This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Health section (A (H1N1) - swine flu).  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

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Travel Summary

• Human cases of A (H1N1) - swine influenza have been reported in all 50 states. You should check for updates on the US approach to challenging this public health threat and to check the number of deaths, and their location through ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’ at www.cdc.gov .  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6.  The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details.  In addition, you should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.  There is a dedicated Swine Flu page onf the FCO website.  Guidance about pandemic flu is available through the UK Department of Health at www.dh.gov.uk and www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/Recentstories/DH-098531. 
  
  
• Since 12 January 2009, UK travellers to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit for up to 90 days without a visa, have required an authorisation via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the US.   Travellers can register for authorisation online through the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and are advised to do so at least 72 hours prior to travel.  See the Entry Requirements section for more details.
  
  
• Violent crime related to the drugs trade is a major issue in the Mexican states along the border with California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.  Though some foreign nationals have been among the victims in the border region, there is no evidence to suggest that they have been targeted because of their nationality. Visitors to border areas should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.
  
  
• The hurricane season normally runs from June to November, andcan affect the whole of the southern USA.  See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more information. 
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism in the United States. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated the terror alert status of "orange", or high, for all international and domestic flights in the USA.  Definitions of the US terror alert system can be found on the US Department of Homeland Security website.  See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Around 6.5 million British nationals visit the United States each year (source: US Department of Homeland Security).  Most visits are trouble-free.  8,304 British nationals required consular assistance in the USA in period 01 April 2006 - 31 March 2007. The majority of cases occur in New York City; the tourist areas in Florida (principally Orlando and Miami); and Los Angeles and San Francisco.  You should be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities.  The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in the USA in 2006-07 were for replacing lost or stolen passports (2,792 cases); dealing with deaths (95 cases); and hospitalisations (75 cases); and dealing with arrests, for a variety of offences (1,415).
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

USA Country Profile.

Crime

You should bear in mind the following:

• Do not leave your door open at any time.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and carrying valuable items in run down areas.
• Do not sleep in your car by the roadside or in rest areas.
• Avoid leaving items on display in cars.
• Try to stay on main roads and use well-lit car parks.
• If hit from behind while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow you to a public place and call 911 for Police help.
  
  

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Local Travel

Severe weather can strike any states at any time.  You should keep a close watch of the weather reports.

Road Travel

If you intend to drive then an international driving licence is recommended.  If you are on a fly-drive holiday then a UK driving licence is required for each driver.  If you have a photocard licence you should remember to also bring the green 'paper' counterpart licence with you.  You should also ensure that your car rental insurance covers occupants of your vehicle and any third party claims, including personal injury.

You should learn US traffic laws before coming to the country.  For example, both the speed and drink driving limits are lower than in the UK.

It is worthwhile buying a detailed road atlas of the areas through which you are travelling.

Find out the prevailing weather conditions before embarking on a long journey, e.g.  in mountainous and isolated areas where there is increased likelihood of snowfall, or in dry desert areas where you may need extra water and petrol stations could be scarce.

In 2007 there were 41,059 road deaths in the USA, (Source: DfT). This equates to 13.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Local laws and customs

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 Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

More details are available on the VWP and other aspects of US immigration at the following websites:

If you are unsure, or if you think that your situation falls into any of the above categories, you should consult the US Embassy (see above) – you must do this well in advance of any plans to travel.

Does my British passport allow me to travel under the VWP?

To enter under the VWP your passport must contain a machine-readable zone (MRZ).

At the foot of the photo page. The MRZ contains 2 lines of text as letters, numbers and chevrons (>>>).  If the area is blank the passport is not machine-readable and you need to apply for a visa.

The new style passports containing a biometric chip and an MRZ are acceptable for the VWP.

My child is included in my passport is that OK?

No - each person entering under the VWP must have their own MRZ passport.

Can I extend my stay under the VWP?

No - US Immigration does not grant extensions beyond 90 days.  If you would like to stay in the US for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa before travelling.  For those already in the US hoping to extend beyond 90 days, you will need to depart the US and apply for a visa.

What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization?

ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It requires the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelerstravellers currently fill out en route to the U.S.

Why is a travel authorization via ESTA required for VWP travellers?

U.S. legislation required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement an electronic travel authorization system and other measures to enhance the security of the VWP. ESTA adds a layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.

How far in advance of my trip do I need to apply for travel authorisation?

Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. We recommend that travel authorization applications be submitted as early as possible, as soon as travel is planned. DHS realizes that not all travel is planned in advance, and applications for last-minute or emergency travel will be accommodated.

How long is my travel authorisation valid?

Travel authorizations are generally valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. A visitor may travel to the U.S. repeatedly within the validity period without having to apply for another ESTA.

Do I ever need to reapply for travel authorisation through the ESTA?

Yes, there are instances when a new travel authorization via ESTA would be required. If you have acquired a new passport or had a change in name, gender, or citizenship, or if the answers to any of the “yes or no” ESTA questions have changed, a new application must be submitted. Also, once the travel authorization expires, a new travel authorization via ESTA is required. Applicants may also update their destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their ESTA has been approved, although this will not be required.

How much time does it take for the system to process my application?

Once a traveller’s application has been successfully submitted online, in most cases an almost immediate determination of eligibility for travel is provided.

If a traveller is approved through ESTA to travel to the United States, does that mean that the traveller can enter the country?

Not necessarily.  An ESTA approval only authorises a traveller to board a carrier for travel to the US under the VWP.  An approved ESTA is not a guarantee of admissibility to the US at a port of entry.  In all cases, Customs and Border officials make admissibility determinations at US ports of entry or pre-clearance facilities.

Do VWP travellers need to bring a paper printout of their ESTA approval to the airport?

No.  The DHS will be able to communicate a travellers ESTA status with the carriers, but it is recommended that you print out the ESTA application response in order to maintain a record of your ESTA application number and of your confirmation status.

What do I do if my passport is due to expire?

You are advised to check the remaining validity of your passport as soon as you plan to travel overseas.  The US and the UK have an agreement that allows people travelling from one country to the other to enter using a passport with limited validity.  However, you are advised to renew your passport beforehand if it has six months remaining validity or less.  This is in case your departure from the US is delayed for any reason; if you wish to make side visits to other countries; or if you have further travel plans immediately after your visit to the US.

The ability to Transit Without Visa (TWOV) in the US has been suspended.  Those travellers who are passing through the United States ‘in transit’ but are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme must obtain a visa prior to travel.

I have a US criminal record - is that a problem?

US Criminal Records are linked to US Immigration databases.  If you have a previous conviction in the US; if you have violated your probation; or if you think you may have a US arrest warrant against you, we advise that you consult the US Embassy in London before travelling.  Failure to do so may result in detention and/or deportation.  Exclusion periods for aliens with previous convictions are as follows:

3 years - After being found inadmissible as an arriving alien.
10 years - Being ordered removed/excluded.
20 years - After being found inadmissible and having previously been excluded, deported or removed (i.e.  illegal re-entry).
Life - Aggravated Felonies.

Is dual nationality allowed?

Under US law if you or your children are dual UK-US nationals travelling between both countries, you should travel with both passports. US law also requires that dual US nationals use their US passport to enter and exit the country - those who attempt to travel on their foreign passport risk being denied boarding.  Further information can be obtained from the US State Department (see above).

What do I do if I have renounced my US citizenship?

If you have renounced your US citizenship, you should carry a copy of your Certificate of Loss of Nationality when you travel to or from the US.  If you do not, you may not be allowed to board your aircraft.

What will happen on arrival in the US?

All arrivals under the VWP are subject to US-VISIT. This means that all travellers aged between 14 and 79 are finger-scanned and digitally photographed on arrival. Special arrangements are in place for travellers with disabilities.

In 2002, the US authorities introduced the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System.  This requires nationals or citizens of certain countries - including those who also have British passports - to register on arrival and departure from the US, and in some cases, to register again with US authorities in-country.  

The Department of Homeland Security plans to replace the current two-fingerprint scanners with new 10 fingerprint scanners at all U.S. ports of entry over the next year.

On November 29, 2007, Homeland Security began the initial transition at Washington Dulles International Airport. During 2008, nine other U.S. airports will also collect additional fingerprints from international visitors. They include:

Boston Logan International Airport (Boston, Mass.)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago, Ill.)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit, Mich.)
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta, Ga.)
George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport (Houston, Texas)
Miami International Airport (Miami, Fla.)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York, N.Y.)
Orlando International Airport (Orlando, Fla.)
San Francisco International Airport. (San Francisco, Calif.)

The Department of State currently uses 10 fingerprint scanners at all of its visa issuing posts worldwide.

Are there special considerations for lone parents travelling with children?

Lone parents travelling with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing them travel.  For further information on rules for the US please contact the US Embassy in London (see above.)

How do I apply for a visa?

Most applicants for US visas are required to attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate prior to issue.  The waiting time for an interview varies.  The US Embassy in London finger-scans visa applicants.

If you are in the United States and hold either a C, E, H, I, L, O or P visa, you are obliged to leave the country if you wish to renew or change your visa status.  For further information, we recommend that you visit the State Department website (see above) for more details or consult an attorney specialising in immigration law.

What can I do if I had a problem entering the US?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched the DHS Traveller Redress Inquiry Programme (DHS TRIP). This is a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their entry into the United States.  For further information, we recommend that you visit the US Department of Homeland Security website.

Health

Natural disasters

Hurricanes

Following Hurricane Ike, parts of Texas and Louisiana sustained considerable infrastructural damage including flooding and loss of power to many areas.   Coastal areas that were subject to mandatory evacuation, including Galveston, are still largely uninhabitable.  We suggest that you reconfirm your travel and accommodation arrangements before visiting these areas.

The hurricane season normally runs from June to November, and can affect the whole of the southern USA.  There are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself if you are travelling to an area where hurricanes are common, including:

• Telling friends or family in advance about your itinerary and calling them to let them know of your plans if a hurricane moves into the area in which you are staying.
• Pay close attention to local media outlets.
• Keep important numbers handy such as airlines, tour operators, travel insurance providers and the nearest Embassy or consulate.

In the event that you do have to evacuate, you should monitor local media and follow the advice of local or state authorities. Please remember to take your passport and other important documents with you and let your friends and family in the UK know where you are going and how they can reach you. This can prevent a lot of anxiety and confusion later on.

For details about storms in the United States, please visit http://www.wunderground.com/. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website http://www.fema.gov also contains information about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions and what to do if you are told to evacuate.  It also provides a useful list of disaster supplies that will help if you live in an area affected by storms and hurricanes.

You should monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical cyclones.

Earthquakes

The West Coast of the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska, is prone to Earthquakes. The United States Geological Survey (USGS)  and other scientists conclude that there is a high probability of at least one magnitude 6.7 or greater quake, capable of causing widespread damage, striking the region before 2032. Please refer to the following website: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/preparedness

Wild Fires

Forest and brush fires (wild fires) are a danger in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.  The greatest fire risk is during a period of dry weather and high winds, which can cause brush fires to spread very rapidly. You should monitor local media reports about such fires and follow the advice of local law enforcement officials.

You should follow the advice of the local authorities and also check local fire information on http://www.calfires.com for advice.  You should also check with your hosts in the US if you intend to travel to areas which may be affected.

California is experiencing its fouth year of drought and brush fires are a major threat across the state. The risk of major brush fires around Los Angeles and all of southern California is very high, especially from August to November. Areas of highest risk are the canyons and hills where dry vegetation and Santa Ana high winds can cause wild fires to move very quickly and threaten property. Visitors and residents are urged to follow the advice of local law enforcement, especially in respect of orders to evacuate an area under threat.

The following websites can provide up-to-date information on fires and road closures:

- http://www.fire.ca.gov/index_incidents.php   includes statewide fire map identifying the locations of fires;

- http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/statemap.htm - To check roads for road closure/delays

General

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