The United States is a country known for its diverse cultures and landscapes, with each region offering its own unique charm. In addition to major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, there are plenty of national parks and natural attractions that offer a variety of travel experiences.
CapitalWashington D.C.
Population331,000,000
Official language(s)English
CurrencyUnited States Dollar
Time zoneUTC-5~UTC-10
Using flights for intercity travel is efficient, and local tourist passes can provide affordable access to multiple attractions.
For the United States, visa-free tourist entry depends on your nationality, and travelers eligible under the Visa Waiver Program usually may stay up to 90 days. Whether you need a visa varies by passport, so check before departure. If you are using the VWP, you must obtain ESTA in advance; this is different from online customs/arrival declarations. Paper arrival cards are generally not used on board, and cash over USD 10,000 must be declared.
Join the immigration line
At U.S. airports, foreign visitors with tourist passports proceed to immigration inspection. Lines are often separate from those for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, so follow the signs.
Provide fingerprints and a face photo
U.S. immigration inspection may require biometric checks, including fingerprints and a facial photo. Some age groups or certain statuses may be exempt, but tourists are generally processed this way.
Explain your visit and stay plan
The officer may ask about your purpose of visit, length of stay, accommodation, return ticket, and ability to support yourself. Answer briefly and consistently, focusing on your tourist plans.
Use automated or dedicated lanes if available
Depending on the airport, automated processing or dedicated inspection lanes may be available for certain travelers. Eligibility for foreign visitors varies by airport and program, so follow the on-site instructions.
Check restricted items before departure
Before leaving the U.S., make sure you are not carrying restricted agricultural items such as meat, plants, or soil. Even souvenirs can be subject to inspection, so when in doubt, declare them.
Handle refunds before departure
The United States does not have a widely used general VAT refund system, so it is better to check receipts and store rules at the time of purchase rather than expect tax refunds at the airport. There is no common departure VAT/GST refund process to complete.
Proceed after airline check-in and security
Departure from the United States usually involves passport and boarding pass checks, and in many cases there is no separate exit immigration counter. After airline check-in and security screening, you proceed to boarding.