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Weather & climate
Weather in United States
United States
24°
Overcast
Sat
11°
24°
Sun
11°
28°
Mon
11°
15°
Tue
8°
18°
Wed
10°
16°
Thu
11°
18°
Fri
8°
22°
SPF level in United States
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for United States
What British travellers need to know
You must have either a valid US visa or an approved ESTA before you travel to the US.
Your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay in the United States.
You can apply for an ESTA via the Official ESTA Application Website or its mobile app.
All travellers under the Visa Waiver Program need an ESTA before arriving at a land, sea, or air border.
Check your ESTA account before travelling to ensure your authorisation remains valid and contains any required photo.
Good to know:
If travelling with children, they need a letter of consent from absent parents if not accompanied by both.
Officials may inspect your electronic devices, and refusal can lead to delayed or denied entry.
Safety in United States
Tips when travelling
United States is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport as it proves you have permission to be in the US.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive, but check if the state you're visiting also requires a 1949 international driving permit.
The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 across the entire United States.
Do not leave passports or valuables in rental cars, especially the boot, as gangs may target tourist vehicles.
When driving, avoid sleeping in your car by the road or in rest areas for safety.
Bonus tips:
Check the price of fuel before using petrol stations that don't display prices, as they often charge much more near tourist spots.
If you're taking part in organised outdoor activities like hiking or skiing, ensure the company is reputable and has proper safety procedures.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in United States
A UK driving license is valid for a short-term visit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, but not always required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h (75 mph) is common, but limits vary by state.
Urban speed limit
40-50 km/h (25-30 mph) is typical in residential areas.
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: United States drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in United States
As a visitor to the United States, you are responsible for any medical costs you incur. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not valid in the USA. It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including hospital stays and emergency medical evacuation.
No vaccinations required
Medical care in the United States is of a high standard but can be very expensive. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance, including health coverage, before you travel. Check the CDC and NHS websites for up-to-date health advice.
Cards & payments
Very High
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 800-847-2911 (toll-free)
Tipping in United States
Tipping is customary in the United States for various service industries. It's a significant part of service workers' income.
Restaurant
15-20% of the pre-tax bill for good service.
Bar/Café
$1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total bill.
Taxi
15-20% of the fare.
Hotel Porter
$1-2 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
$2-5 per night, left daily.
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour cost.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in the United States. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival.
Local SIM
10GB for 30 USD (~£24)
Network coverage
5G, 4G LTE, 3G
Electrical in United States
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
High. Free Wi-Fi is commonly available in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces.
Average speed
100 Mbps
Internet access is widely available in the United States. Wi-Fi is readily accessible in most urban areas and tourist destinations. Mobile data is also reliable.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling United States
Country code
+1
To call the British Embassy in Washington, dial 00 1 202 588 7800.
The country code for the United States is 1. When calling from the UK, you'll need to dial the exit code (00), then the country code (1), followed by the area code and the local number. Mobile phone coverage is generally very good throughout the US.
Languages in United States
English(primary)
Spanish
UK Embassy
British Embassy Washington
3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
7 days ago
Travel disruption
- The warning about longer airport queues due to a partial US government shutdown has been removed.
Airports in United States
Beaches in United States
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can usually enter the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You must apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before your trip. However, if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you will need a visa.
Be wary of unsolicited calls asking for money or personal information, especially those claiming to be from the IRS or other government agencies. Avoid street vendors selling counterfeit goods, and always protect your credit card information when making transactions. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, as they often are.
Tap water in most cities and towns in the United States is generally safe to drink. However, it's always a good idea to check local advisories, especially in older buildings where lead pipes may still be present. Bottled water is also readily available if you prefer.
The best time to visit the United States depends on which region you plan to visit. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures in many areas. Summer is ideal for beach vacations and national park visits, while winter is great for skiing. Consider avoiding peak tourist seasons for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Tipping is customary in the United States for service industry workers. It's standard to tip 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for taxi services. Hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeepers, are also typically tipped. Not tipping can be considered rude.
Americans tend to be direct and informal in their communication style. Customer service is usually emphasized, and businesses expect promptness. Be prepared for large portion sizes when dining out. Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and public behavior.
The United States has a well-developed transportation infrastructure. Major cities have comprehensive public transportation systems; however, renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore the country, especially for visiting national parks and more rural areas. Domestic flights are common for longer distances.
The United States uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets with a voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60Hz. Visitors from the UK will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter to use their electronic devices.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.