Entry requirements
The US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days. The types of journeys that are permissible under the VWP include general travel/tourism, certain types of business and when transitting to another country.
Since 12 January 2009, the US requires all those travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to provide details online at least 72 hours prior to travel. This is known as an Electronic Travel System Authorisation or ESTA. For more information, and to apply online please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. An ESTA once obtained will be valid for a period of two years, or the validity of the travellers passport (whichever is shorter). At present, US authorities do not propose to levy a charge for this service, although they have reserved the right to consider doing so in the future. If you do not have Internet access a third party, such as a relative or travel agent, may apply for the ESTA for you. However, you will still be responsible under the law for the questions answered on your behalf. VWP travellers should be aware that unauthorised third parties have established websites which charge for information about ESTA and for submitting applications. These are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with the United States Government. UK travellers are advised to be wary of such sites and businesses, particularly those that seek fees for services offered. The process, as outlined above is currently free. Obtaining an ESTA should not be confused with the separate requirement, which will continue to apply, for you to provide your airline or carrier with details of your passport, country of residence and address of your first night's accommodation in the US.
Effective 1 July 2009 all United Kingdom emergency or temporary passports presented for entry into the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), including transit through the United States, must be electronic passports (e-Passports). The alternative is to apply for the appropriate visa.
Applicants arriving in the United States with a non-compliant passport may be required to undergo further processing and/or be denied admission. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may exercise discretion at the ports of entry in cases of medical or other emergency travel. You should consult the office issuing the temporary passport for further advice.
For further information from the US Customs and Border Protection web-site, please visit:http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/business_pleasure/vwp/epssprt_vwp.xml.
More details are available on the VWP and other aspects of US immigration at the following website:
US Embassy in London
Health
Medical treatment can be very expensive; there are no special arrangements for British visitors. The British Embassy and Consulates-General cannot assist you with medical expenses. You should ensure that you have comprehensive medical insurance, which includes hospital treatment and medical evacuation to the UK
A (H1N1) Swine Influenza
Human cases of A (H1N1) - swine influenza have been reported in all 50 states. You should check for updates on the number of deaths and their location through 'Centers for Disease Control and Prevention' at www.cdc.gov . The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int has further details. In addition, you should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page onf the FCO website. Guidance about pandemic flu is available through the UK Department of Health at www.dh.gov.ukand www.dh.gov.uk/en/News.
West Nile virus is common to the USA and there are occasional outbreaks of eastern equine encephalitis (triple e virus) reported.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,100,000 adults aged 15 or over in the USA were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.6% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS page.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to the USA and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Travellers to New York should be aware of the risk of rabies from racoons in Central Park and Morningside Park. For further information please visit the NaTHNaC website.
For further health advice from the NHS:
Click NHS UK
http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/north-america/united-states-of-america.aspx
