United States

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens need a government-issued photo ID to travel domestically in most instances. Travelers ​need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the U.S.

To enter the U.S. by air, Canadian citizens need a passport or valid NEXUS card; to enter the U.S. by land or water, Canadian citizens need a passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented, or a Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

If you are not traveling from the United States or Canada, please check with the U.S. Embassy for requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The CDC recommends that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccination requirements for visitors to the United States

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

Wildlife

Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may attack to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as aggressive or territorial. Avoid approaching or remaining near wildlife, including birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal. If any wild animal changes its behavior due to your presence, you are too close.

ANIMAL BITES/RABIES

Avoid wild animals that seem curious or don’t run away from humans. Bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and other mammals are known to carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately. The CDC advises if you wake up with a bat in your room, assume you might have been exposed to rabies (even if you don't detect a bite) and see a doctor right away to find out if you need treatment.

Insect-borne illnesses

More than a dozen disease-causing pathogens are known to be carried by ticks in the U.S. To protect against tick bites, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later). 

After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

Sun Exposure

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Currency

Currency is the U.S. dollar. Check a currency converter like xe.com for current exchange rates if you are visiting from another country.

Electricity

The electrical current is 120V / 60Hz AC throughout the country. Sockets are type A and B.

Time Zone

The contiguous United States uses four time zones, with two additional time zones used for Alaska and Hawaii.

Most states observe Daylight Saving Time.

Departures and arrivals on flight schedules are always listed in the local time.