Know before you go: United States

Quick answer: Most visitors from the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries can enter the US for up to 90 days with an ESTA instead of a visa, while everyone else needs a visitor visa from a US embassy or consulate; always confirm current rules before booking since fees and requirements have changed repeatedly through 2025 and 2026.

Visa & entry

If you hold a passport from one of the 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, you generally do not need a traditional visa for tourism or business trips of 90 days or fewer. Instead, you apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The ESTA application fee is $40.27 per traveler as of 1 January 2026, and it is required if you hold a biometric e-passport from a VWP country and your trip is 90 days or fewer. An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and each visit is capped at 90 days with no extensions. Apply only through the official CBP site, ideally at least 72 hours before departure.

If your country is not on the VWP list, you will need to apply for a nonimmigrant visitor visa (commonly B-1/B-2) at a US embassy or consulate before you travel. Note that a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, signed into law under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, adds a mandatory charge on top of the existing visa application fee for virtually every nonimmigrant visa category. This fee does not apply to Visa Waiver Program travelers using ESTA, Canadian and Bermudian visa-exempt visitors, or diplomatic and immigrant visa holders. As of mid-2026, the fee had been signed into law but was not yet being collected, and consular posts had not received formal implementation guidance, so timing may still shift. Also be aware that Romania was recently removed from the VWP: Romania left the VWP on 2 May 2025, so Romanians now need a B-1/B-2 visa.

Because these fees, exemptions, and country lists change frequently, always verify your specific situation on the official CBP ESTA portal and the State Department visa pages before you book flights.

Getting around

The US is enormous and car-friendly, but cities differ widely. New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco have extensive subway or light-rail systems plus buses; contactless bank cards or phone wallets can usually tap directly onto turnstiles or fareboxes in most major transit systems. Amtrak connects many cities by rail, though services are far less frequent than in Europe or Asia; long-distance routes like the Northeast Corridor (Boston to Washington) are the most reliable and scenic. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) and taxis operate in virtually every city and airport.

Domestic flights remain the fastest way to cover long distances. If you plan to fly between US cities, know that TSA officially began enforcing REAL ID at airport checkpoints on 1 February 2026, requiring adults to present a REAL ID-compliant license, a US passport or passport card, a DHS Trusted Traveler card, or a US military ID. International visitors are unaffected by this rule as long as they carry their valid passport; a foreign passport remains fully acceptable identification at TSA checkpoints.

Outside major metro areas, public transit is sparse, so renting a car is common; bring your home driving licence and, for many countries, an International Driving Permit. Traffic drives on the right, and distances between attractions can be far greater than they appear on a map.

Money & costs

The currency is the US dollar (USD). Contactless payment has grown rapidly, and the USA has become increasingly cashless, but it is still sensible to carry some dollars for small purchases, tipping, or rural areas. Most restaurants, shops, hotels, and transit systems accept Visa and Mastercard everywhere, though Amex is accepted in major cities but less so in smaller towns, so a backup Visa or Mastercard is worth carrying. Notify your bank before you travel to avoid fraud alerts freezing your card, and check for foreign transaction fees, which some banks charge at two to three percent.

Tipping is expected and not optional in most service settings. The pattern is clear: no matter where you come from, the US expects 18-22% at full-service restaurants. Bartenders, taxi and rideshare drivers, and hotel staff (bellhops, housekeeping, valet) also expect small cash or card tips; many payment terminals now prompt a suggested tip amount automatically. Budget accordingly, since accommodation, dining, and attraction prices in major US cities are among the highest in the world, and sales tax (which varies by state and city) is added at the register rather than included in listed prices.

Best time to visit

The best time depends heavily on region. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) generally offer mild weather and smaller crowds across most of the country, making them ideal for cities and national parks alike. Summer (June to August) is peak season nationwide, with warm weather, school holidays, and higher prices, but it also coincides with hurricane season along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic seaboard (roughly June through November) and peak wildfire risk in parts of the West. Winter suits ski destinations in the Rockies and warm-weather escapes to Florida, Hawaii, or the Southwest, while the Northeast and Midwest can see heavy snow and bitter cold. Late summer 2026 also coincides with major events drawing large crowds, so book accommodation and transport well ahead if travelling during peak tourism periods.

Emergencies & safety

Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the United States; it is free from any phone, including without cellular service in most areas, and operators can connect you to interpreters if needed. For non-urgent police matters, use your local police department’s non-emergency number, found via city or county websites. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text for mental health crises. The US does not have universal public healthcare, so travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended, as emergency care can be extremely expensive without it. Keep photocopies or photos of your passport and visa/ESTA approval separate from the originals, and register your trip with your home country’s embassy if such a service is offered.

Official sources

• CBP ESTA Application Portal
• US Department of State, Visas
• US Customs and Border Protection
• Transportation Security Administration, REAL ID
• Amtrak
• VisitTheUSA (Brand USA official tourism site)
• USA.gov