From a travel perspective, the US seems to have it all. It stretches from stunning beaches and remote wilderness to bustling metropolitan cities.
It is home to many of the best national parks in the world, such as Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, and is arguably the land of road trips, captivating its visitors with its breathtaking landscapes. From the sun-soaked beaches of California and Florida to the rugged, to remote landscapes of Alaska and the deserts of Arizona.
When it comes to urban life, the US offers some of the most iconic and alpha cities in the world. Whether you’re exploring the urban excitement of New York and Los Angeles, the glitz and neon lights of Las Vegas, or delving into the political heart of Washington, D.C., or even savoring deep-dish pizza in Chicago, the United States offers a kaleidoscope of culture and adventure.
In addition to these wonders, the U.S. hosts some of the world’s most renowned festivals and events, from the vibrant Mardi Gras in New Orleans to the iconic Coachella music festival.
All this, along with its cultural diversity and unique “American” way of life, amplify its allure, offering visitors rich, varied experiences and make this country a top travel destination.
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USA Info & Stats
335 million
9,833,520 km2
87/km2
$28 trillion
United States of America
At a Glance
- Language: English is the official language and most commonly spoken.
- Population: 328+ million (2019)
- Timezone: [UTC -10, UTC -5]
- Ethnic Make-up: White American (72.4%), African American (12.6%), Native American (0.9%), Asian American (4.8%) (2010 Census)
- Religion: 70-78% Christian
- Political System: Constitution-based federal republic
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Credit Cards: Almost anything can be paid with credit cards and ATMs are extremely common.
- Electricity: Socket Type A and B (“US” style..doh), 120±6 volt / 60 hertz.
- Tipping Customs: 15-20%
- Haggling Culture: Not common
Climate & Seasons
Like Canada, the US spans the entire continent from coast to coast so there are all the climate differences imaginable. In the summer, the coastal areas receive more tourists because of the wonderful weather. In the winter, some cities (i.e., New York City) become tourist magnets because of their iconic and world-known atmospheres.
Entry Requirements
Citizens of the 38 countries within the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), as well as Canadians and Bermudians, do not require visas for entry for tourism or business purposes.
All passports must be biometric and if a passport is an older one that was issued before biometric passports were available, it will need to be updated with a new passport to travel to the U.S. on the VWP.
In any case, prior to travel, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) entry form must be submitted. ESTA approval covers multiple trips and is valid for two years (unless your passport expires earlier). This requirement is applicable only to entry by sea or air.
Input your passport citizenship and quickly see the requirements that apply to you:
Safety
Safety: Depending on the region, safety can be an issue. In large cities, theft can be common. The biggest concern for foreigners, who are usually not used to it, is the widespread adoption of firearms, which may and does create extremely dangerous situations, but that is mostly related to luck.
Natural risks: The huge country is susceptible to different hazards depending on the state. Along the Atlantic coastline, there is a risk of hurricanes in late summer, while the Midwest and South experience tornado season in spring. The summer also brings the risk of wildfires, whereas the winter brings copious snow to the north.
Emergencies number: 911
Safety Indices
Learn more on the data source and the methodologies of ranking in the Global Safety Indices page.
