USA
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Warnings and insurance
This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:聽
- see聽general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see聽general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about聽safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and聽get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out聽more about聽FCDO聽travel advice.
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Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full 바카라 사이트楤ritish citizen바카라 사이트� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government바카라 사이트檚 understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.聽
You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry. The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest, detention, or removal if you violate the rules or break the law. Even if you have a visa or visa waiver, the final decision on entry is made at the border by a US border official. If you바카라 사이트檙e not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the聽.
The US may change entry conditions at any time without prior notice.
Passport validity requirements
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
If you바카라 사이트檙e travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.聽
Dual nationals聽聽
US law requires US citizens to enter and exit the US using a US passport. Contact the for more information.
Visa requirements
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an聽聽or a .
The US State Department has .
Travellers whose sex on their passport differs from their sex recorded at birth should contact 聽in the UK for further advice.
Applying for an ESTA
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You can apply for an ESTA via the or using the or .
All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers intending to enter the US by land, sea and air will be required to obtain an approved ESTA prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry. Individuals who are not eligible to travel under the VWP may apply for a visa at any .
You may not be able to apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:
- been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
- a criminal record
- been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the US
- previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver
Information on whether you are eligible for an ESTA visa waiver can be found in the help section of the .
You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011:聽
- Iran
- Iraq
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were聽in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021.聽
If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa.
Applying for a visa
The US Embassy in London has information on .
US visa appointments
Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy바카라 사이트檚 appointment service provider.
The US Embassy has more .
Children and young people
Anyone aged 17 and under must:
- have a valid visa or ESTA on arrival
- be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
- have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarised from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian
The US authorities can stop you entering the country if they have safeguarding concerns about a child. If this happens, the US authorities will take the child into their care, and their return from the US could take months. The FCDO cannot speed up the return of British nationals aged 17 and under from the US.
The US government has . If you have questions, contact the .
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .
Electronic devices
Officials may ask to inspect your electronic devices, emails, text messages, and social media activity. If you refuse, they can delay or deny your entry. US Customs and Border Protection has .
Customs rules聽
There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Global Entry
The US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited clearance at some US airports. If you바카라 사이트檙e a British citizen, you can聽register to get a UK background check. If you pass the background checks, you바카라 사이트檒l be invited to apply for .
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.聽聽聽
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on聽聽and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out聽how to reduce your risk from聽terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in the USA
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in the US.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Targets could include:
- crowded areas
- transportation networks
- public events
The聽聽provides current alerts within the US and its territories.
Crime
Protecting your belongings
Do not leave passports in rental cars, especially not in the boot. Gangs may target vehicles driven by people who look like tourists.
Violent crime
Violent crime and gun crime rarely affect tourists, but take care in unfamiliar areas. Try not to walk through quieter areas alone, especially at night. You can find public advisories and information about recent incidents on local law enforcement websites.
Mass shooting incidents can happen but are a very small percentage of murders. The聽US Department of Homeland Security has advice on .
Research your destination before you travel and follow the advice of local authorities. Crime linked to illegal drugs is a major issue in Mexican states bordering Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. Some foreign nationals have been victims of crime in the border regions, but there is no evidence they were targeted because of their nationality.
Protests
Protests are common and can become violent. Follow the instructions of local authorities who may introduce curfews or emergency orders. If you attend peaceful protests:
- be mindful of your surroundings
- move away if there are signs of trouble
- follow the instructions of local authorities
Laws and cultural differences
US states may have different laws. While you are in a state, you are subject to both that state바카라 사이트檚 laws as well as national (federal) law.
Personal ID
Always carry a passport showing you have permission to enter or remain in the US.
Alcohol laws
The national legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21. Some states have different laws. If you are aged 20 or under, check state laws before drinking or buying alcohol.
Illegal drugs
Illegal drugs, including cannabis,바카라 사이트痗arry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.
Airports in USA have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.聽聽
Check state laws to make sure you follow laws on possession and use of controlled substances. The聽US Department of Justice provides a聽.
LGBT+ travellers
The US is a very diverse society and attitudes towards LGBT+ people differ hugely across the country. Check state and local laws for the areas you plan to travel to. Refer to entry requirements which may apply to LGBT+ travellers (see entry requirements).
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.聽
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in the US, see information on driving abroad聽and聽.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the US. You may need to get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. IDP requirements vary in each state.聽For more information, consult individual states바카라 사이트� as well as the聽.
You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
If you still have a paper driving licence, you must take another form of photo ID, such as your passport. You can also exchange your paper driving licence for a photocard licence.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Vehicle safety
When travelling by car, you should:
- check weather conditions before a long car journey, particularly in mountainous, isolated or desert areas where services may be limited
- not sleep in your car by the road or in rest areas
- avoid leaving any items on display in your car
- stay on main roads
- use well-lit car parks
If you바카라 사이트檙e in an accident, ask any other drivers involved to follow you to a public place and call the police.
Petrol stations
Petrol stations that do not display the price of fuel usually charge considerably more than the national average. They바카라 사이트檙e often close to tourist destinations and airports. Make sure you know the price of fuel before using these services.
Air travel
Before you travel, check the security measures you바카라 사이트檙e likely to face at the airport on the聽 website. If you have a medical condition or disability and need assistance, .
To monitor airport conditions in the US, check the website.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.聽
Snowstorms
Snowstorms can disrupt critical infrastructure, and cause power cuts, or delays and cancellations in major transport hubs. Contact your travel company or airline before you travel.
Hurricanes
The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November. The Pacific hurricane season normally runs from May to November. Hurricanes can affect coastal regions, Hawaii and Guam. The South Pacific tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May and can affect American Samoa.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that there is a very high likelihood of an 바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트� in 2024. Travellers to the USA during the hurricane season should check the websites of local, State and Federal agencies (such as the ) for the latest conditions. You should also be aware of the possibility of disruption to flights.
You should:
- monitor approaching storms on the聽
- follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders from the .
- visit the聽聽for information on preparing for extreme weather and evacuating
- check with your airline or travel agent about possible disruption to flights or airport services and follow their advice
Earthquakes
While earthquakes can happen anywhere without warning in the US, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley are at higher risk for earthquakes.
The FEMA website has advice about .
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can happen anytime depending on weather conditions. The FEMA website has advice about .
Volcanic eruptions 聽
There is volcanic activity across parts of the US with Alaska, Hawaii, California, Washington and Oregon having the largest number of active volcanoes. You should follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
The FEMA website has advice about .
Wildfires
Forest and brush fires (wildfires) are a danger in many dry areas, particularly in canyons, hills and forests. High winds can mean fires spread rapidly.
You should:
- monitor local media and聽
- follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders
- be careful in areas recently affected by wildfires, as there may be mudslides during heavy rainfall
For more information visit the聽聽and聽聽websites.
For information about wildfires in California, see the聽 website.
Arctic travel
Parts of the US are in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land and sea. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See聽Arctic travel safety advice.
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have聽appropriate travel insurance聽for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you바카라 사이트檙e referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks聽
At least 8 weeks before your trip:聽聽
- check the latest (or the , and )
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the
See (or the , and ), including:聽聽
- Zika virus
- West Nile virus
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of the US. Read more about .聽
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
You cannot take some prescription drugs into the US. The US Food and Drug Administration聽provides information on .
UK prescriptions are not valid in the US. To get pharmacy drugs, you need a prescription from a US provider (available from an urgent care facility, emergency room or a doctor).
TravelHealthPro explains聽.
The NHS has information on聽.
Healthcare in the US
Medical treatment is expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors.
Some hospitals ask non-US residents to pay a deposit when admitted. Send any requests for funds to your travel insurance provider first; only pay the hospital if you바카라 사이트檙e advised to do so by your travel insurance company. Your medical care will not be affected while your claim is processed.
Medical facilities in American Samoa are basic and you may need medical evacuation by air ambulance to Hawaii, New Zealand or Australia.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Travel and mental health
Read聽FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also聽.
Getting help
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in the US
Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police).
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about聽changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from聽FCDO
FCDO聽has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding in the US
- dealing with a聽death in the US
- being聽arrested in the US
- getting help if you바카라 사이트檙e a聽victim of crime
- what to do if you바카라 사이트檙e聽in hospital
- if you are聽affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
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