|
|
|
back to resources...
|
usa:
general info
· travel advisories
· getting there
· getting around
when to go
· fast facts
· history
· maps
· photos
· itinerary
· embassies
· hostels
tours
· things to do
· camping
· forum
· trivia
· safety
· links
· tales
· read reviews
|
Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes to travel to United States...
Local Conditions
The United States is subject to a wide range of natural hazards including tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquake activity around the Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts; tornadoes in the midwest and southeast; mud slides in California; forest fires in the west; and flooding. In the event of a natural disaster, local authorities will provide advice.
Travellers are advised to avoid areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita due to significant communication, transport, and infrastructure damage. A list of counties declared federal disaster areas is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Information regarding safety and security for New Orleans, is available from City of New Orleans' website.
Gulf, Atlantic and other coastal regions of the United States are subject to hurricanes and severe weather, especially between June and November, as evidenced by Hurricane Katrina.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from
those in your country. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot
override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by your standards.
Travel and Health Insurance
Medical costs in the United States are extremely high. Visiting a doctor in the United States for even simple complaints could cost several hundred dollars for the doctor's appointment, pathology tests and medication.
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should seek advice from their insurer on what type of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy.
Entry and Exit Requirements
The United States administers a strict entry regime and travellers may be refused entry upon arrival if they fail to comply with entry
requirements. Travellers are urged to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United States of America about their specific
circumstances, well in advance of travel. This includes travellers planning to transit the United States.
Visitors have always had to provide the address at which they will stay on arrival in the United States on the white or green I-94 and I-94W arrival cards. From 4 October 2005, airlines are required to collect this information at check-in so that it may be transmitted to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to comply with the CBPs Advance Passenger Information System. Whether you are staying with family or friends or staying at a hotel, you will need to provide full details of a valid address in the United States when you check-in for your flight. A five-digit zip code (post code) is required for all addresses.
Travellers visiting the United States for business or pleasure may be eligible to be admitted for 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Australians who wish to work (including those undertaking journalism assignments), study, or stay for more than 90 days are not eligible for the VWP and must obtain a visa before travelling.
Under the US-VISIT program most visitors to the United States, including those seeking entry under the VWP, are required to have fingerprints scanned by an inkless device and to have a digital photograph taken on arrival.
Visitors are lawfully present in the United States only up to the date stamped on their white or green arrival card (I-94 or I-94W) not the expiration date printed on the visa. Travellers should note that visitors staying beyond the 90-day VWP limit or beyond the date stamped on their arrival card may be arrested and detained for up to seven weeks or more, deported and likely barred from re-entering the United States, possibly for life.
|
|
