USA
Summary
This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for the USA’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Around 3.8 million British nationals visit the USA every year. Most visits are trouble free.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter the USA. Effective from Sunday 12 June 2022 at 00:01 ET (5:01 am BST) passengers boarding flights bound to the USA will no longer require a pre-departure COVID-19 test. See Entry requirements for more details.
Protests are commonplace across the USA, some of which can become violent. If you do attend any peaceful protests, you should be mindful of your surroundings, move away if there are signs of trouble, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Snow storms during winter can disrupt critical infrastructure, including causing power cuts as well as delays and cancellations throughout the major transport hubs in the USA. See Snow storms
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should monitor media reports and remain vigilant at all times. See Terrorism
You should be alert to the dangers of car and street crime. See Crime
The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from 1 June to 30 November. The Pacific hurricane season runs from 15 May to 30 November. See Hurricanes
Hurricane Ian has caused extensive destruction and flooding across Western and Central Florida and is due to hit Georgia and South Carolina on Friday evening (local).
In Florida, power is out for large swathes of the State and mobile phone and internet coverage is unreliable.
US emergency teams are deployed across the worst affected areas to restore power, water, and mobile phone coverage. Search and Rescue teams are also supporting people caught up in the hurricane and offering medical aid, but they have a large area to cover. Make yourself known to the rescue teams as and when they reach you.
You should continue to monitor local radio and media updates from the US authorities and US National Hurricane Center.
See our Tropical Cyclones page for advice on what to do if you are caught up in a storm.
Forest and brush fires (wildfires) are a danger in many dry areas. See Wildfires
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.