservations in peak season via Recreation.gov.

Book flights 2–5 months ahead for the best fares, park lodges up to 13 months ahead and theme-park hotels 6+ months ahead for school holidays.

Expect crowds and higher prices around Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The mainland has four time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific. Alaska and Hawaii have their own. Arizona mostly doesn't observe daylight saving.