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North and Central America and Caribbean

United States

 Flag of United States
Still current at: 26 November 2009
Updated: 11 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (removal of Tropical Storm Ida).  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Local laws and customs

Do not make flippant remarks about bombs or terrorism, especially when passing through US airports.

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limits and the age of consent.  So does the age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol, but this is usually 21 years.

The plant Khat (or Qat) is an illegal narcotic in the US.  You will be arrested and detained with the possibility of a prison sentence if you are caught trying to take Khat into the US.

If you get into any difficulties with US Authorities, you should explain to them that you are a British national and ask to speak to a UK consular officer.  For more general information see How We Can Help.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

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Contacts

United States, Washington, British Embassy

Address:

British Embassy
3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20008

Telephone:

(1)(202) 588 6500 Embassy
(1)(202) 588 7800 Consular
(1)(202) 588 7830 British Council

Fax:

(1)(202) 588 7870 Chancery

Office hours:

GMT:
Mon-Fri: 1400-2230

Local Time:
Mon-Fri: 0900-1730

Website: http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk

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