Visas and ESTA

Citizens of 42 Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, EU, Japan, Australia) enter for up to 90 days with an ESTA authorization, applied for online at least 72 hours before travel. Canadians generally need no visa or ESTA for visits.

Everyone else needs a B-1/B-2 visitor visa from a US embassy, which can take weeks or months to arrange. Apply as early as possible.

At the border, have your return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds ready. Entry is at the officer's discretion even with a visa.

When to go

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the sweet spots for most of the country: mild weather, thinner crowds, lower prices.

Summer is peak season everywhere and brutally hot in the South and Southwest (desert parks can exceed 45 C). Winter is ski season in the Rockies and the best beach weather in Florida, Hawaii and Southern California.

National parks now use timed-entry reservations in peak season (Yosemite, Arches, Glacier, Rocky Mountain). Book the moment reservations open.

Spring and fall are the sweet spots for most of the country: mild weather, thinner crowds, lower prices. Summer is peak everywhere and brutally hot in the South and Southwest, while winter means ski season in the Rockies and beach weather in Florida, Hawaii and Southern California.

JanWinterSki season; beach weather in FL, HI, SoCal✦ Mardi Gras
FebWinterSki season; Mardi Gras in New Orleans✦ Mardi Gras
MarEarly springMild in the South; ski winds down✦ Mardi Gras✦ South by Southwest
AprSpringSweet spot: mild, thinner crowds✦ Coachella✦ New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
MaySpringSweet spot; desert parks still bearable✦ New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival✦ Kentucky Derby
JunEarly summerPeak season begins; hot in the South
JulSummerPeak crowds; desert parks exceed 45C
AugSummerBrutally hot in the Southwest✦ Burning Man
SepEarly fallSweet spot: mild, thinner crowds✦ Burning Man
OctFallSweet spot; fall foliage✦ Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
NovLate fallQuiet; Thanksgiving travel spike✦ Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
DecWinterSki season; holiday crowds

When are you going?

Pick your travel months above.

General guidance from regional climate patterns, not a forecast. Event dates follow their traditional pattern; confirm exact days before booking.

Health insurance

US health care is the most expensive in the world and there is no public coverage for visitors. Comprehensive travel insurance with high medical limits is not optional; a single emergency-room visit can cost thousands of dollars.

What to pack

Layers for the mountains and deserts (40-degree daily swings are normal), sun protection for the South and West, and comfortable walking shoes for the cities. Power is 120 V with Type A/B plugs.

Official resources

  • travel.state.gov - the U.S. State Department's travel information and visa guidance.
  • esta.cbp.dhs.gov - the official ESTA application for Visa Waiver Program travelers.
  • visittheusa.com - Brand USA, the official U.S. tourism site, with trip ideas by state.
  • tsa.gov - airport security rules: what you can pack and how screening works.
  • nps.gov - the National Park Service: park alerts, passes and reservations.