United States of America

The USA is made up of 50 states.

United States of America

The U.S.A is a country made up of 50 states covering a vast area of North America, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii extending the nation’s presence into the Pacific Ocean.

You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. Restrictions apply depending on the type of passport you hold, your nationality, criminal history, and countries you may have recently visited.


Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Visit www.gov.uk for more information.

Post-pandemic travel advice

Coronavirus has changed the way we view travel. Click here to read the latest safety tips and advice.

Details


Before visiting any country make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.

  • Emergency Services: 911
  • Language: English, Spanish
  • Currency: US Dollar
  • Capital City: Washington DC
  • Country Code: USA
  • Travel Visa: Visit gov.uk
  • Population: 313,900,000
  • Driving: Right hand side

Risk Level


Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;

Overall Risk 40%
Pickpickets 75%
Mugging 30%
Common Crimes 42%

Travellers Tips


Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.

USA

  • What are the common crimes in the USA?

    Theft

    Theft is another common crime, make sure your hotel or hostel is securely locked and your valuables are in the hotel safe or a secure location. If hiring a car make sure you park in well lit and popular areas, never leave valuables on display.

    Drugs

    There is a big drug culture in America, be aware that in big cities people might offer you drugs. Don’t take them as you can not be sure what you are buying, the Police are very harsh on drug offenses.

    Pick Pocketing

    Pick pocketing is a major issue in most major cities. Be careful of people taking to you for no reason, they might be trying to distract you while an accomplice takes you wallet or belongings.

  • What are the top safety tips for the USA?

    Pick Pocketing

    Beware of pickpockets, this is an issue in big tourist cities. Streets can be very busy in tourist areas, also be aware in train, bus and subway stations.

    Belongings

    Keep your belongings safe at all times. When entering the country Americans won’t take kindly to jokes about safety or what you are carrying in your luggage.

    Carrying Cash

    Take out only what money you think you will need for the day, having a wallet full of cash can attract unwanted attention. Its an idea to keep an extra note in a small pocket just in case anything happens and your wallet is lost or you see something you want to buy.

    Research

    The internet is an amazing tool to search for advice and tips, spend some time doing research before you go, reading blogs and testimonies from travellers who have experienced the area. Time when you are travelling is priceless don’t waste it turning up to places that are closed for the inter season or not worth checking out at all.

  • What is the best time to travel to the USA?

    The USA is a huge country and the weather varies in each state due to terrain, most visitors choose to visit in the summer months from June to August.

    Spring: 12

    Summer: 29

    Autumn: 16

    Winter: 5

  • What are the customs & traditions in the USA?

    Gun Policy

    Police in America all carry guns, be aware that with the gun culture and history you will see a lot of weapons when travelling around the country.

    Martin Luther King Day

    A public holiday on the third Monday of January each year, celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. He is most well known for his campaign to end racial segregation and strive for racial equality in the country.

    Tipping

    Add 10% of the bill for normal service. Add 15% of the bill for good service and add 20% of the bill for great service. Tipping is expected as the staff work for very low wages.

Improve Your Safety

Knowledge The more you have the better equipped you are.

Research is always number one. Any place you choose to visit usually has something about it that makes us want to find out more, ultimately the more you know the better your experience.

Awareness The more you see the safer you become.

Armed with the knowledge of the possible risks, common crimes and safety advice, your raised awareness and enables you to spot possible hazardous situations before they unfold.

Response The right reaction can change a situation.

How you handle a situation is very important and can dramatically change the outcome. If you have recognised the potential dangers early enough it will give you time to process and decide on the best course of action… Find Out More

For more country specific travel & safety information, please visit the Travel Aware website by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Towns & Cities

  • Hollywood Hills with the sign

    Los Angeles

    Los Angeles is a sprawling city situated in Southern California. The city is best known for its iconic Hollywood sign and celebrity status. Here you can enjoy everything from parties on the Sunset Strip to relaxing afternoons on Malibu Beach.

    Read more
  • New York behind a bridge sunset

    New York

    New York City comprises 5 boroughs where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At the heart of it all is Manhattan, a densely populated borough, which is among the world’s most commercial, financial and cultural areas.

    Read more