United States of America
Capital:
Washington DC
Official
Language: English
Religions:
56% Protestant, 28% Roman Catholic, 2% Jewish and 14% Other
Currency: US
Dollar = 100 cents
Placements: Alaskan
Ecolodge, US Research Station, International Conservation Volunteer
Program
American Conservation Experience, Koke'e Resource Conservation Program
Map
Background
The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly
mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology,
more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the
most approachable natives in the world.
The US was fashioned from an incredibly disparate population who, with little
in common apart from a desire to choose their own paths to wealth or heaven,
rallied around the ennobling ideals of the Declaration of Independence to forge
the richest, most inventive and most powerful country on earth.
Special Events
Americans love parades and pageantry, so there's no shortage of events and
festivities. Half the country comes to a standstill during the Super Bowl, the
roving American-football finale held in late January. New Orleans' Mardi Gras,
in February or March, is a rowdy, touristy, bacchanalian knees-up. St Patrick's
Day, in mid-March, is celebrated with parades and pitchers of green beer; it's
especially fervent in New York and Chicago. The Kentucky Derby is raced in
Louisville in May.
Independence Day (the Fourth of July) is celebrated with lots of flag-waving
patriotism, fireworks and the odd beverage. Inveterate travellers should drop
into the National Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa, in August. Halloween (October
31) is a big deal for kids, who go trick-or-treating around their neighbourhood;
in Greenwich Village, West Hollywood and San Francisco the holiday is
subversively celebrated with glam parades. Americans go home to mom and pop for
a big feed on Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday of November.
Climate
The climate is temperate in most of the US. Generally, it gets hotter the
further south you go and seasonally more extreme the further you are north and
inland from the coasts. Winters in the northeast and upper Midwest can bring
long periods below freezing even though it's still warm enough to swim at the
beaches in Florida and southern California.
Travel Info
Your main option for getting to the US is either by air or, from the closer
countries, by road or train. The main international airports are in Boston, New
York, Washington, Miami, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, Denver,
Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles, with hundreds of smaller airports dotted
all over the country.
For those travelling into the US from Canada and Mexico, you have the option
of driving, catching a bus or an Amtrak train.
Visas
Canadians need proof of Canadian citizenship or a passport to enter the USA.
All other visitors must have a valid passport, which should be valid for at
least six months longer than their intended stay in the USA.
Travellers from countries such as Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand,
Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can enter the USA for up to 90 days
under a visa-waiver program if they have a round-trip ticket that is
nonrefundable in the US, and have a passport valid for at least six months past
their scheduled departure date. All other travellers will need a visitor's visa.
Visas can be obtained at most US consulate offices overseas; however, it is
generally easier to obtain a visa from an office in one's home country.
The USA is regularly adjusting entry requirements in an effort to reduce the
threat of terrorism. It is imperative that travellers double- and triple-check
current regulations before coming to the USA, as changes will occur for several
years. A procedure introduced in 2004 requires most visitors travelling on visas
to the United States to have two fingerprints scanned by an inkless device and a
digital photograph taken by immigration officials upon entry at US air and
seaports.
Under new regulations to be phased in toward the end of 2005, travellers from
VWP-eligible countries will need to present a biometric passport or US visa to
enter the country. Dates regarding the implementation of this law have been
relaxed to provide relevant countries more time to make passport changes.
Further details and information on the changes to the visa system can be found
at the
US government visa website.
Safety
Terrorism
The US Government remains concerned about continued
threats. Since the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, the US government has
issued a number of warnings of potential further terrorist attacks in the US.
The US domestic threat level stands at "elevated" (yellow). The US Government is
maintaining heightened security, especially at airports. On 6 October 2005, the
New York authorities increased security on the subway system. You should
continue to expect more stringent security checks at airports, transport
stations and other public buildings.
On 5 May 2005, two small explosions
occurred close to the building which houses the British Consulate-General in New
York, causing minor damage but no casualties. The police are investigating the
incident.
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate
terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places
frequented by foreigners. Given that terrorist attacks have taken place in
public areas, there is a risk that foreign visitors could be caught up if there
were other attacks in the future. You should therefore be particularly vigilant
in high-profile public places.
We recommend that you also look at
relevant US government websites, especially:
http://www.fbi.gov,
http://www.fema.gov , and
http://www.dhs.gov and monitor news reports before and
during your trip to the USA.
Crime
You should use common
sense and bear in mind the following:
- If staying in a hotel, do not leave your door open at any time.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and carrying valuable items in run down
areas.
- Do not sleep in your car on the roadside or in rest areas.
- Avoid leaving luggage on display in cars.
- Try to stay on main roads and use well-lit car parks.
If hit from behind while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow
you to a public place and call for Police help.
Road Safety
- Learn US traffic laws before coming to the country.
- Speed and drink driving limits are lower than in the UK.
- An international driving licence is recommended.
- UK driving licences are required for each driver on a fly-drive holiday.
If you have a photocard licence remember to bring the green ‘paper’ section
- Insurance cover with the rental company should cover the occupants of your
vehicle and any third party claims including personal injury.
- Ask for directions from the rental company. It is worthwhile buying a
detailed road atlas of the areas through which you are travelling.
- Find out the prevailing weather conditions before embarking on a long
journey, e.g. in mountainous and isolated areas where there is increased
likelihood of snowfall, or in dry desert areas where you may need extra water
and petrol stations could be scarcer than usual.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Do not make flippant remarks about bombs or terrorism, especially when
passing through US airports.
Laws vary from state to state, including
speed limits and the age of consent. So does the age at which you may legally
buy and consume alcohol, but this is usually 21 years.
The plant Khat (or
Qat) is an illegal narcotic in the US. You will be arrested and detained with
the possibility of a prison sentence if you are caught trying to take Khat into
the US.
If you get into any difficulties with US Authorities, you should
explain to them that you are a British national and ask to speak to a UK
consular officer.
Health
Medical treatment can be very expensive; there are no
special arrangements for British visitors. The British Embassy and
Consulates-General cannot assist with medical expenses.
Comprehensive
travel and medical insurance is essential; at least $1,000,000 cover, which
includes hospital treatment and medical evacuation to the UK, would be wise. You
should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities
you want to undertake.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus
Immunisations that maybe required
Rabies
Malaria Not usually
Reciprocal Health Care None
