Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: ESTA Electronic System Updates
Visa Waiver Program participants must apply for ESTA authorization ($21 fee) online, valid for two years or until passport expiration. The process is quick, typically approved within 72 hours, but apply early to ensure smooth entry to the US.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the US, with multiple blank pages for entry stamps and visas if applicable.
Biometric passports are required for ESTA eligibility; renew early if yours is nearing expiration to avoid travel disruptions.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Citizens of 41 countries, including the UK, Australia, Japan, and most EU nations, can visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa via ESTA approval.
Stays cannot be extended under VWP; for longer visits, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa in advance through a US embassy.
Visa Applications
Non-VWP travelers need a visa (e.g., B-1/B-2 tourist visa, $185 fee) applied for via the US embassy or consulate, including interviews, proof of ties to home country, and financial stability.
Processing times vary from weeks to months; schedule appointments early, especially for peak seasons like summer.
Border Crossings
Airports like JFK or LAX require ESTA or visa checks upon arrival, with potential secondary screenings for first-time visitors; land borders from Canada or Mexico involve quicker but thorough inspections.
Declare all goods over $10,000 in value; electronic devices may be checked for compliance with customs rules.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive health insurance is crucial due to high US medical costs; coverage should include emergencies, evacuations, and activities like national park hiking or skiing.
Policies from $10/day are available; ensure it covers COVID-19 related issues if traveling during flu season.
Extensions Possible
Visa holders can apply for extensions up to six months at a USCIS office before expiration, providing reasons like medical needs or unforeseen events, with a $370 fee.
VWP visitors cannot extend; overstaying leads to bans, so plan departures carefully and consult immigration experts if needed.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
The USA uses the US Dollar (USD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to major hubs like New York or LA by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months ahead, especially for domestic flights, can save 40-60% on airfare during peak times.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for food trucks, diners, or farmers' markets for meals under $15, avoiding high-end tourist restaurants to cut food expenses by up to 50%.
Portion sizes are generous; share plates or take leftovers to stretch your budget further across diverse cuisines.
Public Transport Passes
Purchase multi-day passes for cities like NYC's MetroCard ($34 for 7 days) or LA's TAP card, reducing transit costs by 30-50% for frequent rides.
Intercity options like Greyhound buses offer deals under $50 for long distances, far cheaper than flying.
Free Attractions
Explore free sites like the National Mall in DC, Golden Gate Bridge walks in San Francisco, or beach days in Miami for authentic, no-cost experiences.
Many museums, such as the Smithsonian institutions, offer free admission year-round, saving hundreds on cultural visits.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry $50-100 cash for tips, small vendors, or rural areas without card readers.
Use fee-free international cards or withdraw from bank ATMs to avoid 3-5% foreign transaction fees.
Attraction Passes
Invest in CityPASS or Go City passes ($50-150) for bundled entries to top sights like Alcatraz or Empire State Building, paying off after 3-4 attractions.
National Parks Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to over 2,000 sites, ideal for road trippers visiting multiple states.
Smart Packing for USA
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Layer versatile pieces like t-shirts, jeans, and hoodies for the USA's diverse climates, from desert heat to mountain chills; include a lightweight rain jacket for coastal areas.
Pack modest clothing for religious sites or national parks, and quick-dry fabrics for outdoor adventures in places like Yellowstone.
Electronics
Bring Type A/B adapters for 120V outlets, a portable charger for long road trips, and apps for navigation like Google Maps offline.
A VPN is useful for secure Wi-Fi in hotels; don't forget a smartphone with international roaming or an eSIM for connectivity across states.
Health & Safety
Carry detailed travel insurance info, a comprehensive first-aid kit with pain relievers and allergy meds, and prescriptions in original packaging.
Include high-SPF sunscreen for sunny destinations like Florida, hand sanitizer, and masks for crowded urban areas or public transport.
Travel Gear
A durable backpack for day hikes in the Rockies or city explorations, reusable water bottle for hydration in arid Southwest, and a neck pillow for cross-country flights.
Secure passport copies, a RFID-blocking wallet, and snacks for long drives between attractions in vast regions like the Midwest.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking shoes for urban marathons in Chicago, plus hiking boots with good traction for trails in the Appalachians or Grand Canyon.
Sandals work for beachy California vibes, but pack waterproof options for rainy Pacific Northwest or snowy New England winters.
Personal Care
Travel-sized toiletries compliant with TSA liquids rule (3-1-1 bag), moisturizer for dry airplane air, and eco-friendly sunscreen for outdoor pursuits.
A compact umbrella or poncho for sudden showers in the South, and lip balm to combat wind in open plains or high altitudes.
When to Visit USA
Spring (March-May)
Perfect for cherry blossoms in Washington DC and wildflower blooms in Texas, with mild temperatures of 15-25°C and shoulder-season deals on accommodations.
Ideal for road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway without summer crowds, though watch for spring storms in the Midwest.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season for beach vacations in Hawaii or Florida and national park camping in Yellowstone, with warm weather 25-35°C and endless daylight for activities.
Expect higher prices and lines at theme parks like Disney World; festivals like Coachella add vibrancy but book everything early.
Autumn (September-November)
Great for fall foliage in New England and harvest festivals in California wine country, with comfortable 10-20°C temps and fewer tourists post-summer.
Thanksgiving brings family vibes but crowds; it's prime for hiking in the Smoky Mountains or urban explorations in NYC.
Winter (December-February)
Budget-friendly for skiing in Colorado or holiday lights in NYC, with temperatures 0-10°C in the North and milder in the South like Arizona deserts.
Avoid blizzards in the Rockies by sticking to sunny spots; enjoy indoor attractions like Broadway or spas in warmer states.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: US Dollar (USD). Cards are ubiquitous, but cash is handy for tips and small vendors. ATMs are widespread.
- Language: English is primary, with Spanish common in the Southwest. Tourist areas accommodate multiple languages.
- Time Zone: Multiple zones: Eastern (UTC-5), Central (UTC-6), Mountain (UTC-7), Pacific (UTC-8), plus Alaska and Hawaii.
- Electricity: 120V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (two/three-prong flat pins)
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire emergencies nationwide
- Tipping: Expected at 15-20% for restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-5 for hotel staff or valets
- Water: Generally safe from taps in major cities, but use bottled in rural or remote areas if unsure
- Pharmacies: Easily found as chains like CVS or Walgreens; 24-hour options in urban areas