United States
A vast land of opportunity with diverse cities, landscapes, and one of the world's largest economies.
North AmericaTraveler Snapshot: United States
A quick reference for planning your trip: visas, weather, health, and the essentials.
Visa & Entry
For US passport holders
ESTA (visa waiver) for up to 90 days for UK, EU, Australia and other VWP countries; Canadians visa-exempt. Apply for ESTA online before travel.
Weather & Climate
Highly varied: from arctic Alaska to tropical Florida and Hawaii. Every climate zone represented.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round — varies by region and activity.
Health & Vaccinations
No special vaccines required. Keep routine vaccinations current.
Safety
Generally safe. Crime varies by city and neighborhood; be aware of local conditions.
Fast Facts
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
- Currency: US dollar (USD, $)
- Languages: English (Spanish widely spoken)
- Time zone: UTC−5 (East) to UTC−10 (Hawaii)
- Power: Type A/B plugs, 120V
- Emergency: 911
Visa and entry notes here are written for US passport holders on typical short-stay tourism. Requirements vary by nationality, so if you hold a different passport your rules may differ. Guidance can change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or a licensed travel-health provider before you travel.
Top Destinations in United States
1 featured city to explore
Iconic drives in United States
Legendary road trips worth building a trip around, with tolls, timing, and the stops that make them special.
Pacific Coast Highway
California's State Route 1 hugs the Pacific from the redwoods near San Francisco down to the beaches of Southern California, threading cliffside curves through Big Sur.
Route 66
The "Mother Road" runs from Chicago to Santa Monica across eight states, a nostalgic ribbon of diners, neon motels, and desert Americana.
Road to Hana
Maui's Hana Highway threads more than 600 curves and 50 one-lane bridges past waterfalls, rainforest, and black-sand beaches on the island's wild eastern shore.
Mexico
Canada