FAQs

A passport valid until at least the day after you return from America. If you hold a full British Passport, you do not need a visa. For other nationals please refer to Visas. https://www.state.gov/visas/#:~:text=A%20foreign%20national%20traveling%20to,friends%2C%20or%20for%20medical%20treatment.

You will need to complete an ESTA before travel for which a fee is payable https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

Yes the US has a strict legal system and limits its visitors.

If you have a criminal record please refer to https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/

Children must have their own passport. A letter of permission is required from the parents of any children accompanying travellers who do not have legal custody of the children. If only one parent is travelling with the child, a notarised letter of authority from the other parent is required. If this is impossible, we recommend carrying a letter from a solicitor or a death certificate if applicable to avoid awkward questions at Immigration. https://www.usa.gov/travel-documents-children#:~:text=If%20you%20travel%20or%20are,or%20signed%20by%20both%20parents.

One litre per person for travellers aged 21 or over. 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or one roll of snuff is allowed into the US duty free.

The minimum age for drinking alcohol is 21.

A valid driving licence. You will also need a credit card in the lead drivers name when renting a vehicle.

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Driving using a mobile phone is strictly forbidden. On roundabouts (circles) drivers to the left have right of way. You may turn right on a red traffic light in some States when shown by signs. Do not overtake the yellow school busses.

If you break down, turn on your hazard lights, try to pull off onto the right shoulder and if an emergency ring 911.

America is full of Toll Roads, also known as Turnpikes. Keep lots of spare change in your car as only some booths accept Debit and Credit cards.

If you are stopped by the police, do not exit your vehicle. Turn the ignition off and sit patiently with your hands visible.

The allowance varies depending on your carrier.  You can usually take one checked bag weighing no more than 23 kgs and one piece of carry on. There are special rates for sporting equipment and musical instruments.

Once your flights have been paid for and the ticket issued, you can book your seats.  Please bear in mind that once tickets have been issued, they cannot be changed or refunded for any reason. Some airlines charge if you book your seats in advance:  you can wait until check-in time 24 hours prior to departure, but you do run the risk of not being able to get the seats you want.

Most states add on local sales taxes.  These vary from State to State and will be calculated at the till.  Prices on labels are always subject to the sales tax.

We know that travelling with any disability can be very challenging.  There are many sites that can be helpful the https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/info/accessible-travel-usa being one.  Please talk to your travel consultant about your needs and we will do our best to accommodate them.

The main holidays are found https://hk.usconsulate.gov/holiday-calendar-2024/ but there are also some extra State specific holidays.

US appliances operate on 110 voltage, 60Hz alternating current 2 pins. This means that unless you have a transformer your electrical appliances will only work at half their usual strength as the UK has 240 volts and AC. For more information, check out the World Electric Guide which can tell you what the voltage, frequencies and plugs are in many different countries, including the US.

To dial the UK from the US prefix the number with 011 44 ie 01144 208 776 8709 A UK mobile will work in the US but you will need to check with your provider for charges. To dial America prefix the 10 digit number by 001. You will normally see American numbers written (001) 123 4567. You will need to dial all this.

It entirely depends where and when you are there. https://www.weather.gov/ will guide you.

There are 6 time zones in the US. They range from Eastern Standard Time which is 5 hours behind the UK to Hawaii which is 10.

The US is 3.79 million square miles with a population of 331 million people (2023).  By comparison, the UK is 84,058 square miles and a population of nearly 67 million.

Olo’upena Falls in Hawaii.