Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Transportation
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Flights, tours and rental cars can be booked online at
www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings
.
Entering the Country
Entering the USA is pretty straightforward.
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If you are flying, the first airport that you land in is where you must go through immigra-
tion and customs, even if you are continuing on the flight to another destination.
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As of 2013, the arrival/departure record (form I-94) that was once required of all foreign
visitors is no longer used. Instead, you'll be asked to fill out only the US customs declara-
tion, which is usually handed out on the plane. Have it completed before you approach the
immigration desk. For the question, 'US Street Address,' give the address where you will
spend the first night (a hotel address is fine).
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The immigration officer will look at your passport and have you register with the Depart-
ment of Homeland Security's Office of Biometric Identity Management. For most visitors
(excluding, for now, most Canadian and some Mexican citizens), registration consists of
having a digital photo and electronic (inkless) fingerprints taken; the process takes less
than a minute.
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The immigration officer may ask about your plans and whether you have sufficient funds.
It's a good idea to list an itinerary, produce an onward or round-trip ticket and have at least
one major credit card.
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Once you go through immigration, you collect your baggage and pass through customs.
If you have nothing to declare, you'll probably clear customs without a baggage search, but
don't assume this.
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For information on visa requirements for visiting the USA - including the Electronic Sys-
tem for Travel Authorization (ESTA) now required before arrival for citizens of Visa Waiver
Program (VWP) countries -
Click here
.
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Remember: your passport should be valid for at least six months longer than your inten-
ded stay in the US.
