Exploring America: Essential Requirements For Your Journey

Planning a trip to the United States? There are a few things you should know. First, the US has different entry requirements depending on where you're travelling from and the purpose of your visit. You'll need a valid passport, and possibly a visa or ESTA visa waiver. It's also important to be aware of local laws, taxes, and potential safety concerns. The cost of your trip will vary depending on your budget and destinations, but be prepared for expenses like food, accommodation, and transportation. Finally, consider purchasing travel insurance and registering with your country's embassy or consulate in case of emergencies.

Spending money and budgeting

When it comes to spending money and budgeting for a trip to the USA, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to determine the length of your stay, your preferred travel style, and your desired destinations within the country. The cost of living varies significantly across different states and cities in America, so it's crucial to research the specific locations you plan to visit. Additionally, your spending will depend on factors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.

For accommodation, the cost will depend on whether you prefer luxury hotels, mid-range options, or budget-friendly choices like hostels or campsites. Transportation costs can include taxi rides, which vary in price depending on the city (for example, New York City or Los Angeles taxis are more expensive than Detroit), as well as car rentals, which can be more affordable if rented from smaller towns or outside of peak periods.

When it comes to food, eating out in the US is generally comparable in price to other countries like Australia, but portions tend to be larger. It's recommended to budget around $15 USD for lunch and $25 USD for dinner, excluding tips, which typically range from 10% to 20%. Entertainment and activities can include entrance fees to attractions, museums, and parks, with prices varying based on the specific activity.

To give a rough estimate, it is recommended to budget between $100 and $300 USD per day for travel in the USA. This can be further broken down into budget, mid-range, and luxury categories. For a low budget, plan for $90 to $120 USD per person per day. For a mid-range budget, $250 to $300 USD per person per day should be sufficient. If you're looking for a luxury experience, budget $800 USD or more per person per day. These estimates do not include pre-travel expenses such as flights, insurance, and visa waiver fees.

When creating your budget, don't forget to account for any pre-departure expenses, such as travel insurance, ESTA waiver or visa costs, and any necessary immunisations. Additionally, set aside some funds for unexpected expenses, souvenirs, and off-the-cuff spending.

Entry requirements and restrictions

Each country has its own rules and restrictions for visitors, and the USA is no exception. Here are the key things you need to know about entry requirements and restrictions for travelling to America:

Passport and Visa Requirements:

• Your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay in the USA.
• To enter or transit through the USA, you must have either a valid visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver. You can apply for an ESTA through US Customs and Border Protection or via their mobile app.
• Canadian citizens travelling to the USA by air must present a valid passport or a NEXUS card, used at self-serve kiosks at designated airports.
• Canadian citizens aged 16 and older entering the USA by land or water must present specific documents, such as a Trusted Traveller Program card, an enhanced driver's licence, or a Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Health and Vaccination Requirements:

• There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the USA. However, this is subject to change, so it is essential to check for updates before your trip.
• The US government recommends getting vaccinated for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza, and others before travelling to the USA.
• If you are travelling with a pet, dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entry, except for puppies under three months old.

Customs and Import Restrictions:

• You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering the USA. This includes certain prescription drugs and medications that may be restricted under US drug importation laws.
• Always carry a physician's note explaining your medical condition if you are travelling with prescription medication.
• US Customs and Border Protection can deny entry to non-citizens for five years if they present false documentation or misrepresent themselves.

Other Entry Requirements:

• You may need to provide proof of your Canadian citizenship upon entry, such as a valid passport or a NEXUS card.
• Canadian visitors can usually stay in the USA for up to six months without a visa. However, you must declare your intended duration of stay upon entry.
• If you are a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, you may be subject to different entry/exit requirements, and the ability of Canadian consular officials to offer assistance may be limited.
• US border agents are entitled to search your electronic devices when entering the country, and they can seize your device if you refuse. Therefore, it is advisable to put your devices in airplane mode before crossing the border to avoid accidental downloads of remote files.

Safety and security

The US Department of Homeland Security provides current alerts within the US and its territories. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in public places, as the threat of terrorism is high. Targets could include government buildings, schools, airports, and other transportation networks.

Criminal incidents associated with drug trafficking are more frequent at the border with Mexico, in the states of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. If you are crossing the US-Mexico border by car, remain vigilant, only use official border crossings, and avoid travelling at night.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in urban centres and tourist locations. Violent crime and gun crime rarely affect tourists but can be more common in poor neighbourhoods, especially at night and often involving gangs or members of organised crime groups. Mass shooting incidents can happen but are a very small percentage of murders.

To protect your belongings, do not leave bags or valuables unattended in parked cars, especially rental vehicles, and even in trunks. Do not leave passports in rental cars, especially in the boot, as gangs may target vehicles driven by tourists.

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 irregular or unusual features.
• Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
• Check for any unauthorised transactions on your account statements.

If you are hiking, backpacking, or skiing, it is recommended to:

• Never practice 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.

If you are driving, check the weather conditions before a long car journey, especially in mountainous, isolated, or desert areas where services may be limited. Do not sleep in your car by the road or in rest areas, and use well-lit car parks. Avoid leaving any items on display in your car.

If you are in an accident, ask any other drivers involved to follow you to a public place and call the police. Petrol stations that do not display the price of fuel usually charge considerably more than the national average, so make sure you know the price of fuel before using these services.

Health and travel insurance

When travelling to the US, it's important to consider your health and travel insurance options. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Health Insurance

If you're visiting the US from another country, it's important to note that health insurance from other countries is usually not accepted in the US. The cost of medical treatment in the US can be very high, so it's crucial to have adequate health insurance coverage. Travel medical insurance, also known as visitors insurance, can provide financial compensation for medical expenses incurred during your trip. This type of insurance is specifically designed for non-US citizens travelling to the country for short periods, ranging from a few weeks to a year.

When choosing a travel medical insurance plan, consider the following:

• Cost: The cost of travel medical insurance will depend on factors such as the visitor's age, trip length, medical coverage amount, and deductible chosen.
• Trip interruption benefits: Look for policies that include trip interruption benefits, which will cover the costs of returning home early due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Coverage maximums: Choose a plan with higher coverage maximums to ensure you have sufficient protection in case of a medical emergency.
• Out-of-network reimbursement: Understand the reimbursement policy for out-of-network care, as some plans may only cover a certain percentage of these costs.
• Pre-existing conditions: Some travel medical insurance policies cover pre-existing medical conditions, but this coverage may be limited. Be sure to read the fine print and understand any restrictions or exclusions.
• Urgent and emergency care: Ensure that your policy covers urgent and emergency care, as these can be costly without insurance.
• Dental coverage: Consider whether you need dental coverage, as some policies offer limited or no coverage for dental emergencies.
• Evacuation and repatriation: Look for policies that include medical evacuation and repatriation coverage in case you need to be evacuated to your home country for medical reasons.

Travel Insurance

In addition to health insurance, travel insurance can provide valuable protection during your trip. Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, delays, lost luggage, and other non-medical issues. Here are some things to consider when choosing a travel insurance plan:

• Medical coverage: Some travel insurance plans offer limited medical coverage, while others provide more comprehensive protection. Evaluate your needs and choose a plan that offers sufficient medical benefits.
• Trip interruption and delay: Look for plans that cover trip interruption and delay, which can reimburse you for unused portions of your trip or additional expenses incurred due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage loss or delay: Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or delayed luggage, which can be helpful if you're travelling with valuable items.
• Activities and sports: If you plan to participate in extreme or adventure sports, ensure that your travel insurance covers any medical expenses that may arise from these activities.
• Evacuation: In addition to medical evacuation, some travel insurance plans offer coverage for non-medical evacuations due to political unrest, natural disasters, or other reasons.
• Pre-existing conditions: Like health insurance, travel insurance may have limitations or exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Read the policy carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.
• COVID-19 coverage: With the ongoing pandemic, it's important to choose a travel insurance plan that includes COVID-19 coverage.

Other Considerations:

• Visa requirements: Depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your trip, you may need to obtain a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter the US.
• Passport validity: Ensure that your passport is valid for the length of your planned stay. Some countries may require at least six months of validity remaining on your passport for entry.
• Vaccine requirements: Check for any vaccine requirements or recommendations before your trip.

Driving and road safety

Driving in the United States can be dangerous. There are more than 34,000 traffic deaths every year, with millions more suffering severe and debilitating injuries. Many of these accidents are avoidable.

• Check your hire car thoroughly before setting off. This includes the tires, wiper blades, defroster, fluids, and the belt and hose connections.
• Gear up with water, snacks, a blanket, travel pillow, first-aid kit, flashlight, tools, a safety reflector or flares, and an extra quart of oil.
• Bring a map and keep a spare key in your pocket.
• Avoid driving at night, especially in areas close to the Mexican border, where criminal incidents associated with drug trafficking are more frequent.
• Be mindful of your surroundings at all times and verify official neighbourhood crime statistics before planning your route.
• Do not leave bags or valuables unattended in parked cars, especially rental vehicles, and even in trunks.
• Be aware that violent crime is more common in poor neighbourhoods in large urban areas, particularly from dusk to dawn.
• The rate of firearm possession in the US is high, and it is legal in many states for citizens to openly carry firearms in public. Familiarise yourself with how to respond to an active shooter situation.
• Be vigilant for robbery ploys targeting visitors. Criminals may signal for you to stop due to an issue with your vehicle, or throw items at your windshield, forcing you to pull over. Avoid stopping on the side of the road and put your hazard lights on, driving slowly to a populated area.
• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.
• Be cautious when using credit or debit cards. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others, use ATMs in well-lit public areas, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and check for any unauthorised transactions.
• Be aware of the risk of terrorism. Targets could include government buildings, airports, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, and hotels.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Do not text or talk on your cell phone while driving.
• Wear a seatbelt.
• Be aware of local traffic laws, which vary from state to state. For example, some states require motorcyclists to wear helmets, while others do not.
• If you are driving an RV, campgrounds and truck stops are good options for overnight parking. Rest areas are not intended for overnight stays but can be used for a quick nap. Many Walmart locations will also allow RVs to park overnight in their parking lots.
• When driving in the mountains, do not ride your brakes when going downhill; shift into a lower gear. Use lower gears to head up steep grades, too. Keep your gas tank filled, as gas stations may be few and far between. If there are more than three cars behind you, pull over when it is safe and allow them to pass. In winter, carry antifreeze, snow chains, an ice scraper, and a small shovel.
• When driving in wet conditions, slow down. Do not drive through standing water, as you don't know how deep it is. If your car hydroplanes, take your foot off the gas and keep looking and steering in the direction you want to go. Do not use your high beams in fog, and avoid sudden stops.
• When driving in the desert, let someone know your route. Avoid driving in the afternoon when temperatures peak, and keep yourself hydrated. If your engine begins to overheat, pull over and roll down your windows, blasting the heater. In the event of a breakdown, stay with your car unless you know where the next oasis is. Keep the hood raised so people know you need help, as it can also provide some shade.
• If you are pulled over by the police, keep your hands visible, stay calm, and be polite. You have the right to remain silent and do not have to allow a search of your car or yourself unless there is probable cause or you are under arrest. Provide your name, license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you are arrested, ask for a lawyer immediately. If you are not arrested, ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, go on your way. If you feel you have been treated badly, take down the officer's name and badge number and make a complaint afterward.
• To avoid a road rage incident, do not cut anyone off, drive slowly in the left lane, tailgate, or make rude gestures. Give angry drivers plenty of space and avoid eye contact. If you need help, call the police or drive to a populated location.

Frequently asked questions