United States Passport and Visa entry requirements

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United States Passport and Visa entry requirements
Travel tips for your trip to United States Hotel Maps Famous Places in USA helps you to make your trip to United States in the holiday a Splendid One




Passports:

To enter the United States of America, a valid passport is required by all nationals referred to in the chart; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA.

If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy.
Passport note:

(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program, passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.

(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.

(c) As of 12 January 2009, all travellers visiting the US under the Visa Waiver Programme are to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel. For more information, please see below.

(d) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

Passport and Visa entry requirements :-

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders require a valid passport for travel to the USA. Under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), most British citizens do not require a visa for holiday, transit or business purposes providing their passports are machine-readable, the stay does not exceed 90 days, a return or onward ticket is held and they check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa, only a valid passport. Visitors should hold tickets and documents required for return or onward destination.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program; a valid machine-readable passport, a return or onward ticket is required if travelling by sea or air and they must check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must hold a passport valid at the date of entry; a visa is also required. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and the necessary documents for further travel.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the US Visa Waiver programme. A machine-readable passport is necessary to qualify for the programme, a return or onward ticket is required and they must check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport. Irish passport holders qualify for the visa waiver programme, but a machine-readable passport (MRP) must be presented to gain visa-free entry to the country, which allows a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors must have return or onward tickets, all necessary documents for further travel and check into the US government ESTA website prior to departure.

Passport/Visa Note: Visitors entering the country under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a bar code on the photo page. From 26 October 2006 eligible travellers under the VWP must include biometrics in their machine-readable passports if they wish to enter the country without a visa, containing unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All new passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. Due to new security measures, all visitors to the USA will have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the Visa Waiver Programme. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. A new security regulation, in force from 2009, means that all visitors who do not need a visa under the US visa waiver programme will need to register online three days before travel. This will allow the US government to screen all visitors before travel. The new programme will be mandatory for all visa-free travel from 12 January 2009. For more information on visa visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Famous Places in United States For Your Holiday

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Famous Places in United States For Your Holiday
Travel tips for your trip to United States Hotel Maps Famous Places in USA helps you to make your trip to United States in the holiday a Splendid One




You have planned for a couple of days leave from your office and you are wondering as which place you should go to enjoy to the maximum. Choices are so many but you are confused enough to take a decision. Well, this article will tell you about some of the most famous places in the USA that are ideal for a vacation.

Hawaii
is a place in the USA that no one can resist to go. Every year, it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. The beauty of the beaches here is amazing. This great attraction is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The place is ideal for those who love to spend time on beaches, love surfing, swimming and boating. It is ideal for honeymoon couples as well. It will be really nice to visit these places after looking for complete information about them on Internet.

Las Vegas
This is the fun loving city in the US. Las Vegas is famous for its night clubs and Ghostbar, Haze, Moon and Playboy, Surrender, Krave are to name a few among the best night clubs. Needless to say, Las Vegas is known for its adult fun, having strip clubs and topless shows as the major attractions.

Georgia
Atlanta Georgia is the perfect place for having family fun. You can explore Georgia's scenic beauty like waterfalls,mountains and canyons. The most popular family attraction is in Six Flags Over Georgia which is the largest theme park in the South East. Other attractions include- Lake Lanier Islands, Callaway gardens, Blue Ridge Scenic Gateway, Atlanta Museum etc

Texas
It has special attractions being the second largest state in the USA. The major attractions in the Texas include- Stonehenge Odessa, Riverwalk Burnet, XIT Museum, Old Stone Fort Museum, HOUSTON Raceway Park, Glass Cactus etc

New York
It is one of the loveliest state in the USA. New York city is known for its history and architecture. If you love camping then you can try out some camping by staying in the Ranch Camping resort. Besides camping you can enjoy horseback riding,island fishing etc. There are many famous museums in New York like the Center of the Arts, Historical Aircraft Group, Stamford Art Center, AAron Davis Hall etc.

Virginia
The most popular saying for this place is "Virginia is for Lovers". To start with, you can enjoy Virginia's Atlantic beaches at Assateague Island which are warm and gentle enough for all ages to enjoy fully. Other destinations to enjoy are the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Shenandoah National Park.



Well you must have learned that USA is a country which can be said as a travelers paradise because it has so much to offer.

Free Guide New York City

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Free Guide New York City
Travel tips for your trip to United States Hotel Maps Famous Places in USA helps you to make your trip to United States in the holiday a Splendid One


New York, New York – so good they named it twice – is one of the most fascinating, exciting and cultural cities in the world. Within the 20 square miles that comprise Manhattan can be found some of the world’s greatest museums, shops and restaurants, as well as a spectacular skyline that’s known the world over.

You could spend a lifetime in New York without experiencing everything fully. Some of the sights that any first time visitor to New York must see include the Empire State Building - for many years the world’s tallest building - the immigration museum at Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the United Nations Building.

One of the joys of visiting the city is simply to wander through the different and varied neighborhoods – Greenwich Village, Chinatown, the Theater District, Harlem and Little Italy. The outlying borough of Brooklyn has several attractions including the botanical gardens and the famous amusement park at Coney Island.

One of the biggest attractions is the city’s diversity - in New York you can hear virtually any language spoken and dine in a different ethnic restaurant every night for a month. Apart from Manhattan, the borough of Queens is also well known for its wide selection of foreign restaurants.

Shopping in New York is equally satisfying, offering world class department stores with such famous names as Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdales. At the other end of the shopping spectrum are street markets, designer boutiques and specialty stores.

New York has some of the greatest museums in the world – several conveniently located together at the edge of Central Park. The Metropolitan Museum of Art attracts more visitors than any other place in the city and offers everything from Egyptian mummies to 20th century masterpieces.

On the other hand the city has over 50 smaller but fascinating museums dedicated to such diverse subjects as firefighting, tenement living and the history of finance. Children are not forgotten – there are several museums aimed at children as well as the ever popular Bronx Zoo with its more than 4,000 animals.

Since the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, one of New York’s biggest attractions has been the remains of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. More than a tourist attraction, to many it’s a site of pilgrimage and a poignant reminder of the events of that day

Money Exchange for United States -Services - Money

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Money Exchange for United States -Services - Money
Travel tips for your trip to United States Hotel Maps Famous Places in USA helps you to make your trip to United States in the holiday a Splendid One




Hemisphere: Northern

Continent: North America

Location: North America, bordering Canada, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean; the outlying state of Alaska nearly touches eastern Russia and borders the Artic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean; Hawaii is an island group in the Pacific Ocean.

Area: 3,676,486 sq mi, 9522,055 sq km.

Form of Government: Federal Republic, strong democratic tradition

Population: (2007): 302,633,000.

Population Density: (2006): persons per sq mi 85.6, persons per sq km 33.0

Principal Language(s): English, Spanish, Hawaiian

Religions: Protestants 51%, Roman Catholic 24%, Mormon 2%, other Christian 2%, Jewish 2%, none 4%.

Capital: Washington, DC

Capital Population: 4,338,000

Capital Average Temperature: Average Maximum Temperature 19 degrees celsius, 66.2 degrees fahrenheit; Average Minimum Temperature 7.1 degrees celsius, 44.8 degrees fahrenheit

Major Cities: (2006): New York 8,214,426; Los Angeles 3,849,378; Chicago 2,833,321; Houston 2,144,491; San Antonio 1,296,682; San Diego 1,256,951; Dallas 1,232,940

Topography: Vast central plain, mountains in W, hills and low mountains in E.

Economy: (2007) GDP $13,841.3 trillion

G.D.P. per Capita: $48,800

Vital Statistics: Birth Rate per 1,000 population (2006): 14.3
Death Rate per 1,000 population (2006) 8.1
Fertility Rate (avg. births per childbearing woman; 2006): 2.09
Life Expectancy (2004) Male 75.2 years; Female 80.4 years

Government Website: www.usa.gov

Credit cards:

Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the USA, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Visitors are advised to carry at least one major credit card, as it is common to request prepayment or a credit card imprint for hotel rooms and car hire, even when final payment is not by credit card.
Travellers cheques:

Widely accepted in US Dollar cheques; Pound Sterling traveller's cheques are rarely accepted and few banks will honour them. Change is issued in US Dollars. One or two items of identification (passport, credit card, driving licence) will be required.
Banking hours:

Variable, but generally Mon-Fri 0830-1700.
Currency restriction:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts in excess of US$10,000 or equivalent should be declared at customs.
Currency exchange:

Hotels do not, as a rule, exchange currency and only a few major banks will exchange foreign currency, so it is advisable to arrive with US Dollars, or exchange foreign currency at the airport upon arrival.

Health and Medical Information for United States

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Health and Medical Information for United States
Travel tips for your trip to United States Hotel Maps Famous Places in USA helps you to make your trip to United States in the holiday a Splendid One




Medical insurance is strongly advised. Only emergency cases are treated without prior payment and treatment may be refused without evidence of insurance or a deposit. All receipts must be kept in order to make a claim. Medical facilities are generally of a high standard. Many medications available over the counter in other countries require a prescription in the US. Those visiting the USA for long periods with school-age children should be aware that school entry requirements include proof of immunisation against diphtheria, measles, poliomyelitis and rubella throughout the USA; schools in many states also require immunisation against tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and mumps. HIV-positive visitors must apply at the US Embassy for a Waiver of Inadmissibility before entry.

Short History Of United States and Culture

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Short History Of United States and Culture
Travel tips for your trip to United States Hotel Maps Famous Places in USA helps you to make your trip to United States in the holiday a Splendid One




Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in North America in 1492, the continent was inhabited by peoples thought to have been descended from nomadic Mongolian tribes. The first wave of European settlers, mainly English, French and Dutch, crossed the Atlantic in the 17th century and colonised the Eastern Seaboard. The restrictions on political rights and the punitive taxation which the British government imposed on the American colonists led to the American War of Independence (1775–1783), with the Declaration of Independence being signed in 1776. A period of settlement, purchases from the French and Spanish, and annexation of Indian and Mexican lands followed.

By 1853, the boundaries of the United States were, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii, as they are today. Economic activity in the southern States centred on plantation agriculture dependent on slavery. Attempts by liberally inclined Republicans, led by Abraham Lincoln, to end slavery were fiercely opposed. The election of Lincoln to the presidency in 1861 precipitated a political crisis in which seven southern States (joined later by three others) seceded from the Union, leading to the American Civil War. The more powerful and better equipped Union forces prevailed over the rebel Confederacy after four years of fighting. After the war, the country entered a period of consolidation, building up an industrial economy and settling the vast interior region of America known as the Midwest.

The mid- and late 19th century also saw the development of an American foreign policy: formal diplomatic and trading links were established with the old colonial powers; and the USA sought to assert itself as the dominant power on the American continent. In Europe, US intervention in 1917 proved decisive for the Allies and signalled the emergence of the USA as a global power.

Driven by free-market economic policies and innovative developments in technology and production methods – notably the growth of the motor industry – the USA had by this time undeniably become the world's leading economy. The USA entered WWII following the Japanese attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbour.

WWII saw the birth of nuclear weapons and the superpower conflict that has, until recently, dominated modern international relations. The essence of post-war US foreign policy was the struggle against the spread of communist influence. The Korean War of the 1950s, the ill-fated Vietnam war and the Middle East have all seen US troops engaged while many other countries have experienced the effects of military forces financed and supported by discreet US backing.

The Reagan administration, which came to office in 1980, reinvigorated the ideological struggle against communism. However, relations between the USA and the former USSR improved greatly after 1985 owing, almost entirely, to the new Soviet foreign policy adopted by the Gorbachev government. In 1988, Reagan's Vice-President George Bush was elected to the White House. Bush presided over the collapse of the Soviet bloc and, to that extent, 'won' the Cold War.

With its principal enemy vanquished, American foreign policy needed overhauling. Under the aegis of the ‘New World Order’, Bush senior launched two major, largely successful military campaigns against Panama and Iraq. But his neglect of domestic matters, especially the economy, was exploited by his main political opponent. This was Bill Clinton, the relatively unknown Democratic Governor of Arkansas who went on to win the 1992 presidential election.

After a shaky start, Clinton served two terms. His administrations' principal legacy was a healthy economy, fuelled by eight years of steady growth, and two key trade agreements which laid the foundations of what has come to be known as 'globalisation': the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); and the Uruguay round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) from which emerged the World Trade Organisation.

Clinton's foreign policy record was mixed. It started badly with the disastrous and humiliating US involvement (through the UN) in Somalia; Haiti almost went the same way although the position was later recovered. Thereafter, the Dayton accord that ended the Bosnian civil war was a success, favourably contrasting decisive US diplomatic and military action with the vacillations of the Europeans. In the Middle East, the 1994 Israeli–Palestinian accord was derailed by mutual suspicions while the 'dual containment' strategy designed to keep the twin pariahs, Iran and Iraq, in check had mixed results.

Clinton's second term was dominated by his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Congress appointed a special prosecutor, Kenneth Starr, to investigate dissembling by Clinton about Lewinsky and other dubious episodes in his business and personal lives. Despite accumulating a mass of evidence, Starr was unable to persuade Congress to impeach Clinton, but the episode seriously tainted his presidency.

Soon afterwards, the USA announced its intention to abrogate several arms control agreements. It also embarked on a controversial research programme to develop a defensive system against ballistic missile attack and a substantial increase in defence spending to fund it. In general, US foreign policy took a more aggressive and nationalistic bent: the main enemy was defined as the 'axis of evil', a group of countries including Iran, Iraq, Libya and North Korea who were perceived as implacably opposed to the US and its policies. Then came 9/11.

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon on 11 September 2001, which claimed over 3,000 lives, made for a defining moment in American history. The impact on the American people and its body politic was immense. Bush immediately despatched a substantial force to tackle and destroy the perpetrators: the al-Qaeda movement headed by Osama Bin Laden and its hosts, the Taleban regime in Afghanistan. He also assembled a diplomatic coalition of some 40 countries including the Western allies, Russia and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, India and Pakistan to wage an International War Against Terrorism.

The Taleban were brought down within weeks. Some senior al-Qaeda personnel were captured, including Kahlid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged organiser of 9/11, but others, including Bin Laden himself, eluded capture. The Bush administration then turned its sights upon the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein. With support from Britain and others, the Americans sought to use Saddam's possession of 'weapons of mass destruction' to justify an invasion of Iraq. This was completed in 2003 after three weeks of fighting. However, no 'weapons of mass destruction' were found, a fact which caused some political embarrassment for Bush and his allies.

The Iraq campaign was an undoubted military success. Most of the leading figures from Iraq's brutal Ba'athist regime were captured, including Saddam Hussein himself, or killed. But American and allied forces have since been confronted by a dogged insurgency which, using paramilitary tactics, has claimed hundreds of soldiers' lives and continues to destabilise efforts to rebuild Iraq according to the American blueprint.

National security in general is a major issue for the USA. President George W Bush secured a second term at the presidential election in 2004 but mid-term election results in 2006 showed a turnaround of public opinion. The election of November 2008 saw a record turnout and victory to Democrat candidate Barack Obama who has been President of the United States since January 2009.

United States Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details

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United States Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details
Travel tips for your trip to United States Hotel Maps Famous Places in USA helps you to make your trip to United States in the holiday a Splendid One




United States is a place where you have to stay long if you are really interested in exploring the beauty and uniqueness of the place. United States is pampered in different types of accommodations to offer you peaceful and relaxing night after your day long journey. Hotels,resorts,motels and inns provide satisfactory and enjoyable United States accommodation in United States



Hotels

United States has an assortment of hotels which are equipped with all modern facilities to meet all requirements of the tourists. These hotels offer not only better accommodation but also sumptuous dining in United States. Most of the hotels in United States are 5 star. Some of the renowned and most adored 5 star hotels are:

The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
Bellagio
Hale Koa Hotel (Military Only)
The Glidden House
The Broadmoor
Amalfi Hotel Chicago
Royal Sonesta Hotel

Resorts

Resorts in United States are most beautiful place to have accommodation in. For they offer cozy,comfortable and most entertaining accommodation in United States amidst beauty of nature. Some resorts of repute are:

Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa
Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

which have enough in their stock to satiate you. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is covering an area of 40 acres by Kaanapali Beach and is nearly 27 miles from Kahului Airport. Staying here you will be just 26 miles from Iao Valley State Park and 18 miles from the Maui Ocean Center. It has a long list of activities in which tourists may take part in. These activities being Hula dancing, wildlife tours, a junior tennis clinic, a tennis facility, catamaran sailing, beach activities center, wildlife and garden tour, game room, sandcastle building, cultural/artistic activities and the Drums of the Pacific Lu'au show. You can reserve golf reservations and sightseeing tours. For water sport there are beach, two free-form outdoor pools with an underwater cave, Grotto Bar, waterfalls, scuba diving lessons, water aerobics, water slide, and a children's activity pool.

United States of America Travel Guide for Visitors

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United States of America Travel Guide for Visitors
Travel tips for your trip to United States Hotel Maps Famous Places in USA helps you to make your trip to United States in the holiday a Splendid One

Planning to pay Uncle Sam a visit and don't know where to go? Being a huge country that it is, the United States offers just about anything for any type of tourist they attract. They also offer top accommodations to pamper even the most fastidious royalties. With all these different tourist attractions, one is left with so many choices that it makes the selection process even more difficult. Allow us to narrow down your choices and feature the top vacation destinations in the US.

New York, New York! Undoubtedly the most famous city in the United States. The world knows how this city never sleeps and is a landmark when it comes to urban living. With its towering skyscrapers and historical buildings, this is a must-see for people traveling to the US. Aside from its modern appeal, New York City has been successful in combing nature with modernity as evidence by the massive Central Park. Go to Broadway Street and watch top stage actors show thespian prowess show after show. Don't leave without that I love NY shirt!
Miami/Orlando, Florida! Get a taste of American beaches. Yes, the sandy ones I mean. Miami offers beautiful spots perfect for that lazy afternoon of sipping margaritas and enjoying a good book. If you feel like strolling around, head over to the Marketplace for great finds and some open-air shopping. Orlando boasts of theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wet N' Wild, Seaworld and many more! If you are feeling more outdoorsy, why not try paintball? Paintball is a war simulation game of two opposing teams. Each member of the team is armed with markers (air guns) that are loaded with pellets. The objective of the game is to take down as many enemies by shooting them with pellets. Florida offers 73 paintball fields with two sites in Miami and seven in Orlando.
Las Vegas, Nevada! If night life is what you seek, then Las Vegas is the place for you! Hop from one luxury hotel to another and get a chance to win big in their top casinos - Venetian Resort and Casino or Aladdin Hotel Casino. The view of lights from the Stratosphere tower is also a must-see. However wild the party and night may be, remember that "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."
Hollywood, California! Come to the place movies are made. International blockbusters, art house favorites and independent films, you can find them all being filmed in one of the most glamorous cities in the United States. Experience Hollywood through these locations: Mann's Chinese Theater, Universal Studios, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kodak Theater and the famous Hollywood sign. Lights, Camera, Action!
Still confused on where to go? Here's one more piece of advice, be sure to take the trip that fits your interest so you can fully appreciate the attractions in the city that you visit. Wherever you decide to go, do what most tourist are best in doing - take pictures and have fun! Happy travels!

New York
Regarded as about the most exciting urban centers worldwide, New York prides itself with a mixture of top destinations. Stroll along Times Square, and you'll see glamorous shopping centers, classy theaters and posh restaurants that would definitely thrill you. You could easily go to the Niagara Falls admire nature's wonders, or perhaps learn culture by going to the city's numerous museums.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Glitzy and full of life, Las Vegas is best described by its neon-signs, billboards and of course, its casinos. Except for gambling, shopping and entertainment also entice travelers to see the position. Glamorous and trouble-free, Las Vegas promises an expertise that's difficult to forget.
Florida
Popular for its amusement parks like Disney Globe and Universal Studios, Florida is a healthy vacation spot for families, group of friends, or anyone who is up for a lot of fun and adventure.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a leading organic attraction of the United Sates, and from the planet. Really well known for its overwhelming magnificence, this gorge of the Colorado River would definitely captivate the eyes of any person.
Hawaii
This tropical island in the US is mostly visited by travelers who delight in the sun and the seaside. The island of Oahu is well-known for its iconic beach, Waikiki. Offshore activities like snorkeling and parasailing are likewise patronized by travelers.