Preparing for Your Trip

Entry Requirements

When this was written, the United States was phasing in new rules requiring every traveler entering or leaving the country, including U.S. citizens, to have a passport or other accepted document. That will include visitors from Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, and Mexico. Check at any U.S. embassy or consulate or the U.S. State Department's website (www.travel.state.gov) for current information and requirements.

You can also obtain a visa application and other information at the department's website.

Visas -- The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program allowing citizens of certain countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. When reviewed, these included Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Citizens of these countries need only a valid passport and a round-trip air or cruise ticket in their possession upon arrival. If they first enter the United States, they may also visit Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and/or the Caribbean islands and return to the United States without a visa. Further information is available from any U.S. embassy or consulate. Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas; they need only proof of residence.

Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the end of their visit, and (2) a tourist visa, which may be obtained from any U.S. consulate.

To obtain a visa, the traveler must submit a completed application form (either in person or by mail) with a 1 1/2-inch-square photo and must demonstrate binding ties to a residence abroad. Usually you can obtain a visa at once or within 24 hours, but due to security policies, visa waits may take longer -- especially during the summer rush, from June through August. Male non-immigrants between 16 and 45 years of age and students and exchange visitors must complete supplemental applications. Please contact your local consulate or visit the "Visa Wait Times" section of the State Department website for further details (www.travel.state.gov).

If you cannot go in person, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for directions on applying by mail. Your travel agent or airline office may be able to provide you with visa applications and instructions. The U.S. consulate or embassy that issues your visa will determine whether you will be issued a multiple- or single-entry visa and any restrictions on the length of your stay.

British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information from the Embassy of the United States London, UK, 24 Grosvenor Sq., London, W1A 1AE by calling the U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (tel. 0891/200-290) or by visiting the "Visa Services" section of www.usembassy.org.uk.

Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the Embassy of the USA Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Dublin 4, Ireland (tel. 353/1-668-8777), or by checking the "Visas to the U.S." section of the website http://dublin.usembassy.gov.

Australian citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (tel. 02/6214-5600) or by checking the "Visas to the U.S." section of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission's website at http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular.

Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 644/462-6000), or get the information directly from the "For New Zealanders" section of the website http://usembassy.org.nz.

Driver's Licenses -- Foreign driver's licenses are mostly recognized in the U.S., although you may want to get an international driver's license if your home license is not written in English.

Medical Requirements -- Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States. If you have a medical condition that requires syringe-administered medications, carry a valid, signed prescription from your physician -- the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not allow airline passengers to pack syringes in their carry-on baggage without documented proof of medical need. If you have a disease that requires treatment with narcotics, you should also carry documented proof -- smuggling narcotics aboard a plane is a serious offense that carries severe penalties in the U.S.

For HIV-positive visitors, requirements for entering the United States are vague and change frequently. According to HIV and Immigrants: A Manual for AIDS Service Providers, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) doesn't require a medical exam for entry into the U.S., but INS officials may stop individuals because they look sick or they are carrying AIDS/HIV medicine.

If an HIV-positive non-citizen applies for a non-immigrant visa, the question on the application regarding communicable diseases is tricky no matter which way it's answered. If the applicant checks "no," INS may deny the visa on the grounds that the applicant committed fraud. If the applicant checks "yes" or if INS suspects the person is HIV positive, it will deny the visa unless the applicant asks for a special waiver for visitors. This waiver is for people visiting the United States for a short time, to attend a conference, for instance, to visit close relatives, or to receive medical treatment. It can be a confusing situation. For up-to-the-minute information, contact AIDSinfo (tel. 800/448-0440, or 301/519-6616 outside the U.S.; www.aidsinfo.nih.gov) or the Gay Men's Health Crisis (tel. 212/367-1000; www.gmhc.org).

Passport Information

Safeguard your passport in an inconspicuous place like a money belt. Make a copy of the critical pages, including the passport number, and store it separately from the passport. If you lose your passport, visit the nearest consulate of your native country as soon as possible for a replacement.

Note that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended a policy requiring that every individual who travels by air have his or her own passport. In response, many countries are now requiring that children be issued their own passport to travel internationally, where before, those under 16 or so may have been allowed to travel on a parent or guardian's passport.

Machine Readable Passports -- All travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are required to have a machine-readable passport. If you don't have one, you will be required to obtain a visa before coming to the United States.

For Residents of Canada -- You can pick up a passport application at 1 of 28 regional passport offices or most travel agencies. Canadian children who travel must have their own passport. However, if you hold a valid Canadian passport issued before December 11, 2001, that bears the name of your child, the passport remains valid for you and your child until it expires. Passports cost C$85 for those 16 years and older (valid 5 yr.), C$35 children 3 to 15 (valid 5 yr.), and C$20 children under 3 (valid 3 yr.). Applications, which must be accompanied by two identical passport-size photographs and proof of Canadian citizenship, are available at travel agencies throughout Canada or from the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport). Processing takes 5 to 10 days if you apply in person or about 3 weeks by mail.

For Residents of the United Kingdom -- As a member of the European Union, you need only an identity card, not a passport, to travel to other EU countries. That is not the case with the United States, however, for you must have a passport to come here. To pick up an application for a standard 10-year passport (5-yr. passport for children under 16), visit the nearest Passport Office, major post office, or travel agency. You can also contact the United Kingdom Passport Service at tel. 0870/571-0410 or visit its website at www.passport.gov.uk. Passports are £33 for adults and £19 for children under 16, with an additional £30 fee if you apply in person at a Passport Office. Processing takes about 2 weeks (1 week if you apply at the Passport Office).

For Residents of Ireland -- You can apply for a 10-year passport, costing €75, at the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie). Those under age 18 and over 65 must pay €25 for a 5-year or 10-year passport, respectively Children under 3 pay €15 for a 3-year passport. You can also apply at 1A South Mall, Cork (tel. 021/272-525) or over the counter at most main post offices.

For Residents of Australia -- You can get an application from your post office or any branch of Passports Australia, but must schedule an interview at the passport office to present your application materials. Call the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit the government website at www.passports.gov.au. Passports for adults are A$150 and for those under 18 A$75.

For Residents of New Zealand -- You can pick up a passport application at any New Zealand Passports Office or download it from their website. Contact the Passports Office at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100, or log on to www.passports.govt.nz. Passports for adults are NZ$71 and for children under 16 NZ$36. The cost increases significantly if you reside outside New Zealand.

Customs

What You Can Bring In -- Every visitor more than 21 years of age may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is altogether forbidden to bring into the country foodstuffs (particularly fruit, cooked meats, and canned goods) and plants (vegetables, seeds, tropical plants, and the like). Foreign tourists may bring in or take out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For more specific information regarding U.S. Customs, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or the U.S. Customs office (tel. 202/927-1770; www.customs.ustreas.gov).

What You Can Take Home -- U.K. citizens returning from a non-EU country have a customs allowance of: 200 cigarettes; 50 cigars; 250g of smoking tobacco; 2 liters of still table wine; 1 liter of spirits or strong liqueurs (over 22% volume); 2 liters of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or other liqueurs; 60cc (ml) of perfume; 250cc (ml) of toilet water; and £145 worth of all other goods, including gifts and souvenirs. People under 17 cannot have the tobacco or alcohol allowance. For more information, contact HM Customs & Excise at tel. 0845/010-9000 (from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152) or consult their website at www.hmce.gov.uk.

For a summary of Canadian rules, request the booklet I Declare, issued by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4044). Canada allows its citizens a C$750 exemption, and you're allowed to bring back duty-free 1 carton of cigarettes, 1 can of tobacco, 40 imperial ounces of liquor, and 50 cigars. In addition, you're allowed to mail gifts to Canada valued at less than C$60 a day, provided they're unsolicited and don't contain alcohol or tobacco (write on the package "Unsolicited gift, under $60 value"). All valuables should be declared on the Y-38 form before departure from Canada, including serial numbers of valuables you already own, such as expensive foreign cameras. Note: The C$750 exemption can only be used once a year and only after an absence of 7 days.

Health Insurance

Although it's not required of travelers, health insurance is highly recommended. Unlike many European countries, the United States does not usually offer free or low-cost medical care to its citizens or visitors. Doctors and hospitals are expensive and, in most cases, will require advance payment or proof of coverage before they render their services. Packages such as Europ Assistance's "Worldwide Healthcare Plan" are sold by European automobile clubs and travel agencies at attractive rates. Worldwide Assistance Services, Inc. (tel. 800/821-2828; www.worldwideassistance.com) is the agent for Europ Assistance in the U.S.

Though lack of health insurance may prevent you from being admitted to a hospital in non-emergencies, don't worry about being left on a street corner to die: The American way is to fix you now and bill the living daylights out of you later.

Insurance for British Travelers -- Most big travel agents offer their own insurance and will probably try to sell you their package when you book a holiday. Think before you sign. Britain's Consumers' Association recommends that you insist on seeing the policy and reading the fine print before buying travel insurance. The Association of British Insurers (tel. 020/7600-3333; www.abi.org.uk) gives advice by phone and publishes Holiday Insurance, a free guide to policy provisions and prices. You might also shop around for better deals: Try Columbus Direct (tel. 020/7375-0011; www.columbusdirect.net).

Insurance for Canadian Travelers -- Canadians should check with their provincial health plan offices or call Health Santé Canada (tel. 613/957-2991; www.hc-sc.gc.ca) to find out the extent of their coverage and what documentation and receipts they must take home in case they are treated in the United States.

Money

Currency -- The U.S. monetary system is very simple: The most common bills are the $1 (colloquially, a "buck"), $5, $10, and $20 denominations. There are also $2 bills (seldom encountered), $50 bills, and $100 bills (the last two are usually not welcome as payment for small purchases). All the paper money was recently redesigned, making the famous faces adorning them disproportionately large. The old-style bills are still legal tender.

There are seven denominations of coins: 1¢ (1 cent, or a penny), 5¢ (5 cents, or a nickel), 10¢ (10 cents, or a dime), 25¢ (25 cents, or a quarter), 50¢ (50 cents, or a half-dollar), the gold-colored "Sacagawea" coin worth $1, and the less common silver dollar.

Note: The "foreign-exchange bureaus" common in Europe are rare even at airports in the U.S. and nonexistent outside major cities. It's best not to change foreign money (or traveler's checks in a currency other than U.S. dollars) at a small-town bank or even a branch in a big city; in fact, leave any currency other than U.S. dollars at home -- it may prove a greater nuisance to you than it's worth.

Traveler's Checks -- Though traveler's checks are widely accepted, make sure that they're denominated in U.S. dollars, as foreign-currency checks are often difficult to exchange here. The three traveler's checks that are most widely recognized -- and least likely to be denied -- are Visa, American Express, and Thomas Cook. Be sure to record the numbers of the checks and keep that information in a separate place in case they get lost or stolen. Most businesses are good about taking traveler's checks, but you're better off cashing them in at a bank (in small amounts) and paying in cash. Remember: You'll need identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to change a traveler's check.

Credit Cards & ATMs -- Credit cards are the most widely used form of payment in the United States, so I strongly recommend that you bring at least one major credit card. You must have a credit or charge card to rent a car. Hotels and airlines usually require a credit-card imprint as a deposit, and in an emergency, a credit card can be priceless.

Visa (Barclaycard in Britain) and MasterCard (Eurocard in Europe, Access in Britain, Chargex in Canada) are accepted almost everywhere. American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and Carte Blanche also are widely accepted, but you can't use them everywhere. Some stores and restaurants do not take credit cards or do not take a particular card (especially American Express and Diners Club), so ask in advance. Most businesses display a sticker to let you know which cards they accept. (Note: Businesses may require a minimum purchase of around $10, to use a credit card.)

Safety

General Suggestions -- Although tourist areas are generally safe, U.S. urban areas tend to be less safe than those in Europe or Japan. You should always stay alert. This is particularly true of large American cities. If you're in doubt about which neighborhoods are safe, don't hesitate to make inquiries with the hotel front desk staff or the local tourist office.

Avoid deserted areas, especially at night, and don't go into parks after dark unless there's a concert or similar occasion that will attract a crowd.

Avoid carrying valuables with you on the street, and keep cameras or electronic equipment bagged up or covered when not in use. If you're using a map, try to consult it inconspicuously -- or better yet, study it before you leave your room. Hold onto your pocketbook and place your billfold in an inside pocket. In theaters, restaurants, and other public places, keep your possessions in sight.

Always lock your room door -- don't assume that once you're inside you are automatically safe and no longer need to be aware of your surroundings. Hotels are open to the public, and in a large hotel, security may not be able to screen everyone who enters.

Driving Safety -- Driving safety is important too, and carjacking is not unprecedented. Question your rental agency about personal safety and ask for a traveler-safety brochure when you pick up your car. Obtain written directions -- or a map with the route clearly marked -- from the agency showing how to get to your destination. (Many agencies now offer the option of renting a cellphone for the duration of your car rental; check with the agent when you pick up the car. Otherwise, contact InTouch USA at tel. 800/872-7626 or www.intouchusa.com for short-term cellphone rental.) If possible, arrive and depart during daylight hours.

If you drive off a highway and end up in a dodgy-looking neighborhood, leave the area as quickly as possible. If you have an accident, even on the highway, stay in your car with the doors locked until you assess the situation or until the police arrive. If you're bumped from behind on the street or are involved in a minor accident with no injuries and the situation appears to be suspicious, motion to the other driver to follow you. Never get out of your car in such situations. Go directly to the nearest police precinct, well-lit service station, or 24-hour store.

Park in well-lit areas whenever possible. Always keep your car doors locked, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended. Never leave any packages or valuables in sight. If someone attempts to rob you or steal your car, don't try to resist the thief/carjacker. Report the incident to the police department immediately by calling tel. 911.