Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to the United States. 

  

 

Crime

 

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your property against petty crime. Don’t leave passports in rental cars, especially in the boot, as there have been a high number of thefts by gangs targeting the vehicles of those who appear to be tourists.

 

Violent crime, including gun crime, sometimes involves tourists, but you should take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas. Crime associated with the illegal drugs trade is a major issue in Mexican states bordering Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. Some foreign nationals have been among the victims of crime in the border regions, but there is no evidence to suggest they have been targeted because of their nationality. Research your destination before travelling, be vigilant, and follow the advice of local authorities.

 

Road travel

 

If you’re planning to drive in the United States, check the driving rules in the state(s) you’ll be visiting. Provisional licenses aren’t accepted. International Driving Permits are generally not required in the US but it is helpful to carry one, and they’re only valid in conjunction with a full  driving licence. The United States doesn’t issue International Driving Permits to foreign visitors, so you’ll need to obtain this document before you travel. Check requirements with your vehicle rental company.

 

In 2012 there were 33,561 road deaths in the United States (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 10.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the EU average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2012.

 

US traffic laws can vary from state to state. Speed and drink driving limits, as well as information on disabled permits, can be found through the individual state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website.

 

Most car rental companies offer electronic toll fee payment facilities which will allow you to automatically pay for your toll fees. These toll fee payment facilities must be hired for the duration of your rental and will allow you to use the electronic lanes on toll roads. Be sure to discuss with your rental car company their policy on toll fees.

 

Check the weather conditions before embarking on a long journey, particularly 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. Do not sleep in your car by the roadside or in rest areas and avoid leaving any items on display in your car. Try to stay on main roads and use well-lit car parks. If you’re hit from behind while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow you to a public place and call 911 for the police.

 

Petrol stations that do not display the price of fuel usually charge considerably more than the national average for a gallon of fuel. They’re often found close to tourist destinations and airports, and notoriously near to Orlando International Airport.

 

Air travel

 

Before you travel, check the security measures you’re likely to face at the airport on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website. The TSA has a helpline number to help passengers with disabilities and medical conditions before they fly.

 

Don’t make flippant remarks about bombs or terrorism, especially when passing through US airports.

 

All travellers arriving from Ebola affected areas in West Africa (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) must arrive at one of the following 5 airports in order to undergo health screening: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Washington DC, O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Chicago, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) New York, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) New York, or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Atlanta. For more information see the US Department of Homeland Security website.

 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued security directives to all US and international air carriers with inbound flights to the US. If you’re travelling from or through nations that are considered state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest you will need to go through enhanced screening. For a list of the countries affected visit the TSA website.

 

Local laws and customs

Laws vary from state to state. When you are physically present in a state, even temporarily, you are subject to that state’s laws. You must carry a passport showing that you have leave to enter or remain with you at all times.

 

Possession or trafficking of a controlled substance in the United States can carry a severe prison sentence and/or fine. Check with each state you are intending to visit to make sure you comply with the personal possession and consumption laws of controlled substances within those states. A list of all types of controlled substances, as listed under the Controlled Substances Act, can be found on the US Department of Justice website.

 

Health

Medical treatment is expensive and there are no special arrangements for foreign visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Some hospitals may ask non-US residents to pay a deposit or ‘good faith’ payment on admittance. You should direct any requests for funds to your travel insurance provider in the first instance; only pay the hospital if you’re advised to do so by your travel insurance company. Your level of medical care won’t be affected while your claim is being processed.

 

There are occasional outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, dengue fever and Chikungunya virus. You should take suitable steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

 

Earthquakes

 

Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Puerto Rico, and Washington state are prone to earthquakes. 

 

Hurricanes

 

The hurricane season normally runs from June to November and can affect US coastal regions. Y

 

Tornadoes

 

Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year depending on weather conditions. 

 

Wild fires

 

Forest and brush fires (wild fires) are a danger in many dry areas. High winds can cause fires to spread very rapidly. Areas of high risk are canyons, hills and forests. Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local law enforcement officials. 

 

Snow storms

 

Snow storms during winter can cause delays and cancellations throughout the major airline hubs in the USA. Contact your travel company or airline before you travel. To monitor airport conditions in the USA, visit the Federal Aviation Administration website.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

US immigration officials will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under exceptional measures put in place in mid-2014, but you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

 

Visa Waiver Programme (VWP)

 

The VWP allows SOME EU Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days. The types of journey permissible under the VWP include tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

 

Travel under the VWP is restricted to travellers with passports that include certain security features. If you have doubts about whether you’re eligible to enter the US under the VWP (eg if you have a criminal record or have been arrested even if it didn’t result in a conviction), or about visa matters generally, contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for advice.

 

Those travelling under the VWP arriving by air or sea should provide details online at least 72 hours before travel. This is known as an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation or ESTA. If you do not have an ESTA you’ll be refused travel to the USA. If you’re arriving by land, you do not need to complete an ESTA before you arrive at the border. Getting an ESTA is a separate process to providing your airline with advance passenger information (details of your passport, country of residence, address of your first night’s accommodation in the US etc). For more information, and to apply online, visit the official ESTA website.

 

The VWP is intended to be used for occasional, short visits to the US. If a US immigration officer thinks you’re trying to ‘reset’ the clock by making a short trip out of the US and re-entering for another 90-day period, you can be denied entry. If you travel from the US to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean you can usually re-enter using the ESTA and admission stamp you were issued when you first arrived in the US, although the time you spend outside of the country is included in the 90 days allotted for your visit. Make sure you’re clear about the length of time the immigration officer has authorised you to remain in the US if you re-enter under the same ESTA.

 

When you arrive in the USA you will need to be able to show that you have enough funds available to support yourself during your stay, even if you’re staying with family and friends. Further details on the VWP and other aspects of US immigration rules are available from the Customs and Border Protection website.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) aren’t valid for entry into the United States under the VWP. If you’re planning to enter the US using an ETD you must apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate before you travel.

 

Bringing medicines into the US

 

There are restrictions and prohibitions on the import of certain prescription drugs into the US. The US Department for Homeland Security website contains further information and advice on bringing pharmaceuticals and controlled substances into the US.

 

Travelling with children

 

If a child (under the age of 18) is travelling with only one parent or someone who isn’t a parent or legal guardian, you may be asked to provide certain documents at the border. For further information, see the US Customs and Border Protection website.