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Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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What is COVID-19?

Who can get covid-19, can i travel if i recently had covid-19, what can travelers do to prevent covid-19, more information.

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance has been updated. The content of this page will be updated soon.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets and small particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus spreads easily in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms   – ranging from no or mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste and smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Anyone can get COVID-19. However, some people are more likely than others to get very sick if they get COVID-19. These include people who are older, are  immunocompromised , or have certain  disabilities , or have  underlying health conditions .  Vaccination, past infection, and timely access to testing and treatment can help protect you from getting very sick from COVID-19.

Yes, you can travel once you have ended isolation . Check CDC guidance for additional precautions, including testing and wearing a mask around others. If you recently had COVID-19 and are recommended to wear a mask, do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you are unable to wear a mask whenever around others.

Get  up to date  with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel and take steps to protect yourself and others . Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs. Take additional precautions if you were recently exposed to a person with COVID-19. Don’t travel while sick.

If you have a  weakened immune system  or  are at increased risk for severe disease talk to a healthcare professional before you decide to travel.  If you travel, take multiple prevention steps to provide additional layers of protection from COVID-19, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. These include improving ventilation and spending more time outdoors, avoiding sick people, getting tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms, staying home if you have or think you have COVID-19, and seeking treatment if you have COVID-19.

Consider getting travel insurance in case you need medical care abroad .

Consider getting a COVID-19 test if you:

• Develop COVID-19 symptoms before, during, or after travel.
• Will be traveling to visit someone who is at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Were in a situation with a greater risk of exposure during travel (e.g., in an indoor, crowded space like an airport terminal while not wearing a mask).

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare professional, and tell them about your recent travel.

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Almost a million individuals enter the U.S. daily. Everyone arriving at a port of entry to the U.S. is subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers for compliance with immigration, customs and agriculture regulations. The more international travelers know about what to expect, the easier and quicker the process becomes.  

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What to Know About the C.D.C. Guidelines on Vaccinated Travel

In updated recommendations, the federal health agency said both domestic and international travel was low risk for fully vaccinated Americans. But travel remains far from simple.

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By Ceylan Yeginsu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for fully vaccinated Americans in April, saying that traveling both domestically and internationally was low risk.

The long-awaited recommendations were issued by federal health officials after a series of studies found that vaccines administered in the United States were robustly effective in preventing infections in real-life conditions.

One is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots.

If you decide to travel, you might still have some questions. Here are the answers.

Will I still need to wear a mask and socially distance while traveling?

Yes. Under federal law, masks must be worn at airports in the United States, onboard domestic flights and in all transport hubs. The C.D.C. says that as long as coronavirus measures are taken in these scenarios, including mask wearing, fully vaccinated Americans can travel domestically without having to take a test or quarantine, although the agency warns that some states and territories may keep their local travel restrictions and recommendations in place.

For those wishing to travel internationally, a coronavirus test will not be required before departure from the United States unless mandated by the government of their destination. Vaccinated travelers are still required to get tested three days before travel by air into the United States, and are advised to take a test three to five days after their return, but will not need to self-quarantine.

Can I go abroad?

Yes, but only to countries that will have you.

More than half the world’s countries have reopened to tourists from the United States, including the countries of the European Union , which on June 18 added the United States to its “safe list” of countries, meaning that American travelers can now visit. While the European Union aims to take a coordinated approach to travel this summer, member states will be allowed to set their own requirements for travelers from individual countries based on their own epidemiological criteria, which means they may require testing or vaccination.

Some places like Turkey, Croatia and Montenegro had already been welcoming Americans with negative test results. Greece joined that growing list in May, ahead of most European countries, opening to fully vaccinated tourists and other foreigners with a negative test.

Many Caribbean nations have reopened to American tourists, but each has its own coronavirus protocols and entry requirements.

Here’s a full list of countries Americans can currently travel to.

What about domestic travel? Is it free and clear to cross state borders?

If you are fully vaccinated, the C.D.C. says you can travel freely within the United States and that you do not need to get tested, or self-quarantine, before or after traveling. But some states and local governments may choose to keep travel restrictions in place, including testing, quarantine and stay-at-home orders. Hawaii , for instance, still has travel restrictions in place.

Before you travel across state lines, check the current rules at your destination.

How are they going to check that I’m fully vaccinated?

Right now, the best way to prove that you have been vaccinated is to show your vaccine card .

Digital vaccine and health certificates showing that people have been vaccinated or tested are in various stages of development around the world and are expected, eventually, to be widely used to speed up travel.

The subject of “ vaccine passports ” is currently one of the most hotly debated topics within the travel industry, with questions over the equity of their use and concerns over health and data privacy.

In early April, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida issued an executive order that would ban local governments and state businesses from requiring proof of vaccination for services.

And in March, the European Union endorsed its own vaccine certificate , which some countries are already using, with more expected to adopt it by July 1.

But what about my kids? What’s the guidance on traveling with unvaccinated people?

The C.D.C. advises people against travel unless they have been vaccinated. If you must travel, the agency recommends testing one to three days before a trip and following all coronavirus guidance at your destination.

In May, the F.D.A. expanded its emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine to include adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age.

All air passengers aged two and older coming into the United States, including fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative Covid-19 test result taken no more than three days before they board their flight.

What is my moral obligation to the places I visit where most people are not vaccinated?

The United States inoculation rollout has been among the fastest in the world, but there is a stark gap between its rapid rollout and the vaccination programs in different countries. Some nations have yet to report a single dose being administered.

Many countries are currently seeing a surge in new cases and are implementing strict coronavirus protocols, including mask mandates in public spaces, capacity limits at restaurants and tourist sites and other lockdown restrictions.

It is important to check coronavirus case rates, measures and medical infrastructure before traveling to your destination and not to let your guard down when you get there. Even though you are fully vaccinated, you may still be able to transmit the disease to local communities who have not yet been inoculated.

You can track coronavirus vaccination rollouts around the world here.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

Ceylan Yeginsu is a London-based reporter. She joined The Times in 2013, and was previously a correspondent in Turkey covering politics, the migrant crisis, the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu

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Travel Guide USA

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As the world’s only superpower and biggest economy by a huge margin, almost everyone on the planet knows something about the USA, even if they’ve never been. The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State, the Hollywood sign, Las Vegas neon, Golden Gate and the White House have long been global icons, and American brands and images are familiar everywhere, from Apple computers and Levi’s to Coca-Cola and hot dogs. Yet first-time visitors should expect some surprises .

Where to go in the USA

Outdoor activities in the usa, sports in the usa, usa: the musical melting pot.

Though its cities draw the most tourists – New York, New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco are all incredible destinations in their own right – America is above all a land of stunningly diverse and achingly beautiful landscapes . In one nation you have the mighty Rockies and spectacular Cascades, the vast, mythic desert landscapes of the Southwest, the endless, rolling plains of Texas and Kansas, the tropical beaches and Everglades of Florida, the giant redwoods of California and the sleepy, pristine villages of New England.

You can soak up the mesmerizing vistas in Crater Lake, Yellowstone and Yosemite national parks, stand in awe at the Grand Canyon, hike the Black Hills, cruise the Great Lakes, paddle in the Mississippi, surf the gnarly breaks of Oahu and get lost in the vast wilderness of Alaska. Or you could easily plan a trip that focuses on the out-of-the-way hamlets, remote prairies, eerie ghost towns and forgotten byways that are every bit as “American” as its showpiece icons and monuments.

The sheer size of the country prevents any sort of overarching statement about the typical American experience, just as the diversity of its people undercuts any notion of the typical American. Icons as diverse as Mohammed Ali, Louis Armstrong, Sitting Bull, Hillary Clinton, Michael Jordan, Madonna, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley, Mark Twain, John Wayne and Walt Disney continue to inspire and entertain the world, and everyone has heard of the blues, country and western, jazz, rock ’n’ roll and hip-hop – all American musical innovations.

There are Irish Americans, Italian Americans, African Americans, Chinese Americans and Latinos, Texan cowboys and Bronx hustlers, Seattle hipsters and Alabama pastors, New England fishermen, Las Vegas showgirls and Hawaiian surfers. Though it often sounds clichéd to foreigners, the only thing that holds this bizarre federation together is the oft-maligned “American Dream”. While the USA is one of the world’s oldest still-functioning democracies and the roots of its European presence go back to the 1500s, the palpable sense of newness here creates an odd sort of optimism, wherein anything seems possible and fortune can strike at any moment.

Indeed, aspects of American culture can be difficult for many visitors to understand, despite the apparent familiarity: its obsession with guns; the widely held belief that “government” is bad; the real, genuine pride in the American Revolution and the US Constitution, two hundred years on; the equally genuine belief that the USA is the “greatest country on earth”; the wild grandstanding of its politicians (especially at election time); and the bewildering contradiction of its great liberal and open-minded traditions with laissez-faire capitalism and extreme cultural and religious conservatism. That’s America: diverse, challenging, beguiling, maddening at times, but always entertaining and always changing. And while there is no such thing as a typical American person or landscape, there can be few places where strangers can feel so confident of a warm reception.

Every trip to the USA is unique and that's why it's essential to stay protected. With our go-to travel insurance provider, Heymondo , you get great value and 24/7 support wherever you are.

The most invigorating American expeditions are often those that take in more than one region. You do not, however, have to cross the entire continent from shore to shore in order to appreciate its amazing diversity; it would take a long time to see the whole country, and the more time you spend simply travelling, the less time you’ll have to savour the small-town pleasures and backroad oddities that may well provide your strongest memories. Unless you’re travelling to and within a centralized location such as New York City, you’ll need a car – that mandatory component of life in the USA.

The obvious place to start for most people is New York City – international colossus of culture and finance, with a colourful history and numerous skyscrapers to prove its status as the essential American city. While you could easily spend weeks exploring the place, just a little more effort will take you into the deeper reaches of the Mid-Atlantic region to the north. Here, whether in upstate New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania, major cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh border a landscape of unexpected charm and beauty, from the bucolic hamlets of Amish country and the wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains to iconic sights such as Niagara Falls and holiday favourites like the Catskills. Next door, New England has a similarly varied appeal; most visitors know it for the colonial and history-rich city of Boston, but there’s much to be said for its rural byways, leading to centuries-old villages in Vermont and New Hampshire, bayside Massachusetts and the rugged individualism of the lobster-catching harbours and mountains of Maine – which take up nearly half the region.

Seven hundred miles west lie the Great Lakes, on the whole the country’s most underappreciated region; vigorous cities including Chicago and Minneapolis, isolated and evocative lakeshores in Michigan and Minnesota, and rousing college towns such as Madison, Wisconsin, reward any visitor with more than a few days to explore. Bordering Ohio to the east, the nearby Capital Region is the home of Washington DC, capital of the nation and centrepiece for its grandest museums and monuments. Nearby Baltimore is one of the region’s few other big cities, and to the south the old tobacco country of Virginia holds a fair share of American history while coal-mining West Virginia has a scattering of curious natural treasures.

Although Virginia is technically part of the South, for the purest experience you’ll need to venture even further to get the feel of its charismatic churches, BBQ dinners, country music and lively cities such as Atlanta and Memphis. The “deepest” part of the South lies in Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, and in these states – with their huge plantations and long history of slavery – you’ll get a very different view of American life than anywhere else in the country. Other Southern states have their own unique cultures: Florida is a mix of old-fashioned Southern manners and backwater swamps leavened with ultra-modern cities including Miami, Latino culture, miles of tempting beaches and the lustrous Keys islands; Louisiana offers more atmospheric swamps and “Cajun” culture, with New Orleans one of the few spots in the USA with a strongly Catholic, yet broadly indulgent culture of drinking, dancing and debauchery; and Texas is the country’s capital for oil-drilling, BBQ-eating and right-wing-politicking, with huge expanses of land, equally big cities and plenty of history.

The Great Plains, which sit in the geographical centre of the country, are often overlooked by visitors, but include many of America’s most well-known sights, from Mount Rushmore in South Dakota to the Gateway Arch in St Louis and the Wild West town of Dodge City in Kansas. To the west rise the great peaks of the Rockies, and with them a melange of exciting cities such as Denver, beautiful mountain scenery like Montana’s Glacier National Park, the geysers of Yellowstone and great opportunities for skiing throughout at places like Idaho’s Sun Valley. Bordering the southern side of the Rockies, the desert Southwest region is also rich with astounding natural beauty – whether in the colossal chasm of the Grand Canyon, striking national parks at Zion and Canyonlands or the Native American heart of the Four Corners region – along with a handful of charming towns and less interesting big cities.

The country’s most populous state is, of course, California, synonymous with the idea of “the West Coast” and its freewheeling culture of surfing, libertine lifestyles and self-worship. However, the further from the water you get, the less the stereotypes hold, especially in the lava beds and redwoods of the far north, the ghost towns and magnificent Yosemite in the Sierras and the intriguing deserts of Death Valley. To the state’s north, Oregon and Washington – the rain-soaked pair making up the Pacific Northwest – offer pleasantly progressive towns such as Seattle and Portland and some of the most striking scenery anywhere in the USA: the stunning landscape of the Columbia River Gorge, the pristine islands of the San Juans, the snowy peaks of the Cascades and more.

Beyond the lower 48 states, Alaska is a winter wonderland of great mountains and icy spires, with few roads and people, but much to offer anyone with a zest for the outdoors and the unexpected. Hawaii is the country’s holiday paradise, a handful of splendid islands in the central Pacific with remote jungle settings and roaring volcanoes.

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Coated by dense forests, cut by deep canyons and capped by great mountains, the USA is blessed with fabulous backcountry and wilderness areas. Even the heavily populated East Coast has its share of open space, notably along the Appalachian Trail, which winds from Mount Katahdin in Maine to the southern Appalachians in Georgia – some two thousand miles of untrammelled woodland. To experience the full breathtaking sweep of America’s wide-open stretches, however, head west: to the Rockies, the red-rock deserts of the Southwest or right across the continent to the amazing wild spaces of the West Coast. On the downside, be warned that in many coastal areas, the shoreline can be disappointingly hard to access, with a high proportion under private ownership.

National parks and monuments

The National Park Service administers both national parks and national monuments. Its rangers do a superb job of providing information and advice to visitors, maintaining trails and organizing such activities as free guided hikes and campfire talks.

In principle, a national park preserves an area of outstanding natural beauty, encompassing a wide range of terrain and prime examples of particular landforms and wildlife. Thus Yellowstone has boiling geysers and herds of elk and bison, while Yosemite offers towering granite walls and cascading waterfalls. A national monument is usually much smaller, focusing perhaps on just one archeological site or geological phenomenon, such as Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. Altogether, the national park system comprises around four hundred units, including national seashores, lakeshores, battlefields and other historic sites.

While national parks tend to be perfect places to hike – almost all have extensive trail networks – all are far too large to tour entirely on foot (Yellowstone, for example, is bigger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined). Even in those rare cases where you can use public transport to reach a park, you’ll almost certainly need some sort of vehicle to explore it once you’re there. The Alaska parks are mostly howling wilderness, with virtually no roads or facilities for tourists – you’re on your own.

Most parks and monuments charge admission fees, ranging from $5 to $25, which cover a vehicle and all its occupants for up to a week. For anyone on a touring vacation, it may well make more sense to buy the Inter-agency Annual Pass, also known as the “America the Beautiful Pass”. Sold for $80 at all federal parks and monuments, or online at store.usgs.gov/pass, this grants unrestricted access for a year to the bearer, and any accompanying passengers in the same vehicle, to all national parks and monuments, as well as sites managed by such agencies as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service and the BLM. It does not, however, cover or reduce additional fees like charges for camping in official park campgrounds, or permits for backcountry hiking or rafting.

Two further passes, obtainable at any park but not online, grant free access for life to all national parks and monuments, again to the holder and any accompanying passengers, and also provide a fifty percent discount on camping fees. The Senior Pass is available to any US citizen or permanent resident aged 62 or older for a one-time fee of $10, while the Access Pass is issued free to blind or permanently disabled US citizens or permanent residents. While hotel-style lodges are found only in major parks, every park or monument tends to have at least one well-organized campground. Often, a cluster of motels can be found not far outside the park boundaries. With appropriate permits – subject to restrictions in popular parks – backpackers can also usually camp in the backcountry (a general term for areas inaccessible by road).

Other public lands

National parks and monuments are often surrounded by tracts of national forest – also federally administered but much less protected. These too usually hold appealing rural campgrounds but, in the words of the slogan, each is a “Land Of Many Uses”, and usually allows logging and other land-based industry (thankfully, more often ski resorts than strip mines).

Other government departments administer wildlife refuges, national scenic rivers, recreation areas and the like. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has the largest holdings of all, most of it open rangeland, such as in Nevada and Utah, but also including some enticingly out-of-the-way reaches. Environmentalist groups engage in endless running battles with developers, ranchers and the extracting industries over uses – or alleged misuses – of federal lands.

While state parks and state monuments, administered by individual states, preserve sites of more limited, local significance, many are explicitly intended for recreational use, and thus hold better campgrounds than their federal equivalents.

Camping and backpacking

The ideal way to see the great outdoors – especially if you’re on a low budget – is to tour by car and camp in state and federal campgrounds. Typical public campgrounds range in price from free (usually when there’s no water available, which may be seasonal) to around $30 per night. Fees at the generally less scenic commercial campgrounds – abundant near major towns, and often resembling open-air hotels, complete with shops and restaurants – are more like $20–35. If you’re camping in high season, either reserve in advance or avoid the most popular areas.

Backcountry camping in the national parks is usually free, by permit only. Before you set off on anything more than a half-day hike, and whenever you’re headed for anywhere at all isolated, be sure to inform a ranger of your plans, and ask about weather conditions and specific local tips. Carry sufficient food and drink to cover emergencies, as well as all the necessary equipment and maps. Check whether fires are permitted; even if they are, try to use a camp stove in preference to local materials. In wilderness areas, try to camp on previously used sites. Where there are no toilets, bury human waste at least six inches into the ground and 100ft from the nearest water supply and campground.

Health issues

Backpackers should never drink from rivers and streams; you never know what acts people – or animals – have performed further upstream. Giardia – a water-borne bacteria that causes an intestinal disease characterized by chronic diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fatigue and weight loss – is a serious problem. Water that doesn’t come from a tap should be boiled for at least five minutes, or cleansed with an iodine-based purifier or a giardia-rated filter.

Hiking at lower elevations should present few problems, though near water mosquitoes can drive you crazy; Avon Skin-so-Soft or anything containing DEET are fairly reliable repellents. Ticks – tiny beetles that plunge their heads into your skin and swell up – are another hazard. They sometimes leave their heads inside, causing blood clots or infections, so get advice from a ranger if you’ve been bitten. One species of tick causes Lyme Disease, a serious condition that can even affect the brain. Nightly inspections of your skin are strongly recommended.

Beware, too, of poison oak, which grows throughout the west, usually among oak trees. Its leaves come in groups of three (the middle one on a short stem) and are distinguished by prominent veins and shiny surfaces. If you come into contact with it, wash your skin (with soap and cold water) and clothes as soon as possible – and don’t scratch. In serious cases, hospital emergency rooms can give antihistamine or adrenaline shots. A comparable curse is poison ivy, found throughout the country. For both plants, remember the sage advice, “Leaves of three, let it be”.

Mountain hikes

Take special care hiking at higher elevations, for instance in the 14,000ft peaks of the Rockies, or in California’s Sierra Nevada (and certainly in Alaska). Late snows are common, and in spring avalanches are a real danger, while meltwaters make otherwise simple stream crossings hazardous. Weather conditions can also change abruptly. Altitude sickness can affect even the fittest of athletes: take it easy for your first few days above 7000ft. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, eat plenty of carbohydrates and protect yourself from the sun.

Desert hikes

If you intend to hike in the desert, carry plentiful extra food and water, and never go anywhere without a map. Cover most of your ground in early morning: the midday heat is too debilitating. If you get lost, find some shade and wait. So long as you’ve registered, the rangers will eventually come looking for you.

At any time of year, you’ll stay cooler during the day if you wear full-length sleeves and trousers, while a wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses will spare you the blinding headaches that can result from the desert light. You may also have to contend with flash floods, which can appear from nowhere. Never camp in a dry wash, and don’t attempt to cross flooded areas until the water has receded.

It’s essential to carry – and drink – large quantities of water in the desert. In particular, hiking in typical summer temperatures requires drinking a phenomenal amount. Loss of the desire to eat or drink is an early symptom of heat exhaustion, so it’s possible to become seriously dehydrated without feeling thirsty. Watch out for signs of dizziness or nausea; if you feel weak and stop sweating, it’s time to get to the doctor. Check whether water is available on your trail; ask a ranger, and carry plenty with you even if it is.

When driving in the desert, carry ample water in the car, take along an emergency pack with flares, a first-aid kit and snakebite kit, matches and a compass. A shovel, tyre pump and extra petrol are always a good idea. If the engine overheats, don’t turn it off; instead, try to cool it quickly by turning the front end of the car towards the wind. Carefully pour some water on the front of the radiator, and turn the air conditioning off and the heat up full blast. In an emergency, never panic and leave the car: you’ll be harder to find wandering around alone.

Adventure travel

The opportunities for adventure travel in the USA are all but endless, whether your tastes run towards whitewater rafting down the Colorado River, mountain biking in the volcanic Cascades, canoeing down the headwaters of the Mississippi River, horseback riding in Big Bend on the Rio Grande in Texas or Big Wall rock climbing on the sheer granite monoliths of Yosemite Valley.

While an exhaustive listing of the possibilities could fill a huge volume, certain places have an especially high concentration of adventure opportunities, such as Moab, Utah or New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

Downhill ski resorts can be found all over the USA. The eastern resorts of Vermont and New York State, however, pale by comparison with those of the Rockies, such as Vail and Aspen in Colorado, and the Sierra Nevada in California. Expect to pay $45–100 per day (depending on the quality and popularity of the resort) for lift tickets, plus another $30 or more per day to rent equipment.

A cheaper alternative is cross-country skiing, or ski touring. Backcountry ski lodges dot mountainous areas along both coasts and in the Rockies. They offer a range of rustic accommodation, equipment rental and lessons, from as little as $20 a day for skis, boots and poles, up to about $200 for an all-inclusive weekend tour.

Watch out for bears, deer, moose, mountain lions and rattlesnakes in the backcountry, and consider the effect your presence can have on their environment.

Other than in a national park, you’re highly unlikely to encounter a bear. Even there, it’s rare to stumble across one in the wilderness. If you do, don’t run, just back away slowly. Most fundamentally, it will be after your food, which should be stored in airtight containers when camping. Ideally, hang both food and garbage from a high but slender branch some distance from your camp. Never attempt to feed bears, and never get between a mother and her young. Young animals are cute; their irate mothers are not.

Snakes and creepy-crawlies

Though the deserts in particular are home to a wide assortment of poisonous creatures, these are rarely aggressive towards humans. To avoid trouble, observe obvious precautions. Don’t attempt to handle wildlife; keep your eyes open as you walk, and watch where you put your hands when scrambling over obstacles; shake out shoes, clothing and bedding before use; and back off if you do spot a creature, giving it room to escape.

If you are bitten or stung, current medical thinking rejects the concept of cutting yourself open and attempting to suck out the venom. Whether snake, scorpion or spider is responsible, apply a cold compress to the wound, constrict the area with a tourniquet to prevent the spread of venom, drink lots of water and bring your temperature down by resting in a shady area. Stay as calm as possible and seek medical help immediately.

As well as being good fun, catching a baseball game at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on a summer afternoon or joining the screaming throngs at a Steelers football game in Pittsburgh can give visitors an unforgettable insight into a town and its people. Professional teams almost always put on the most spectacular shows, but big games between college rivals, Minor League baseball games and even Friday night high-school football games provide an easy and enjoyable way to get on intimate terms with a place.

Specific details for the most important teams in all the sports are given in the various city accounts in this Guide. They can also be found through the Major League websites: mlb.com (baseball); nba.com (basketball); nfl.com (football); nhl.com (ice hockey); and mlssoccer.com (soccer).

Major spectator sports

Baseball, because the Major League teams play so many games (162 in the regular season, usually at least five a week from April to September, plus the October playoffs), is probably the easiest sport to catch when travelling. The ballparks – such as Boston’s historic Fenway Park, New York’s famed Yankee Stadium, LA’s glamorous Dodger Stadium or Baltimore’s evocative Camden Yards – are great places to spend time. It’s also among the cheapest sports to watch (from around $10–15 a seat for the bleachers), and tickets are usually easy to come by.

Pro football, the American variety, is quite the opposite. Tickets are exorbitantly expensive and almost impossible to obtain (if the team is any good), and most games are played in huge, fortress-like stadiums far out in the suburbs; you’ll do better stopping in a bar to watch it on TV.

College football is a whole lot better and more exciting, with chanting crowds, cheerleaders and cheaper tickets, which can be hard to obtain in football-crazed college towns in parts of the South and Midwest. Although New Year’s Day games such as the Rose Bowl or the Orange Bowl are all but impossible to see live, big games like USC vs UCLA, Michigan vs Ohio State or Notre Dame vs anybody are not to be missed if you’re anywhere nearby.

Basketball also brings out intense emotions. The protracted pro playoffs run well into June. The men’s month-long college playoff tournament, called “March Madness”, is acclaimed by many as the nation’s most exciting sports extravaganza, taking place at venues spread across the country in many small to mid-sized towns.

Ice hockey, usually referred to simply as hockey, was long the preserve of Canada and cities in the far north of the USA, but now penetrates the rest of the country, with a concentration around the East Coast and Great Lakes. Tickets, particularly for successful teams, are hard to get and not cheap.

Other sports

Soccer remains much more popular as a participant sport, especially for kids, than a spectator one, and those Americans that are interested in it usually follow foreign matches like England’s Premier League, rather than their home-grown talent. The good news for international travellers is that any decent-sized city will have one or two pubs where you can catch games from England, various European countries or Latin America; check out Live Sport TV for a list of such establishments and match schedules.

Golf, once the province of moneyed businessmen, has attracted a wider following in recent decades due to the rise of celebrity golfers such as Tiger Woods and the construction of numerous municipal and public courses. You’ll have your best access at these, where a round of golf may cost from $15 for a beaten-down set of links to around $50 for a chintzier course. Private golf courses have varying standards for allowing non-members to play (check their websites) and steeper fees – over $100 a person for the more elite courses.

The other sporting events that attract national interest involve four legs or four wheels. The Kentucky Derby, held in Louisville on the first Saturday in May, is the biggest date on the horse-racing calendar. Also in May, the NASCAR Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest motor-racing event, fills that city with visitors throughout the month, with practice sessions and carnival events building up to the big race.

Some of the world’s greatest musical genres took root in cities and small towns across America, products of the collisions of European, African and indigenous cultures.

The blues was forged from a combination of African and gospel sounds into a simple twelve-bar form during the late nineteenth century. You can still catch Mississippi blues in Delta juke joints, and electrified urban blues in the gritty clubs of Chicago.

Jazz took root in the Creole culture of New Orleans, blending African traditions with western techniques to create a distinctly American art form. Jazz is still dance music in New Orleans; cooler urban stylings can be enjoyed in clubs in New York.

Nashville remains synonymous with country and western ; outside the cities, rural Appalachia brims with backwoods fiddlers and Louisiana’s sleepy bayous are alive with Cajun and zydeco.

Rock ’n’ roll has come a long way since its blues-based infancy, when young trucker Elvis Presley shook up white country with raw R&B in 1950s Memphis. Spiky New York punk, quirky Ohio industrial, furious LA hardcore, slacker Seattle grunge, and spaced-out neo-psychedelia are but a few of the rock genres that continue to thrive in the USA.

In the 1960s, the heartfelt soul of masters like Otis Redding preceded the explosion of talent that came to define the Motown era, born in Detroit.

Loaded with attitude, street-style and political savvy, hip-hop was born on the streets of New York, and later LA. Today any city with a major black population has a distinctive rap scene, including in the so-called “Dirty South”, where rappers play on the raw call-and-response stylings of early blues.

Modern dance music had its genesis in Chicago house , New York garage and Detroit techno , though club culture is now a global phenomenon.

Top image: Monument Valley © corumov/Shutterstock

Travel advice for USA

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to USA

• Eating and drinking in USA
• How to get to USA
• Getting around USA: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips USA for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit USA

The Rough Guides to USA and related travel guides

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updated 26.04.2021

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United States travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: March 13, 2024 14:17 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, united states - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in the United States

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Border with Mexico

Criminal incidents associated with drug trafficking are more frequent at the border with Mexico, in the following states:

If crossing the U.S.– Mexico border by car:

• remain extremely vigilant
• only use officially recognized border crossings
• avoid travelling at night

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in urban centres and tourist locations.

• Don’t leave bags or valuables unattended in parked cars, especially rental vehicles, even in trunks
• Ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Violent crime

Within large urban areas, violent crime more commonly occurs in poor neighbourhoods, particularly from dusk to dawn. It often involves intoxication.  Incidents of violent crime are mainly carried out by gangs or members of organized crime groups but may also be perpetrated by lone individuals. Although violent crime rarely affects tourists:

• be mindful of your surroundings at all time
• verify official neighbourhood crime statistics before planning an outing
• if threatened by robbers, stay calm and don’t resist

Crime Data Explorer – Federal Bureau of Investigation

Gun violence

The rate of firearm possession in the US is high. It’s legal in many states for US citizens to openly carry firearms in public.

Incidences of mass shootings occur, resulting most often in casualties. Although tourists are rarely involved, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Familiarize yourself on how to respond to an active shooter situation.

Active Shooter Event Quick Reference Guide - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Home break-ins

Canadians living in holiday homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglary.

Make sure you lock windows and doors securely at night and when you are away.

Common criminal strategies

Be on alert for robbery ploys targeting visitors.

Some criminals on highways target travellers leaving airports or other tourist destinations. They signal tourists to stop due to an issue with their vehicle. They then wait for the driver to pull over or exit the car before grabbing exposed valuables. Criminals may also throw items at the windshield, obscuring the view of the road and forcing the driver to pull over. 

If you’re the victim of such a ploy:

• avoid pulling over on the side of the road
• put on your hazard lights and slowly drive to a gas station, police station or other safe and populated area

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, including debit card cloning. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, and hotels 

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains a public alert system on terrorism to communicate information about terrorist threats.

National Terrorism Advisory System  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Hiking and mountaineering

If you intend on hiking, backpacking or skiing:

• never practise these activities alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• obtain detailed information on hiking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the US authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

You must provide proof of your Canadian citizenship upon entry to the U.S. There are several documents that can satisfy this requirement.

Travel by air

Canadian citizens travelling by air to the United States must present one of the following documents:

• a passport, which must be valid for the duration of their stay
• a valid NEXUS card, used at self-serve kiosks at designated airports

This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, including children, travelling by air to or even just transiting through the United States.

Useful links

• Canadian passports
• Mobile Passport Control app – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Travel by land or water

As per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), Canadian citizens aged 16 years and older must present one of the following documents when entering the United States by land or water:

• a valid passport
• a Trusted Traveler Program card
• an enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented
• a Secure Certificate of Indian Status

The WHTI-compliant document you choose to use must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Canadian citizens aged 15 years and under entering the United States by land or water require one of the following documents:

• an original or a copy of a birth certificate
• an original Canadian citizenship certificate
• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI ) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Trusted Traveler Programs  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Enhanced Driver’s Licenses: What Are They?  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Apply for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status  – Indigenous Services Canada

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.

• Foreign representatives in Canada

Additional information at borders

Customs officials may ask you to provide your address while in the United States (including Puerto Rico). Customs Border Protection (CBP) officers may also ask for:

• evidence of residential, employment or educational ties to Canada
• proof that the trip is for a legitimate purpose and is of a reasonable length
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay     

Dual citizens

Although U.S. authorities don’t formally require dual nationals to carry both a U.S. and a Canadian passport, carrying both documents as proof of citizenship may facilitate your entry into the United States and your return to Canada.

• Travelling as a dual citizen
• Dual Nationality  – U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs

Canadian visitors can usually stay in the United States for 6 months without a visa. You must declare your intended duration of stay upon entry into the United States.

In most circumstances, Canadian citizens don’t require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada but there are some exceptions.

Canadians Requiring Visas  – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada

Canadian permanent residents

Canadian permanent residents may need a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States.

You must obtain this visa from the U.S. authorities before entering the country. You must also have a valid passport from your country of citizenship.

Cross U.S. Borders – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Visa Waiver Program

If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the visa waiver program (VWP), you don’t need a visa to enter the U.S. for stays up to 90 days. Instead, you must obtain pre-travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior your departure.

• Visa Waiver Program  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security

You must also carry proof of Permanent Resident Status in Canada upon re-entry into Canada.

U.S. permanent residents

Canadians who are permanent residents of the United States must present a valid U.S. permanent resident card upon entry.

International travel as a U.S. Permanent Resident  – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

First Nations and Native Americans born in Canada

Members of Canada’s First Nations and Native Americans born in Canada may freely enter the United States for the purposes of employment, study, retirement, investing, or immigration.

• Entry and exit for First Nations and Native Americans  – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada
• Green Card for an American Indian Born in Canada – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Working in the United States

Most Canadian business travellers may apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry without first obtaining a non-immigrant visa. However, travellers entering the United States in certain business-related categories are required to present specific documents to establish eligibility for admission.

If you plan to work in the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Studying in the United States

Canadian citizens don’t need visas to study or participate in a student exchange program in the United States. However, they need to be registered with SEVIS, a U.S. student tracking system. Students must present their registration form to CBP officers each time they enter the United States.

• SEVIS – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Canadian students  – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada

Length of stay

If you wish to stay longer than 6 months, you must apply for an extension at the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office once you are in the United States and before the expiry of your initial authorized stay. Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate that you are a temporary visitor in the United States.

The U.S. government strictly enforces immigration regulations. Remaining in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay can result in serious consequences such as detention or deportation.

There is no set period that you must wait to re-enter the United States after the end of your authorized stay. However, if a CBP officer suspects you are spending more time in the United States than in Canada, it will be up to you to prove to the officer that you are a temporary visitor, not a U.S. resident.

Extend your stay  –  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Upon entry into the United States, non-U.S. citizens must provide biometrics, such as digital fingerprints and a photograph.

Most Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement. However, it will apply to Canadian citizens who:

• need a visa or a waiver of ineligibility
• must obtain an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record form to document dates of entry and exit from the country

Random screenings of exempt Canadians have occurred at border crossings and airports. If you feel that your information has been wrongfully collected, you can address the issue directly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Biometrics  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94 and I-94W – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Electronic devices

U.S. border agents are entitled to search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States. They don’t need to provide a reason when requesting a password to open your device.

If you refuse, they may seize your device. The border agent could also delay your travel or deny entry if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Before crossing the border, put your device in airplane mode to ensure remote files don’t get downloaded accidentally.

Inspection of Electronic Devices  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Preclearance

The preclearance service provides clearance for entry into the United States for persons and their luggage at a Canadian preclearance airport before departure instead of on arrival in the United States.

When using U.S. preclearance facilities at a Canadian airport, you must meet U.S. entry requirements. You will be interviewed by a U.S. preclearance officer. They are authorized to inspect your luggage and can refuse you entry into the United States.

It’s an offence under Canada’s Preclearance Act to knowingly make a false or deceptive statement to a preclearance officer.  While you are in a preclearance area, you are subject to Canadian law, including:

• the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• the Canadian Bill of Rights
• the Canadian Human Rights Act
• Canada’s Preclearance Act
• Canadian criminal law

You may withdraw your request to enter the United States and leave the preclearance area at any time unless a U.S. preclearance officer suspects on reasonable grounds that you have made a false or deceptive statement or obstructed an officer. The officer may then detain you for violations of Canadian law.

Preclearance Locations  –  U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record, no matter the severity or the date of the offence, you may be refused entry to the United States. You may also experience problems when travelling through U.S. airport facilities. A pardon for an offence issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized under U.S. law to enter the United States.

If you are ineligible to enter the United States, you may apply directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a temporary waiver of inadmissibility via the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Canadian citizens may also apply at land borders.

U.S. ports of entry are computerized and connected to a centralized database. Information is readily available on criminal convictions in both Canada and the United States. Even though you may have entered the United States without hindrance in the past, you could run into difficulty if your record shows a criminal conviction or a previous denial of entry. Attempting to gain entry without a waiver could result in several weeks of detention and a permanent ban from entering the United States.

• Applying for Waiver  – Person entering into the United States with criminal record or overstay – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean that you are denied entry to the U.S. If you attempt to enter the U.S. for reasons related to the cannabis industry, you may be deemed inadmissible.

• Cannabis and international travel
• Cannabis and the U.S. – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada
• Laws pertaining to cannabis

Boating in U.S. waters

Operators of small pleasure vessels arriving in the United States from a foreign port must report their arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection immediately for face-to-face inspection at a designated reporting location.

Some exceptions apply, including under Nexus Marine.

Pleasure Boat Reporting Requirements  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

You must have a valid Canadian passport to take a cruise from the United States. Some of the countries you visit will not permit entry without a passport. A passport is also important to re-enter the United States at the end of the cruise.

Ship authorities might retain your passport during the cruise, in accordance with their own administrative regulations and to facilitate clearance with U.S. Immigration.

If your passport is kept:

• obtain a receipt
• ensure you recuperate your passport at the end of the cruise
• always keep a photocopy of your passport with you

When examined at a port of entry, cats and dogs must show no signs of diseases communicable to humans. If there is evidence of poor animal health, you may need to get your pet examined by a licensed veterinarian, at your own expense. U.S. authorities may also require a health certificate.

Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entry, except for puppies under 3 months of age. Vaccination against rabies is not required for cats.

Other animals are also subject to controls or quarantine requirements.

Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Children and travel

Canadian citizens under 19 travelling with a school or other organized group under adult supervision must travel with written consent from their own parent/guardian.

• Children: Traveling into the U.S. as Canadian Citizen  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Consent letter for travel with children
• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Zika virus may be a risk in some areas of the United States. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage Areas at Risk for Zika  for the most up-to-date information on Zika risk in the United States.

During your trip to a Zika risk area:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to areas where Zika is a risk with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel to these areas.

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy .

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions webpage on Dengue in the U.S. States and Territories for the most up-to-date information on dengue outbreaks in the United States
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country. However, treatment costs are expensive.

All hospitals must accept and treat emergencies, regardless of the person’s ability to pay. Clients will, however, be charged for all services rendered. Foreign visitors without travel health insurance will have to pay out of pocket for their medical treatment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

There are restrictions and prohibitions on the import of certain prescription drugs into the United States.

Some medication that can be purchased over-the-counter in Canada is restricted to prescription-only status in the United States.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication
• Ensure to have a physician’s note explaining your medical condition, if applicable

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Laws vary greatly from state to state. Consult the website of the state you wish to visit prior to arrival.

Penalties and transfer of offenders

A serious violation of the law may lead to a jail sentence or, in some states, a death sentence. Canadian citizenship confers no immunity, special protection or rights to preferential treatment.

If a jail sentence is imposed, it will be served in a U.S. prison, unless a request for a transfer to a Canadian prison is approved by the United States and Canada. Both countries have signed a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in the United States to request a transfer to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Although the possession of cannabis is legal in some U.S. states, it remains illegal under U.S. federal laws in any form and quantity, making it illegal to bring across the Canada-U.S. border.

Don’t attempt to cross the Canada-U.S. border with any amount of cannabis in any form, even if you are traveling to a U.S. state that has legalized possession of cannabis. If you do so, you can expect legal prosecution and fines, and possibly jail time.

• Entry/exit requirements pertaining to cannabis

Prescription medication

Personal medication may be subject to U.S. drug importation laws and regulations.

In general, personal importation of a 90-day supply of medication is allowed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has absolute discretion to allow or not your Canadian-purchased medication into the United States.

When taking any prescription medication to the United States, it’s important to:

• take only the quantity that you would normally take for the number of days you will be in the United States, plus an additional week’s worth
• pack medicines in their original packaging with the dispensary label intact that shows your name and other pertinent information such as the drug’s name, dosage and DIN (drug identification number)
• keep a duplicate of your original prescription, listing both the generic and trade names of the drug
• have a physician’s note explaining your condition and the reason for you to be legitimately carrying syringes, if applicable

Prohibited and restricted items  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

2SLGBTQI+ travellers 

Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the United States .

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the United States , our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

• General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the United States.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the United States, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the American court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the United States to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Expedited removal

U.S. Customs and Border Protection can bar non-citizens from the United States for five years if, in their judgment, the individuals presented false documentation or misrepresented themselves. Lying to a customs official is a serious offence.

There is no formal appeal process under expedited removal. However, if you believe the law has been misapplied in your case, you can request a supervisory review by writing to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services district director responsible for the port of entry where the decision was made.

Find a USCIS office  – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Imports and exports

Contact the specific U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the Canada/U.S. border crossing you are planning to use before starting your trip for the latest information on allowances and restrictions on bringing items into the United States. These change frequently.

Declare all items at your point of entry.

Contact information for USCBP  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Travel to Cuba from the United States

Existing U.S. sanctions restrict travel between the United States and Cuba. Tourists may not travel between the two countries. However, you may go to Cuba from the United States on other types of travel, if you meet certain requirements.

Cuba sanctions  – U.S. Department of the Treasury

You can drive in the United States if you have a valid Canadian driver’s license.

Traffic laws can vary from state to state.

Automobile insurance

Many states have mandatory automobile insurance requirements, and many require motorists to carry appropriate proof of insurance. Each state’s motor vehicles department can give you more specific information.

If you are in the United States and wish to drive to Mexico in your personal vehicle, you may need to purchase liability insurance and additional auto insurance.

• Foreign Nationals Driving in the U.S.  – U.S. government
• States’ motor vehicle department  – U.S. government
• Canadian Automobile Association
• American Automobile Association
• Road safety risks when travelling by land to Mexico
• Travel advice for Mexico

Hitchhiking

Never cross the border with a hitchhiker or as a hitchhiker. Though you may not be carrying anything illegal, the hitchhiker or driver might be, and you could be implicated.

Be equally careful about who and what you carry in your vehicle. As the driver, you could be held responsible for the misdeeds and belongings of your passengers, even if you were unaware of the problem.

The currency in the United States is the U.S. dollar (USD).

Canadian currency and personal cheques from Canadian banks are not widely accepted. Most banking transactions require a U.S. bank account.

There’s no limit to the amount of money that you may legally take into or out of the United States. However, you must declare to U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

• if you carry more than US$10,000 (in cash, cheque, money order,      travellers’ cheque or any other convertible asset) into or out of the      United States
• if you will receive more than US$10,000 while in the United States

Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties, including seizure of the currency or monetary instruments.

Natural disasters can occur at any time.

Plan Ahead for Disasters  – U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Hurricanes usually occur from:

• May to November in the eastern Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii and Guam
• June to November in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to these regions during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Latest advisories  – U.S. National Hurricane Center
• US National Weather Service  

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Stay away from flooded areas
• Follow the advice of local authorities
• Monitor local news to stay up-to-date on the current situation

Earthquakes

Earthquakes pose a risk in the following states:

• Washington State

If you’re in an area prone to earthquakes, familiarize yourself with emergency procedures.

• Earthquake - Get prepared
• Earthquakes  – Federal Emergency Management

Heat and humidity

Humidity and heat may be most severe during the hot season, from June to September, particularly in the South and South-West of the country.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

• Sun and heat safety tips for travellers – Government of Canada
• Heat & Health Tracker – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Bush and forest fires

Bush and forest fires are common and a risk across much of the United States, particularly during the summer months. 

Wildfires can occur year-round but they are most common during periods of low rainfall and high temperatures.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including any evacuation order
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
• Forest fire information - National Interagency Fire Centre 
• National Wildfire Risk Index – Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Latest wildfire information  - United States National Wildfire Coordinating Group
• Map of wildfires  – Fire weather & Avalanche Center
• California forest fires   – California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Tornadoes pose a risk in states east of the Rocky Mountains, particularly in:

• Mississippi

U.S. National Weather Service

There are several active volcanoes in the United States.

In the event of a volcanic eruption, ash could lead to air travel disruptions. The air quality may deteriorate and affect you, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation order
• Be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice
• Volcanic eruptions  - U.S. National Park Service
• Vog  – Government of Hawaii

Tsunamis 

The state of Hawaii is prone to tsunamis. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor.

If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

Tsunami Evacuation Zones  – Government of Hawaii

Local services

Dial 911 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee.

Illinois, Indiana (Jasper, Lake, Laporte, Newton, and Porter counties), Kansas City, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin.

Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Utah, Wyoming.

Indiana (excluding Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton and Porter counties), Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio.

Arizona, Nevada, Southern California

Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands

Bermuda, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York State and Pennsylvania.

Northern California, Hawaii.

Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to the United States, in Washington, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

You may call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 1-888-949-9993.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the USA set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US embassy or consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19 while in the USA, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Passport validity

If you are visiting the USA your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

Global Entry programme

The US Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry allows pre-approved travellers through border control faster at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check on GOV.UK . If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.

Visa requirements

You will need either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa to enter or transit the USA as a visitor.

You are not normally eligible for an ESTA visa waiver if you have been in the following countries on or after March 2011:

• North Korea

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have travelled to or been in Cuba after 1 January 2021. You must instead apply for a US visa.

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you:

• have been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
• have a criminal record
• have been refused admission into, or have been deported from the USA
• have previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

Check the US State Department website for more information on US visas.

Applying for a visa

Visit the US Embassy for details on how to apply for a visa.

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 Embassy’s appointment service provider.

Visit the US Embassy’s website for more information on visa appointments.

Children and young people

Under-18s must:

• have a valid visa or ESTA visa waiver on arrival
• be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
• have written consent 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. Their return from the USA could take months. The FCDO cannot speed up the return of British nationals who are under 18 from the USA.

The US Government provides information about children under-18 travelling to the USA . If you have any questions, contact the US Embassy .

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United States of America

Latest update.

Exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America.

United States of America (PDF 1.02 MB)

Americas (PDF 3.25 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the potential for unrest and violence. Monitor media for information, follow the instructions of local authorities and abide by any curfews.
• Violent crime is more common in the US than in Australia. Gun crime is also prevalent. If you live in the US, learn and practice active shooter drills.
• There is a persistent threat of mass casualty violence and terrorist attacks in the US. Be alert, particularly in public places and at events.
• Severe weather and natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, avalanches, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and floods. Monitor weather conditions and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Medical costs in the US are extremely high. You may need to pay up-front for medical assistance. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
• Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.
• Insect-borne illnesses and tick-borne ailments are a risk in parts of the US. Consider using insect and tick repellents.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Check local drug laws, including those related to the possession and recreational and/or medical use of marijuana. These vary between states. Penalties are severe and can include mandatory minimum sentences.
• Some prescription and over-the-counter medications readily available in Australia are illegal in the US. It's also illegal to possess prescription medication without a prescription. 
• The federal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21, however, state laws regarding possession and consumption can vary. Check relevant state laws.
• Some states have laws restricting access to abortion and other reproductive health care services. Research local laws and consult your doctor before making any decisions about your medical care.
• There's no federal law that explicitly protects LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination. Some US states and localities have laws that may affect LGBTQIA+ travellers.
• Some US states apply the death penalty for serious crimes. The death penalty can also apply to serious federal offences, even if committed in states without capital punishment.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Entry requirements are strict. US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law. Check US entry, transit and exit requirements. 
• If you're visiting for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If not, you'll need to get a visa before you travel. Whether you're travelling on a visa or under the VWP, ensure that you understand all relevant terms and conditions before attempting to enter the US.
• Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the US. You can be denied boarding if you show signs of illness.
• US authorities actively pursue, detain and deport people who are in the country illegally. Be prepared to show documents proving your legal presence. 
• Some US states require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Australian driver’s licence. Get your IDP before you leave Australia. Road rules vary between localities and states. Learn local traffic rules and driving conditions before you drive.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• Contact the  Australian Embassy in Washington DC  or the nearest Australian Consulate-General ( Chicago ,  Honolulu ,  Houston ,  Los Angeles ,  New York  or  San Francisco ) for consular assistance.
• Monitor the Embassy, Consulates-General and Smartraveller social media channels for information, alerts and updates relating to natural disasters, severe weather events and other significant incidents impacting the US.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension, demonstrations and protests.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the ongoing potential for unrest and violence.

• Monitor the media for information and updates.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities and abide by any movement restrictions or curfews. 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Guns, gun violence and violent crime are more prevalent in the US than in Australia.

Mass shootings, active shooter events and hate crimes occur, including violent incidents directed towards the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals and groups from diverse cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious backgrounds. 

Familiarise yourself with how to respond by reading the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS)  Active Shooter Event guide . 

We don't update our advice for individual gun crimes, such as mass shootings or active shooter events unless Australians face a significant risk.

According to the latest official crime statistics from the  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) , violent crime rates vary across the country but are highest in cities and urban areas. 

Even in cities with relatively low violent crime rates, there can be unsafe and no-go areas.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• research your destination(s) before travelling and seek local advice on areas that may be unsafe
• monitor the media for new and emerging safety risks
• stay vigilant and take particular care when moving through unfamiliar and/or potentially unsafe areas, particularly at night

If you're affected by violent crime, follow advice from local authorities. If you require consular assistance, contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate (see Local contacts). 

Petty crime

Tourists are often targeted for  pickpocketing and purse-snatching . This can happen anywhere but is more prevalent in crowded areas and on public transport.

Conceal your valuables. Pay close attention to your personal belongings and only carry what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure location.

Rental cars can be easy to spot and are often a target of thieves. Don't leave valuables on display or unattended in a vehicle, including in the boot.

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping  

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. 

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains the  National Terrorism Advisory System , a public alert system to communicate information about current and potential terrorist threats in the US. 

Threats include those posed by individuals and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs or personal grievances, as well as those inspired by other recent attacks.

Attacks can be indiscriminate, including at public events, on public transport, schools and in other places where crowds gather.

Subscribe to  National Terrorism Advisory System  for updates and advice. 

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist incident:

• be alert to possible threats in public places and near known potential targets
• report any suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow advice from local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe to do so. 

• Terrorist threats

Climate and natural disasters

Natural disasters  and  severe weather  events regularly impact the US. These include:

• earthquakes ,  volcanic eruptions  and  tsunamis
• landslides and avalanches
• hurricanes , severe thunderstorms and  tornadoes
• winter storms (freezing rain, heavy snow, blizzards)
• extreme temperatures

Monitor the Embassy, Consulates-General and Smartraveller social media channels for information, alerts and updates relating to severe weather events and natural disasters impacting the US (see  Local contacts ).

Before travelling, 

familiarise yourself with the risks of natural disasters and severe weather events at your destination(s). 

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS)  to receive alerts and notifications about major disasters. 

Preparedness

In the event of a natural disaster, our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited.

Prepare yourself by: 

• securing your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• subscribing to emergency alert systems and monitoring local media and other sources for developments, important updates and additional pertinent information
• following the advice of local authorities

Ready.gov  and the  American Red Cross  also provide information on preparing for natural disasters, severe weather events and other emergencies.

Anticipate disruptions before, during and after a natural disaster(s).

• Flights into and out of affected areas may be diverted, delayed or cancelled
• Other forms of travel may be impacted
• Adequate shelter might not be available
• Essential services such as water, electricity, internet and mobile phone services may be disrupted.

Keep in contact with family and friends and let them know you're safe.

Register with the American Red Cross via its Safe and Well website or mark yourself ‘safe’ on social media using the American Red Cross  Emergency! app  for mobile devices.

Severe weather

Severe weather  can occur year-round in the US.

Monitor the  US National Weather Service (NWS)  for forecasts, updates and severe weather alerts and warnings. 

Hurricanes  are powerful tropical storms that routinely impact the east coast, Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. 

While hurricanes have been known to form in every month of the year, peak activity occurs from May to November.

If you travel during hurricane season, check weather reports and closely monitor the  NWS National Hurricane Center  website. 

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. Hurricanes can also reach hundreds of miles inland, causing dangerous conditions, widespread damage and disruption to essential services in areas far from the coast.

If a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, prepare early by following the advice for natural disasters above.

Tornadoes  can occur in all 50 US states but are most frequent and attain the highest intensities across the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest. 

They're also common in the rain bands of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Tornadoes can strike with little warning and cause catastrophic damage, with wind speeds sometimes up to 500km per hour (300 mph).

While tornadoes can form at any time of year, they are more common in the warmer months between March to September. 

If you're living in or travelling through an area prone to tornadoes, familiarise yourself with warning signals and emergency procedures and monitor the  NWS Storm Prediction Center's  website.

After a disaster

Travelling to areas affected by natural disasters and severe weather events can be dangerous. 

If you plan to travel to a region after a natural disaster, check with your transport operator that services are operating.

Contact the place you intend to stay and check other sources for details on local conditions.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

There is no reciprocal health care agreement in place between Australia and the US, your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care. A visit to a doctor for even a minor issue can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and you may be asked to show proof of insurance or your ability to pay before receiving treatment.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
• that your insurance covers any pre-existing medical conditions.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (HealthDirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. 

If you plan to bring medication with you, check whether it's legal in the US. Take enough legal medication to last the duration of your trip. 

Some medications may be considered illegal or controlled substances, even if available over the counter or by prescription in Australia. It's also illegal to possess any prescription medication in the US without a prescription.

If possible, keep your medication in its original container and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Travelling with Medication
• US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Health risks

Insect and tick-borne diseases.

Various  insect-borne illnesses  can occur throughout the US, including West Nile virus and viral encephalitis (multiple types).

Sporadic outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya virus and zika have also occurred in the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands).

Research your destination and get local advice before you travel.

To protect yourself:

• ensure that your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Tick-borne ailments  such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis and Powassan virus are also present. 

Check for ticks after being outdoors, especially in tall grasses and wooded areas.

• Infectious diseases
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   (CDC)

Other health risks

Further information about health risks in the US, including communicable diseases and preventative measures, is available from the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

Medical care

While the standard of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the US is similar to Australia, medical costs are significantly higher.

A visit to a doctor for even a minor issue can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars and you may be asked to show proof of insurance or your ability to pay before receiving treatment.

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave Australia and make sure that it covers you for the duration of your trip, for all activities you intend to undertake, for any pre-existing medical conditions and for all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.  

The Australian Government won’t cover these costs and there's no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and the US. This means that you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare in the US. 

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you in accordance with our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Federal and state laws for drug-related offences vary, including laws related to the possession and recreational and/or medical use of marijuana (cannabis).

Penalties for drug-related offences can be severe and often include minimum mandatory sentences.

Some medications readily available in Australia are illegal or considered controlled substances in the US, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. 

It's also illegal to possess any prescription medication without a prescription. See  Health .

• Carrying or using drugs
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Travelling with Medication

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old. State laws regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol can vary. Check the relevant state laws.

No federal law explicitly protects LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination, and not all state and local non-discrimination laws include protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Some states and localities have laws that may discriminate against or otherwise affect LGBTQIA+ travellers. Check relevant state and local laws.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers
• US Human Rights Campaign

Abortion and reproductive health

Some US states have laws restricting access to abortion and other reproductive health care services. 

Research local laws and always consult your doctor before making any decisions about your medical care.

• Center for Reproductive Rights: Abortion Laws by State

International surrogacy

Surrogacy laws  can be complex. Get legal advice before you agree to an arrangement.

Some US states apply the death penalty for serious crimes. The death penalty can also apply to some serious federal offences, even if committed in states without capital punishment.

• Death Penalty Information Center

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

The US recognises dual nationality. 

If you're a US dual national, you must:

• travel with both your Australian and US passports
• use your US passport to enter and exit the US and its territories
• use your Australian passport to enter and exit Australia.
• Dual nationals
• US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

The US has strict entry requirements. US authorities won't allow you to enter the country if you don't comply.

If you're visiting the US for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to:

• apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and
• then enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Otherwise, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions, including currency, customs and quarantine rules, can change at short notice. Contact your nearest  US Embassy or Consulate  for the latest details.

• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - ESTA
• US Department of State - Visa Information

Visa-free travel for short stays

If you plan to visit the US for less than 90 days, you may be able to travel under the VWP. This includes travel to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The VWP is intended for short, infrequent visits to the United States and can be used by tourists and business travellers. Conditions apply. 

Ensure you know all terms and conditions before applying for your ESTA and attempting to enter the US under VWP.

If you don't satisfy US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at your port of entry that you're entitled to be admitted under the VWP, you may be denied entry and detained. 

You can't enter the US under the VWP if you have:

• been denied an ESTA or denied previous entry under the VWP
• been denied a US visa
• an emergency passport, document of identity or  Provisional Travel Document
• a criminal record
• been arrested but not convicted
• dual citizenship with Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria
• travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since 1 March 2011, with limited exceptions
• travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 (see ‘Travel to Cuba’ below).

Before you can travel under the VWP, you must apply and be pre-approved via the ESTA.

US authorities recommend applying as soon as you know you'll be travelling. ESTA approvals can take up to 72 hours.

ESTAs are valid for 2 years and for multiple entries.

You'll need to apply for a new ESTA if:

• you renew your passport within the 2 years and/or
• your VWP eligibility changes

If there are differences between your ESTA, passport or ticket information, you could be:

• referred for secondary inspection (where a CBP officer may interview you) and/or
• refused entry

If your ESTA application is denied, you must apply for a visa from a  US Embassy or Consulate .

US authorities generally won't tell you why your ESTA application was rejected, and you can't appeal their decision. 

If you provide false or incorrect information on an ESTA, you may be permanently banned from future travel to the US.

If your ESTA application is denied or, you're not eligible to travel under the VWP, or you intend to stay for more than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a visa from a  US Embassy or Consulate .

The category of visa you need to apply for will depend on your reason for travel.

• Embassy of the United States of America in Australia

Entry into the US

An approved ESTA or valid visa allows you to board a US-bound plane or vessel or request entry at a land border. It doesn't guarantee entry to the US.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry will decide if you can enter the country.

Entry requirements are strict. Authorities have broad powers when deciding if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law.

At the port of entry, be prepared to answer questions about:

• the purpose of your visit
• how long you plan to stay
• where you will stay
• your ties to Australia

Officials may ask to  inspect your electronic devices , emails, text messages or social media accounts. If you refuse, they can deny your entry.

Whether you enter the US under the VWP or on a visa, you'll likely need to have:

• an onward or return ticket that doesn't terminate in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean unless you're a resident of one of those countries, and,
• proof you have enough money to support yourself during your stay

You can be refused entry if you provide false information or can't satisfy the officials you're visiting for a valid reason.

You may be held at the port of entry or a nearby detention facility while US authorities arrange for you to be returned to Australia (or the last country you visited).

If you're refused entry under the VWP, you generally don't have the right to an attorney or to appeal the decision.

The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf, and our ability to provide consular assistance in these circumstances may be limited.    

Arrival and departure record (Form I-94)

When you arrive at the port of entry, US authorities will determine your admissibility and decide when you must leave the country. This date may be different from the expiry date of your ESTA or visitor visa.

A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official should:

• stamp your passport and write the date by which you must leave the US 
• issue you an electronic Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)

Your I-94 is evidence of your legal status in the US and shows the date by which you must leave the country.

You can  check your I-94 with CBP  each time you enter the US.

If you stay past your I-94 expiry date, you can be detained, deported and banned from re-entering the US.

Renewing your I-94 and/or extending your stay 

You can't extend or renew your I-94 by travelling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean for 30 days or less and then re-entering the US.

If you travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean and return to the US while your I-94 is still valid, you'll be readmitted for the amount of time left on it.

If your I-94 has recently expired and US authorities think the purpose of your trip outside the US was only to be issued a new I-94 to extend your stay in the US, they can:

• refuse you entry
• detain and deport you

If you're on a visa and need to extend your stay in the US, lodge a request with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on  Form I-539  before your I-94 expires.

VWP entrants are generally not eligible to extend their stay beyond 90 days or change their status.

If a serious emergency, such as hospitalisation, prevents you from departing before your I-94 expires, USCIS has the discretion to grant you additional time to leave. This is known as 'satisfactory departure'.

For further information, see  Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances . 

To request satisfactory departure, contact the  USCIS Contact Center .

Health-related requirements

US authorities may still deny boarding any US-bound traveller showing signs of illness.

Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the US.

For further information regarding precautions to take before and during travel to the US and after arrival, visit the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) website.

Other formalities

You'll have your fingerprints scanned and your face photographed when you arrive in the US.

• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Biometrics

Children of all ages must have their own ESTA approval or US visa.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends that children under 18 years of age travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian carry a notarised letter of consent signed by the non-travelling parent or guardian to help prevent delays due to further questioning at ports of entry and departure.

• Advice for people travelling with children

Travel to Cuba

The US enforces restrictions on travel to Cuba. This applies to anyone under US jurisdiction, including Australians who live or work in the US.

The US designated Cuba a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ on 12 January 2021.  If you’ve travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you're not eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and must apply for a visa to enter the US (see ‘Visa-free travel for short stays’ above). 

If you enter the US under the VWP and then travel to Cuba, you won’t be able to re-enter the US under the VWP. You’ll have to apply for a US visa, even if you’ve arranged to just transit the US to fly back to Australia.

If you have a US visa and plan to visit the US after you’ve been to Cuba, you’ll also need documents to prove the purpose of your trip. Immigration officials may question you at the port of entry. 

• Travel advice for Cuba

Immigration enforcement

US authorities actively pursue, detain and deport people who are in the country illegally.

It’s common for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to carry out random travel document checks, including on public transport.

If you’re a tourist or visitor, be prepared to show your passport and entry stamp, ESTA or valid US visa, and a copy of your electronic  Form I-94 .

If you're living in the US but not a US citizen, be prepared to show proof of legal residence, such as a US permanent resident card, valid US visa and electronic Form I-94, and US driver's licence issued by the state in which you live. 

Australians entering the US on their Australian passport need only have a passport valid for their intended period of stay. However, different rules may apply in countries you plan to transit or stop in on your way to or from the US. 

Be sure to check the entry requirements of all countries you intend to transit or visit on your trip. 

Some countries won't let you enter or transit unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. 

You may be denied boarding and become stranded in these countries if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with X gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. 

Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD).

Declare all amounts over USD $10,000 (or its foreign equivalent) on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only US dollars and not only cash. Failing to do so is a serious violation and can result in the seizure and forfeiture of your money. Criminal penalties can also apply. 

Banks and ATMs are widespread throughout the US, and currency exchange services are available in most major cities and airports.

Major credit cards are almost universally accepted. Contactless and mobile payment options are also readily available, particularly in cities and at most major retailers. 

Local travel

Road travel.

Speed limits and road rules vary between states and localities within states.

If you plan to drive in the US:

• learn local traffic laws before you drive
• pay close attention to signs and other posted regulations
• check weather conditions before a long journey
• be cautious of snowfall in mountainous or isolated areas
• take extra water when driving through dry desert areas and in areas in which petrol stations can be scarce 
• Driving or riding
• Information for foreign nationals driving in the US

Driver's licences and International Driving permits (IDP)

While some US states will allow you to drive on your Australian driver's licence for a limited time, others require you to also have an International Driver's Permit (IDP).

You should obtain an IDP before you leave Australia.

Some rental car companies also require you to have an IDP.

Contact your rental car company and the motor vehicle department in each US state you intend to drive for further information. 

Driving without an IDP where one is required can void your travel and vehicle insurance. 

• US State Motor Vehicle Departments

Motorcycles

You need a motorcycle licence to operate a motorcycle in the US.

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike, ATV or similar vehicle, and always wear a helmet.

Electrically-powered personal vehicles

Rules relating to electric transportation, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, vary between localities. Learn local laws before hiring or using these items.

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using electric transportation, and always wear a helmet.

Taxis are plentiful in most cities and generally safe to use. Ridesharing options are also widely available.

Take the same safety precautions that you would in Australia.

The US is home to most of the major cruise lines and some of the world's busiest cruise ports. 

Popular destinations for cruises originating and returning to or terminating in the US include Alaska, Florida, the Caribbean and Central and South America. 

Before embarking on a cruise, take steps to be prepared and reduce the risk of things going wrong. This includes choosing a travel insurance policy that covers you for cruising and any activities you do on shore. This will help you have a safe and hassle-free journey.

If you're embarking on a round-trip cruise to Canada, Mexico and/or the Caribbean, make sure your passport, ESTA or visa and I-94 will allow you to re-enter the US (see Visas and border measures).

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  USA's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. 

Check the embassy or consulate websites for details about opening hours and any temporary closures. 

Australian Embassy, Washington DC

Contact the Australian Embassy in Washington DC if you're in:

• District of Columbia
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• West Virginia

Australian Embassy 1601 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC 20036

Phone: +1 202 797 3000 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AusInTheUS   X:  twitter.com/AusInTheUS

Australian Consulate-General, Chicago

Contact the Consulate-General in Chicago if you're in:

• North Dakota
• South Dakota

Australian Consulate-General, Chicago 123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1330 Chicago IL 60606

Phone: +1 312 419 1480 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AusCGChicago Instagram:  instagram.com/auscgchicago/

Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu

If you're in Hawaii, contact the Consulate-General in Honolulu.

Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street Honolulu HI 96813

Phone: +1 808 529 8100 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralHNL X:  twitter.com/AusCGHonolulu

Australian Consulate-General, Houston

Contact the Consulate-General in Houston if you're in:

Australian Consulate-General, Houston 3009 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1310 Houston TX 77056

Phone: +1 832 962 8420 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles

Contact the Consulate-General in Los Angeles if you're in:

• southern California
• southern Nevada

Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles 2029 Century Park East, 31st Floor Los Angeles CA 90067

Phone: +1 310 229 2300 Email:  [email protected] Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralLA X:  twitter.com/AusConsulateLA Instagram:  instagram.com/ausconsulatela

Australian Consulate-General, New York

Contact the Consulate-General in New York if you're in:

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Puerto Rico
• the Virgin Islands of the United States

Australian Consulate-General, New York 150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor New York NY 10017

Phone: +1 212 351 6500 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralNYC Instagram:  instagram.com/ausconsulateny

Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco

Contact the Consulate-General in San Francisco if you're in:

• northern California
• northern Nevada
• Washington State

Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco 575 Market Street, Suite 1800 San Francisco CA 94105

Phone: +1 415 644 3620 Email:  [email protected] Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy or consulate, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

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Solo traveling basics: Expert advice for your first trip

Boarding the plane to head to another country alone is often an emotional experience – there’s the excitement, the anxiety, the anticipation.

It can also be totally nerve-wracking.

When Angie Orth made the bold choice to leave her job and embark on a solo yearlong journey around the world in 2011, her friends and family cautioned her about safety concerns. “Everyone was horrified,” the Florida native told USA TODAY. “The fear was all I heard.”

The then New York City-based Orth kicked off her 12-country solo trip in Fiji before making her way to New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Then she trekked through Europe, including Greece, Spain and England, and stopped in Turkey and Egypt before ending in Kenya and South Africa.

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Learn more: Best travel insurance

It wasn’t always smooth traveling. At times, Orth said she survived “by the skin of my teeth.” Orth was in Egypt during the Arab Spring , got unbelievably sick in Thailand, and had a bike accident in Bali. She was also robbed of 400 euros. “I was in Greece for a half an hour and had already been pickpocketed,” she said. 

Still, to Orth, the solo journey was invaluable. “It’s a confidence that I don't think there’s any other way to get that confidence than by solo travel,” she said, referring to the problem-solving that inherently comes with navigating travel on your own. Then there’s also the compassion you gain from meeting and experiencing other cultures. 

Now more than ever, more people are deciding to forgo travel companions and embark on their trips alone. Solo vacation package searches on Google shot up by more than 200% over the past 90 days as of Feb. 2.

Increased connectivity on our phones makes it easier to feel secure and social media shows more people – especially women – traveling the world alone. 

“Women are not waiting for permission or their 401(k) to mature. If my husband doesn’t want to go, fine. Women are having more confidence,” said Orth, who is also the author of the upcoming book “Flirting with Disaster,” which chronicles her yearlong solo trip. 

Here’s everything you need to know about solo travel. 

How to safely travel alone

Safety is always top of mind when traveling, and it’s especially important for solo travelers who have to look out for themselves. 

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

“Isn’t it fun to meet a person in a hostel and say yes, let’s go hiking right now? That’s fun, but it’s risky,” Orth said. “It’s about balancing it out and researching ridiculously.” 

◾ Start your research by heading to the State Department website to see if there are any travel advisories for the destination you’re interested in. These advisories are based on changing conditions and also inform you about the specific region you’re visiting.

For the most direct updates, enroll in the agency’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that sends you the most up-to-date information on the destination. It can also help connect you to the nearest U.S. embassy and consulate if traveling and something happens.

◾ One thing Orth always searches for is “the destination plus scams” to see what she has to look out for when in that place. Many European cities are notorious for petty theft, like pickpocketing in popular tourist hotspots like the Trevi Fountain or public transportation.  

When doing research, it may feel like an information overload. "There is so much information now, you could read 1,000 reviews and get so many sources of conflicting information," Orth added. "It’s hard to wade through all that and find trusted sources."

◾ To help sift through everything, Orth recommends reaching out to others who have traveled to your ideal destination. She also recommended cleaning out your feed and only following travel content creators who “give you the good and the bad.”

“You don’t want the glossy, glossy, oh, it’s so magical because travel isn’t always so magical,” she said. 

◾ At your destination, you’ll also need at least a basic understanding of the language used there. “Translation plays a big role in safety, just being aware of your surroundings,” said Craig Ewer, Google Communications Manager for Search. 

Besides direct translation between 133 languages, the Google Translate app offers pronunciation help – “such a lifesaver,” according to Rose Yao, vice president of product management at Google. You can also snap a picture of a menu and have it translated in real time. 

The Google app also has a feature called Lens that allows users to search using a picture of something like a sign. “You’d be surprised at what you can Lens: menus, what is that building or what is that statue,” Yao said. You can also capture a screenshot of your social media feed and then search for it on Google to incorporate it into your travel plans.

Staying healthy on your travels

◾ To safeguard yourself and others against preventable illnesses while exploring new places, look up any recommended vaccinations for the countries you plan on visiting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is a good starting point, with in-depth travel health notices and recommended vaccines and medicines posted. 

The CDC website also offers travel advice on managing nonpreventable illnesses, like preventing bug bites to reduce the risk of contracting diseases like dengue or Zika.

◾ Typically, you’d want to give yourself at least a month before departing on your trip to get everything you need from your doctor. And if you don’t know who to go to, the CDC can help you find a clinic as well. 

Orth recommends having a doctor help you put together a medical kit with some necessities and medications, such as for food poisoning. “It’s helpful to have some things on hand so you’re not scrambling on a remote island and no one knows what you’re talking about,” she said. 

◾ As you’re making the big purchases for your trip, don’t forget about travel insurance for the unexpected. Orth said she never travels without this layer of protection. Travel insurance not only helped with her medical costs from her bike collision but also replaced her camera, which was smashed in the accident. She also recommends a service called  MedJet , which offers worldwide security crisis and medical transportation assistance for its members.

What are the most popular solo travel destinations?

According to Google, the top-searched destinations for American solo travelers are: 

◾ Puerto Rico

Tips for solo travelers

◾ The Google app’s generative AI search allows you to “ask really detailed questions like you would ask a friend,” Yao said. “Ask what’s off the beaten path, what’s not crowded. What’s a great time to visit the Louvre that’s not super crowded?” 

◾ For your first trip alone, it’s OK to start small and dip your toes in the solo travel pool. “Start in an easier destination, something more familiar where you speak the language or you don't have to fly far away,” Orth said. “A lot of folks see ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and travel content creators trekking in Borneo for it to count but it doesn’t.” 

◾ It won’t always be rainbows and butterflies, despite what you see on social media. Expect decision fatigue from having to make many micro-decisions, like if this taxi driver seems safe. “I think this probably hits women a lot harder than it hits men because we are never not thinking about our safety, and that’s if we’re going to Target in our hometown or hopping on a plane to a remote island,” Orth said. 

◾ Make an itinerary for yourself with at least one thing planned every day, so you don’t feel aimless but still have space for flexibility, said Madison Pietrowski, U.S. brand director at GetYourGuide, a marketplace for travel experiences, where each company listed is thoroughly vetted. It can be as casual as wanting to eat at a certain restaurant for dinner or more intensive like a whole-day tour. (On that note, make sure to read the fine print and be aware of cancellation policies for your excursions.)  

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Cdc tightens travel guidance amid measles outbreaks — what you need to know.

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With 46 countries reporting large measles outbreaks , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tightening guidance for American travelers.

“Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles,” warns the agency.

The CDC now recommends Americans consult their physicians six weeks before travel instead of only a month prior, as late-2023 guidance suggested .

Travelers also risk infection if they do not get a measles-mumps-rubella vaccination at least two weeks before their trip.

“The majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated US residents who become infected during international travel,” the CDC said.

Nations with the most worrisome outbreaks of measles — a virus can stay airborne or on a surface for up to two hours — are in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, per the CDC.

Russia and Malaysia are recent entries on the list, according to U.S. News & World Report .

The US has also seen an uptick in measles cases over the winter.

As of March 14, 58 cases of measles have been reported this year in the US — the same number for all of 2023, per the CDC. 

The cases have come from 17 areas: New York City , Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.

Symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and watery red eyes.

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A local’s travel guide to New York City: what to eat, see and do in three days

Top destinations in New York include a ferry ride, shopping for watches in Chinatown and a Brighton Beach bender

I first came to New York City by accident, after a miscommunication with my father led me to believe my (long-deceased) mother had been desperate to visit the city before she died.

Years later I found out that my mum had actually wanted to go to Paris. But I still had a great time in New York, and ended up moving here a couple of years later.

On that first trip I did all the main tourist things which, owing to the miscommunication, I had thought my mother had wanted to do: I went up big buildings, looked at big buildings, drank in bars beneath big buildings.

It was great and everything, but there’s much, much more to do here – especially if you like eating, riding about by subway and ferry, and bargaining for knockoff luxury goods.

Day 1: Boating and brownstones

A lot of people have heard of the Staten Island ferry , and for good reason. It’s free to travel on the big orange boats between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The route goes right past the Statue of Liberty, and offers amazing views of lower Manhattan.

As a boat lover, I’d also recommend taking the NYC ferry . It has a flat fare of $4 and operates up and down the East River, passing under bridges and allowing riders to snoop at waterside buildings.

If you’re starting in Manhattan (which you probably are), take the southbound ferry from East 34th Street to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo, which stands for “down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass”. It’s here where everyone with an Instagram account gets their shots of both the Manhattan Bridge and the (older, better-known) Brooklyn Bridge. Plenty of people will visit this area then turn their back on Brooklyn, but I’d recommend sticking around New York City’s most populous and, depending whom you speak to, trendiest borough.

Pop by Jane’s Carousel , an exquisitely restored 1922 ride which is plonked between the bridges, and then walk south through Brooklyn Bridge Park. You’ll go past several piers – once working docks now transformed into leafy picnic and sport areas. There are magnificent views across to Manhattan. It’s a nice spot to propose to a partner, as my little brother did last year. If you don’t want to do that, but do like to play soccer or basketball or roller-skate, you’re in luck.

After you hit Pier 6, where there’s a pleasant, if expensive, rooftop pizza restaurant called Fornino , walk up Atlantic Avenue for some shopping and coffee at Goose Barnacle , an independent clothing store with a hidden bar in the back. The owner, Dave Alperin, a fourth-generation Brooklynite, is very friendly and knowledgable about the area and can give you tips about everything from where to buy the best sandwich ( Lillo Cucina Italiana – try the Mamma Roma) to the location of a semi-secret basement speakeasy ( Le Boudoir ) nearby.

From there I’d take a bus or cab to Fort Greene, a very pretty neighborhood whose townhouses are the sort of Brooklyn thing you see in the movies, and grab dinner at Olea . If you make it before 6.30pm, there’s a great happy hour.

Day 2: Rude T-shirts and not-quite Rolexes

Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood has all the posh shops, so if you have money, or like looking through windows at expensive clothes and bags, walk east along Prince Street from West Broadway. There are nice buildings to look at around here too – the newly constructed towers that abound in the city are largely absent in this neighborhood. Stop in at Fanelli Cafe , a neighborhood stalwart that has been around since 1847, for a coffee or some food, then head south along Broadway to Chinatown.

There are lots of great dim sum places, including Golden Unicorn , whose large fancy dining hall is located on the second floor of a marble-esque building. From there I’d take a walk along Canal Street, dipping into sidestreets for cheap souvenirs – snow globes, little statues and that sort of thing – and bizarre T-shirts (many of which are very rude).

Chinatown also does a roaring trade in imitation watches and handbags. So if, like me, you will not and cannot spend $30,000 on a watch but have about $100 to spare, you can get (to my eye) a fairly good imitation. The food markets along Canal Street also sell real nice timepieces – they even work – if you fancy sticking it to big watch. You’ll find plenty of “designer” bags too.

Hopefully you’re hungry again, because Great N Y Noodletown is, per its name, great – especially the roast pig on rice.

From there I’d head farther south and stop in at Whiskey Tavern , the friendliest bar I’ve ever been to in my life (and I’ve been to a lot of bars). They print out personalized welcome signs that they will stick to your table or behind the bar, which sounds a bit naff – but isn’t. The real reason to come is to chat to locals and regulars. It’s also one of the closest bars to city hall, which means there’s a regular stream of “Just Married” couples doing shots of whiskey and eating chicken wings.

If you’ve still got energy, and like singing or shouting, go to Up Stairs , a karaoke bar tucked behind a nondescript doorway on Canal Street. Drinks are cheap, and it gets packed with revelers.

Day 3: Seaside shenanigans

If, like me, you’re a fan of once-glamorous seaside attractions that are now in a state of faded glory, then take the F train to Coney Island. People seem to overlook the fact that the city is surrounded by water, and while Coney Island isn’t the nicest beach for bathing (for that, try Fort Tilden or Jacob Riis Park), there’s loads to do.

Kick things off by watching a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The Cyclones are a feeder team to the New York Mets. They play at Maimonides Park, tickets are usually dirt cheap and easy to get, and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want a snazzy memento, buy a beer in a foot-long plastic baseball bat. Sometimes they let the crowd “run the bases” after the game, which is a lot of fun, especially if you’ve had more than one of the baseball bat beers.

After the exhilaration of taking in second-tier baseball, walk east towards the Cyclone , one of the oldest and, as far as I can tell, rickety-est rollercoasters in the US. The wooden ride – described as “pretty extreme” by Coaster Critic – will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2027, and it sounds and looks its age. Buyer beware.

Once you’ve stumbled off the ride, go for a settling drink at Ruby’s , the oldest bar on the boardwalk. You can take in the black-and-white shots of Coney Island in its 1930s glory, and if you’re feeling brave, buy a cardboard box full of clams.

Every Friday night from late June to September there is a fireworks show on the beach, which draws a large crowd. You could take it in while eating borscht and sipping coffee or vodka at Tatiana’s , a Russian restaurant-cum-nightclub a 10-minute walk along the boardwalk from the Cyclone.

Side note: you don’t need to wait until summer to visit. I went a day after it had snowed, and it was brilliant.

Question time

How many days do you need to visit new york city.

Three would be fine. If you want to take in all the Instagram favorite destinations, then maybe four.

What’s the most-visited attraction? Is it worth it?

Times Square. And not really. But it’s near enough to other attractions that if you’re heading to a Broadway show then you might as well walk through it.

When is the best time to visit?

The peak of summer can be boiling hot, and winter can be freezing cold. May through early July and September through October are usually a safe bet.

How expensive is it?

New York City is expensive. If you’re staying in Manhattan you’d be (very) lucky to get a hotel room for about $200 a night – but bear in mind that there will usually be hefty taxes on top of that. A bog standard coffee will cost you about $5, a pint anywhere from $6 to $10. The subway fare recently went up: it’s $2.90 a ride now.

Adam Gabbatt is a writer for the Guardian and is originally from the north of England. He has lived in New York City for 13 years and now says “trash” instead of “rubbish” and “sidewalk” instead of “pavement” and his family hates him for it

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Most viewed

What Kate Middleton Told Her Children About Her Cancer Diagnosis

"It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them," the Princess of Wales shared.

The Princess of Wales also released a video message, in which she speaks about her health for the first time, and the impact her diagnosis has had on her three children: Prince George , Princess Charlotte , and Prince Louis .

"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment," she says in the video message. "But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok. As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits."

Later in her message, Kate says, "We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment."

This echoes what Kensington Palace said in January, when they shared news of her abdominal surgery. "The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate," the Palace said in a statement. "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."

T&C understands that the children going on their Easter break factored into the decision for Kate to reveal her diagnosis now, as Prince William and Kate wanted to be able to tell their children at a time that was right for them, and to allow them to process the news before it was shared publicly.

A Palace spokesperson further said today about her cancer diagnosis that they "will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do."

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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9 Things To Do In Buffalo: Complete Guide To Historic New York

B uffalo, New York, is famous for its infamous winters, raucous table-breaking sports fans, and as the USA’s gateway to Niagara Falls. This city also sits intimately close to two of the great lakes making the city almost a home base for exploring its incredible environment. However, there is still much to do in the City.

Travelers looking to visit Buffalo may not have the best idea of where to start or what the city has to offer. Some plan their trips solely around visiting the falls but there is so much more to the city than that. Here is a look at a guide to historic Buffalo, New York.

UPDATE: 2023/07/11 18:48 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

The Ultimate Travel Guide To Historic Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York is a top travel destination for history buffs, but there's plenty more to see here. The updated guide includes more things to do, tips, and photos.

Things To Do In Buffalo

There are so many incredible sights to check out around Buffalo besides Niagara Falls . Here is a look at three that travelers can't miss out on.

Take A Day Trip To The Great Lakes

Being so close to both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario , travelers spending some time in Buffalo should make a day trip out of visiting either lake.

Each lake is bordered by national and state parkland that is well-preserved and open for travelers to explore. The great lakes are always an incredible destination.

Lake Erie is about 140 miles from Buffalo. While there are multiple ways to reach the site, the cheapest option is to take the bus, which costs $26-$70 and lasts just over 6 hours.

Visit Niagara Falls

Buffalo serves as the US gateway to the stunning sight of Niagara Falls. Some travelers come to Buffalo just for the purpose of experiencing these legendary falls .

With so many accommodations and view platforms around the attraction, tourists will have an easy time finding the view they are looking for.

• Hours: Open all year round, 24/7
• Cost: From $172.38 per adult

There are two ways to view the Niagara Falls. Guests can choose between the Maid of the Mist and Journey Behind the Falls tours. However, the falls are inaccessible during winter due to harsh weather, hence summer would be the best time to visit the venue.

Stroll Along Canalside Buffalo

Travelers looking for a relaxing walk through a happening outdoor market should take a walk along Buffalo’s Canalside.

Here, travelers can explore 21 waterfront acres with the best views of the surrounding city and many wonderful little things to discover.

And just outside Buffalo is an amazing piece of history to visit: a prehistoric park for fossil finding .

• Admission : $5
• Hours : 9 am - 10 pm

Summer is an excellent time to visit Canalside Buffalo; the venue hosts major concerts that visitors will be thrilled to attend.

Enjoy A Broadway Show At Shea’s Performing Arts Center

Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a historic venue in Buffalo that holds various live performances. Established in 1926 to show silent movies, the center was saved from destruction when community leaders applied to list it on the National Historic Registry. Today, it hosts different special events, including touring Broadway troupes.

Thanks to continuous renovations, the venue boasts an exquisite interior, highlighted by a lavish stage, plush red seats, and a colored ceiling. Locals and tourists alike converge here to enjoy comedy, music, and Broadway shows.

• Tickets : Range from $90 - $110
• Hours : Summer: Monday to Thursday, 10 am-5: pm, Friday, 10a m-2 pm. Fall/Winter/Spring: Monday to Friday: 10 am-5 pm, Saturday, 10 am-2 pm

Besides watching the live shows, take advantage of Shea’s historic tours to learn about the historical and cultural significance of the venue to the community.

Admire Buffalo City Hall

Despite being built after the First World War, Buffalo City Hall remains an iconic feature in the city’s skyline thanks to its gorgeous design. Rising to 32 stories, the structure boasts intricate geometric details that separate it from other buildings in the area.

It also has over 1500 windows offering 360-degree views of Buffalo’s downtown and beyond, acting as the perfect vantage point for sightseers.

On the 28th floor of the building, visitors can take in panoramic views of Lake Erie and the Buffalo River at the observation deck. Located along Niagara Square, Buffalo City Hall is a must-visit for first-timers.

• Admissions : Free
• Hours : Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm

The observation deck is free to access and tourists can make the most of a guided tour at noon daily.

Tour The Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House Complex

The Darwin D. Martin House Complex is a fine site for those interested in the city’s backstory. Designed by the famous architect Lloyd Wright for the New York entrepreneur, it offers a glimpse into the past lifestyle of middle-class America. The complex features the main house, conservatory, pergola, carriage house, and a Wisteria Museum Shop.

It is a fabulous venue for tourists to explore and admire the structure's subtle design features. Built in the 1900s, the complex has been renovated to its former grandeur, impressing visitors with its unique aura.

• Admission : $12.50 for an hour-long tour and $27.50 for a two-hour tour
• Hours : Wednesday to Monday, 10 am - 3 pm

See First Niagara Center

A short distance from the Frank Lloyd Writght’s Darwin D. Martin House Complex is the Buffalo Zoo (more on this to come), another top attraction worth a visit.

Buffalo is a sports city and one of its crown jewels is the Buffalo Sabres, which plies its trade in the National Hockey League. Every game day, hockey fans gather at the First Niagara Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres, to support their local team, The 19,070-capacity stadium stages exciting ice hockey games that aptly complement the buzzing atmosphere.

Besides hockey, the arena holds various concerts and events, with top acts like Justin Timberlake and Trans-Siberian Orchestra performing. Whether a hockey fan or not, the otherworldly atmosphere of the stadium when full is worth experiencing.

Visit the First Niagara Center website for scheduled games/events, times, and ticket prices.

Check Out The Buffalo Zoo

After Niagara Falls, the Buffalo Zoo is the most sought-after attraction in Western New York, welcoming around 400,000 visitors. The magnificent facility was established in 1875 and sits on a 23.5-acre property in Delaware Park. It houses over 320 species of plants with exotic animals from around the globe, including polar bears, tigers, and gorillas.

Animal lovers flock here to interact with the various zoo residents. Aside from admiring the creatures, the zoo offers different educational programs on conservation that go a long way in preserving and improving the animal kingdom.

Be One With Nature At The Buffalo And Erie County Botanical Gardens

Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city will feel at home visiting the Buffalo Botanical Gardens. This lush complex offers one of the best forms of natural beauty first-timers can find in the city, and the harmonious environment is perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The gardens are home to vast species of plants and flowers from around the globe. With over 140,000 guests visiting the venue annually, the facility is a proven tourist magnet that newcomers will find interesting. Whether looking to meditate, reflect, or seek spiritual healing, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are worth a stop.

For those looking to learn more about plant preservation, the gardens host insightful workshops, educational programs, and special events that will suit them perfectly.

Elmwood Village is a quaint suburb in Buffalo where visitors can experience the strong bond of the local community. The delightful neighborhood boasts all kinds of businesses, providing tourists with great dining, shopping, and entertainment. Shopaholics can stop at venues like Her Story, Blush, and Half & Half Boutique for much-needed retail therapy.

Meanwhile, restaurants like Mister Goodbar, Kuni’s, and Vera Pizzeria spoil guests with sumptuous servings of local and international cuisines, including the iconic Buffalo wings . There is so much to see and do in Elmwood Village; vacationers will need to clear their itinerary to fully experience the neighborhood.

Art enthusiasts should stop by the Burchfield Penny Art Center while in Elmwood Village to sample one of the best art collections in Western New York.

When To Visit Buffalo

Visiting Buffalo is best done during the Summer months, from June to August. These may be the busiest times in Buffalo but the summer weather in the city is hard to beat.

This is in contrast to Buffalo’s infamous winter months. Travelers looking to dodge the crowds may want to try late September, the weather is still holding up, the colors start to change, and there's plenty to do during the fall season .

What To Know When Visiting

When visiting Buffalo, travelers may not be aware of the city's multiple neighborhoods. When trying to their destination, travelers should make sure to get their neighborhoods right, so they don’t end up in the wrong place.

To help travelers keep the neighborhoods straight, here is a link to a map of the city’s neighborhoods .

Best Ways To Get Around The City

Buffalo is a large city with many people moving around at once. It is the home to a serviceable metro and is also a walkable city.

Taxi, Uber, Or Lyft!

Those that don’t mind paying a little extra to get where they're going quickly, will be able to rely on having both Uber and Lyft available as well as conventional taxis.

Getting around Buffalo this way isn’t a problem at all.

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA)

Travelers looking to make use of public transit will be able to make use of the bus and rail systems that are all part of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) . The city’s metro runs along Main Street from Key Bank Center to the South Campus of Buffalo University.

It is important to know that the train is free for the above-ground section. Travelers will be able to find a bus to get anywhere else.

Walking and Cycling

Travelers arriving during the summer months may want to know if the city is walkable or ridable. According to Walkscore.com Buffalo is a moderate to good walking city .

The same could be said about its riding score. As long as the weather is nice, it is quite easy to get around Buffalo walking or on a bike.

Where To Stay

Looking to spend a day or two in Buffalo? Here is a look at the best places to stay during a traveler's stay in the city.

Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown

Travelers looking for excellent value should check out Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown . This hotel is found on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and was newly renovated in 2018.

It is easy to access the rest of Buffalo from this hotel with Canalside, HarborCenter, KeyBank Center, New Era Field, Sahlen Field, Shea's Theatre, and Buffalo Seneca Creek Casino all just minutes away.

• Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown
• Address - 125 High St, Buffalo, NY 14203-1153
• Amenities - Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Free shuttle or taxi services, Business Center with Internet Access, Concierge, Airport Transportation, Shuttle bus, service, Photocopier/fax In the business center, Convenience store
• Non-smoking hotel, 24-hour front desk, Self-serve laundry

Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown

Travelers looking for an unforgettable experience should stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown .

Offering incredible accommodations and being just two blocks from the NFTA metro, and eight minutes from KeyBank Center and Canalside, this is a great hotel for exploring buffalo.

• Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown
• Address - 220 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
• Amenities - Paid public parking on-site, Free High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi), Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Free breakfast, Babysitting, Pets Allowed (Dog / Pet Friendly), Business Center with Internet Access

Hyatt Regency Buffalo / Hotel and Conference Center

Located at the heart of Buffalo’s theater and financial districts, this newly renovated hotel has a little bit of everything including a full-service spa.

All of this and the Hyatt Regency Buffalo is just steps from the Chippewa Entertainment District, Elmwood Village, and a variety of restaurants and shops.

• Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Buffalo
• Address - 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202-2290
• Amenities - Valet parking, Free High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi), Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Bar/Lounge, Pets Allowed (Dog/Pet Friendly), Business Center with Internet Access, Conference facilities, Baggage storage

Where To Eat

Buffalo is one of the best foodie destinations in Upstate New York with many choices for visiting travelers. Here is a look at just a few.

Paula's Donuts

Travelers looking to start their day with a sweet treat and a coffee should make a stop by Paula’s Donuts, they won’t regret it.

Established in 1996, Paula’s has been cooking up freshly baked donuts for their community for nearly three decades.

• Address - 2319 Sheridan Drive Tonawanda, Buffalo, NY 14150
• Contact - 716-862-4246
• Fan-Favorite - Cannoli and Cookie Dough

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

Travelers looking for some traditional American flavors as well as the local tastes of Buffalo should check out Pearl Street Grill & Brewery.

This is a great spot to enjoy some local food while in Buffalo.

• Address - 76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14224-1718
• Contact - (716)856-2337
• Cost - $$-$$$
• Fan-Favorite - Panko breaded fish

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

Named after the Greek god of wine, this is the place travelers want to go to spend an evening enjoying fine dining and fine wine .

Refusing to compromise, they always have the freshest possible ingredients. Their incredible service can also be counted on.

• Address - 54 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202-2206
• Contact - (716)854-9463
• Cost - $$$$
• Fan-Favorite - Tuna Tartar

Spend A Perfect Day In Buffalo

It would start with Paula’s Donuts of course, but from that point, there are a few options. But for the perfect day, travelers should get to Niagara Falls early. Do this in the morning and beat the crowds.

Perhaps travelers will want to spend more time than just the morning but with just one day, they should return to Buffalo for a late lunch at the Pearl Street Grill before taking a walk along Canalside.

Once it starts to get into the evening, travelers should head to Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant for the remainder of their evening. That would be a perfect day in Buffalo, New York.

Q: How Does Buffalo Compare With Syracuse, NY?

Both cities offer something a little bit different to travelers, but for those looking for big attractions like Niagara Falls or exploration of the Great Lakes, Buffalo offers a bit more. Syracuse, on the other hand, is a smaller city a few hours east, with better access to the Finger Lakes region and the Capital Region.

Q: How Does Buffalo Compare with Ithaca, NY?

These two cities are incredibly different. Buffalo is a large happening city with hundreds of thousands of residents. That is not the case with Ithaca. Ithaca is a much more quiet and more aesthetic city sitting right on the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York.

Buffalo is a busy place sitting on the doorstep of one of the natural wonders of North America. They are both great destinations, it just depends on what travelers are looking for.

Q: Is There Really Anything Else To See In Buffalo Other Than Niagara Falls

Yes, there is quite a bit to do in Buffalo than just going to see Niagara Falls. In fact, for many who visit the city often, Niagara Falls no longer appears on their itineraries. Buffalo is home to a great food scene, active outdoor events and venues, a bit of theater, and a great deal of passion for their sports. There is so much more to Buffalo than just Niagara Falls .