United States | Exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens need a government-issued photo ID to travel domestically in most instances. To enter the U.S. by air, Canadian citizens need a passport or valid NEXUS card; to enter the U.S. by land, 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.

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

FROSTBITE

Frostbite is damage to the skin from freezing and is due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms include patches of reddened skin that become white, hard, and swollen; or skin that burns, tingles, or is numb or painful. Severe cases can result in blisters or ulcers forming and may involve deeper tissues. The most common sites for frostbite are the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, nose, and cheeks.

To avoid frostbite, dress warmly and in layers but avoid tight clothing as it may reduce circulation. Keep the face and extremities covered. Avoid overheating and excessive perspiration. Change wet clothing, especially socks and gloves.

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is life threatening. It is caused by cold, wet, or windy weather that causes the body to lose heat faster than it can produce heat. Hypothermia can occur in rugged mountain terrain where the weather can change extremely fast, or after being soaked in a stream crossing or a boating accident in cold water.

Symptoms include feeling cold, uncontrollable shivering, clumsiness due to loss of muscle coordination, slurred speech, inability to think clearly, and eventual unconsciousness and cessation of reflexes including heart and lung functions. Many victims in the later stages of hypothermia feel warm and try to shed clothing.

To treat hypothermia, first warm the core of the body before the extremities. Remove any wet clothing. Re-warm the victim slowly; do not warm fast by immersing in warm/hot water. Provide shelter out of the weather. Warm drinks are not necessary, but may help in the psychological recovery. Do NOT give alcohol. Try to keep the victim awake as this helps keep the body temperature up.

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. Never approach a bear cub, even if the mother does not seem to be present. It is illegal to willfully remain near or approach 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, exhibit strange behavior, or don’t run away from humans. Skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, 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.