Travel Advisory: Australia's View On Visiting The United States

Australia's Smartraveller website provides travel advice for over 170 destinations, including the United States. The website offers free email subscriptions for travel advice updates and news, as well as social media updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The travel advisory for the United States covers various topics, such as safety, health, local laws, visas, and more.

Civil unrest and political tension

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has issued a warning for Australians to avoid all travel to the USA due to the potential for civil unrest and political tension surrounding the 2020 US Election. The warning was updated on 2 November 2020, just days before the election, and remains current as of 12 September 2024.

DFAT advises travellers to avoid areas where protests and demonstrations are occurring due to the ongoing potential for violence. It is recommended to monitor local media for information and updates, follow the instructions of local authorities, and abide by any movement restrictions or curfews.

There is a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the USA, with potential methods including vehicles, knives, homemade bombs, and poisons or toxins. Travellers are advised to be vigilant, particularly in public places and at events. The risk of violent crime and gun crime is also higher in the USA than in Australia, and active shooter events can occur. It is recommended that travellers learn active shooter drills and be prepared to respond to such incidents.

The political tension and civil unrest in the USA are fuelled by various factors, including social media, which is awash with hate and conspiracy theories, creating a volatile rift across society. There are also concerns about the economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rising unemployment, and increasing gun sales and purchases of military-style tactical gear.

The 2020 US Election and its aftermath have been identified as a potential flashpoint for civil unrest and violence. DFAT specifically mentions the election as a factor in its travel advisory, and the risk of social and political tension remains relevant in the lead-up to the 2024 election on 5 November 2024.

Safety precautions

The Australian Government's Smartraveller website provides travel advice for the United States and over 170 other destinations worldwide. The website advises travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in the United States. Here are some specific safety precautions to consider when travelling to the US:

• Civil Unrest and Political Tension: Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the potential for unrest and violence. Monitor local media for information, follow the instructions of local authorities, and abide by any curfews.
• Violent Crime and Gun Violence: Violent crime and gun violence are more prevalent in the United States than in Australia. Mass shootings, active shooter events, and hate crimes can occur, including incidents directed towards the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Stay vigilant, especially in urban areas and at night, and follow local advice on unsafe areas.
• Terrorism: The US Department of Homeland Security maintains the National Terrorism Advisory System, which provides alerts and advice on potential terrorist threats. Be alert in public places, report suspicious activity, and follow official warnings and local authorities' advice.
• Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: The US is prone to natural disasters and severe weather events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and extreme temperatures. Monitor local media and authorities' instructions, and register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) for alerts.
• Health and Medical: Ensure your vaccinations are up to date and consider insect and tick repellents to prevent insect-borne illnesses. Medical costs in the US are extremely high, so ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Some medications available in Australia may be illegal in the US, so check the legality of any medication you plan to bring.
• Local Laws: Research local laws before travelling, as some US states have laws that may affect LGBTQIA+ travellers and restrict access to abortion and reproductive health services. Drug-related offences, including possession of marijuana, can carry severe penalties. The federal drinking age is 21, but state laws may vary.
• Transport and Driving: Some US states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to an Australian driver's licence. Learn local traffic rules and driving conditions before driving, as rules vary between states.
• Social Media: Avoid commenting on local or political events on social media. Travellers have been arrested for their online statements.

Health risks

Medical costs in the United States are extremely high, and you may need to pay upfront for medical assistance. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers all overseas medical costs, including pre-existing conditions and medical evacuation. The Australian government won't pay for these costs, and there is no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and the United States.

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 United States. Insect-borne illnesses include West Nile virus and viral encephalitis (multiple types). Sporadic outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya virus, and zika have also occurred in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

To protect yourself from insect-borne illnesses:

• Ensure 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.

The standard of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the United States is similar to Australia, but 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.

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications readily available in Australia are illegal in the United States. It is also illegal to possess prescription medication without a prescription. If you plan to bring medication with you, check whether it's legal in the United States and take enough to last the duration of your trip. Keep your medication in its original container and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating the medication's name, your required dosage, and that it's for personal use.

Local laws

Australia's Smartraveller website offers the following local law-related travel advice for those visiting the United States:

• 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 United States. 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.
• The United States recognises dual nationality. If you're a United States dual national, you must travel with both your Australian and US passports, use your US passport to enter and exit the United States and its territories, and use your Australian passport to enter and exit Australia.
• 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.
• An approved ESTA or valid visa doesn’t guarantee entry to the United States. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry will determine your eligibility. If CBP denies your entry, you may be held at the port of entry or a nearby detention facility while US authorities arrange your return to Australia (or the last country you visited).
• Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the United States. 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.

Entry requirements

The United States has strict entry requirements. US 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.

If you're visiting the United States for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). An ESTA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries. You will need to reapply if you renew your passport within those two years or your VWP eligibility changes.

If you don't qualify for the VWP, you will need to get a visa before you travel. The category of visa will depend on your reason for travel.

Even with an approved ESTA or valid visa, you are not guaranteed entry to the United States. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry will decide if you can enter the country. They 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 United States under the VWP or on a visa, you will 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.
• Proof that 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 that you're visiting for a valid reason. If you are refused entry, you may be held at the port of entry or a nearby detention facility while US authorities arrange your return to Australia or the last country you visited.

US authorities may deny boarding to any US-bound traveller showing signs of illness. Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the United States.

Frequently asked questions