United States

It depends on your nationality and circumstances. Travellers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may be able to visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA, while other travellers generally need an appropriate visitor visa.

ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Eligible travellers using the Visa Waiver Program must receive ESTA approval before travelling to the United States.

Travellers entering under the Visa Waiver Program can generally stay for up to 90 days per visit. If you're travelling on a visitor visa, the permitted period is determined at entry and can vary.

Travel insurance is strongly worth considering, particularly for medical expenses, trip cancellation and unexpected travel problems.

Costs vary considerably by destination. New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other major tourist destinations can be expensive, while some smaller cities and rural areas can be more affordable.

Tipping is customary in many service situations, particularly restaurants, bars, taxis and some hotel services. Check whether a gratuity or service charge has already been added to your bill.

Cards are widely accepted. It's still useful to have some cash available for smaller purchases, tips or emergencies.

Consider comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a jacket or layers, toiletries, medication, travel documents, a phone charger and a suitable power adaptor.

The USA generally uses Type A and Type B plugs and 120V electricity. Travellers from countries using different plugs may need an adaptor and should check device compatibility.

Popular American foods include burgers, barbecue, pizza, fried chicken, hot dogs, steaks, pancakes and regional specialities

Tap water supplied by public systems is generally safe to drink, although local conditions can vary.

There is no single best time because the USA is geographically enormous. Spring and autumn can be pleasant in many regions, while summer is popular for many destinations and winter is ideal for some ski areas.

Usually, advertised menu prices do not include sales tax, which is added to the bill where applicable. Tax rates vary by state and locality.

For a single city, 3–5 days can provide a good introduction. A multi-city trip may require two or more weeks, while a road trip across several regions can take much longer.

Safety varies by destination and neighbourhood. Visitors should take normal precautions, stay aware of their surroundings and follow local advice.

No. Visitors should not assume they are entitled to free healthcare. Medical treatment can be expensive, which is one reason travel insurance can be important.

Entry requirements depend on your circumstances and recent travel history. Check current official requirements before departure.

911 is the emergency number for police, fire and medical emergencies.

Some food and agricultural products are restricted or must be declared. Check current U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements before packing

Yes. Laws can vary significantly between states and sometimes between cities or counties. Visitors should follow the laws applicable to the places they visit.

Check your visa or ESTA requirements, passport validity, travel insurance, accommodation, transportation, weather and any state-specific rules relevant to your itinerary. Official U.S. government guidance recommends checking entry requirements and local laws before travelling.

Use USA.gov — Visit the United States for visitor information, visas, ESTA and entry requirements.