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Destination Guides - North America / USA
Travel Advice on Health, Climate, Local Info, Customs and Laws
| Travel Advice/Warnings |
| This is generally a safe country which has usual levels of crime in cities. Safeguard your valuables and travel documents. Be aware of the increased security measures in place at airports and some sites of major significance. |
| Vaccinations & Health Alerts |
| Ensure your travel insurance includes the maximum level of medical cover available as bills for treatment will be high. |
| Seasonal Climate |
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Temp (c) |
4 |
6 |
12 |
16 |
22 |
25 |
24 |
22 |
16 |
10 |
3 |
2 |
| Rainfall (cm) |
8 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
10 |
8 |
12 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
|
| The climate is mostly temperate but Hawaii enjoys a tropical climate whilst Alaska is Arctic. Due to the size of the USA the climate varies and regions experience different natural events including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and forest fires. |
BBC - Weather Centre - Forecast for New York, United States of America
| Friday |
Max Temp: 22°C (72°F), Min Temp: 15°C (59°F), Wind Direction: NNW, Wind Speed: 10mph, Visibility: very good, Pressure: 1011mb, Humidity: 49%, Sunrise: 06:32EDT, Sunset: 19:12EDT |
| Saturday |
Max Temp: 23°C (73°F), Min Temp: 14°C (57°F), Wind Direction: NE, Wind Speed: 3mph, Visibility: very good, Pressure: 1017mb, Humidity: 41%, Sunrise: 06:33EDT, Sunset: 19:11EDT |
| Sunday |
Max Temp: 22°C (72°F), Min Temp: 18°C (64°F), Wind Direction: SSE, Wind Speed: 9mph, Visibility: very good, Pressure: 1018mb, Humidity: 51%, Sunrise: 06:34EDT, Sunset: 19:09EDT |
(by the BBC Weather Centre in association with the Met Office) |
| Local Customs/Laws |
| Be aware that laws vary between states including speed limits, smoking and age of consent. The drinking age is 21 and ID is often required before you are served, regardless of how old you are. In general the speeding and drink driving limits are lower than the UK. |
| Getting Around |
| All modes of transport are excellent. If driving, ensure you are familiar with the distances between towns, refueling points and terrain to be experienced. Border crossings into Mexico have experienced crimes relating to the drugs trade. Exercise caution in these areas. |
| Public Holidays/Festivals |
| Due to the mix of different religions in the USA the country does not shut down for any particular event except possibly Christmas Day on 25 December. They do celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday in May, Independence Day on 4 July, Labour Day on the first Monday in September, Veterans Day on 11 November and Thanksgiving on the 4th Thursday in November are celebrated by all. The African-American community celebrates Kwanzaa, a celebration of life from 26 December to 1 January. Hawaiian festivals include Ka Molokai Makahiki, a traditional festival held in mid January, Prince Kuhio Day on 26 March, Lei Day on 1 May, King Kamehameha Day on 11 June and the Aloha Festivals which take place in September and October on every island. |
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| GMT +/- |
| -5 to -10 (hawaii) |
| Religion |
| Christian mainly |
| Visa Requirements |
| The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ETSA) requires you to register your details no later than 72 hours prior to travel to the USA. With effect from 8 Sep 2010, this will cost $14 and must be paid by credit card. If you do not register, you might experience delays or be denied admission. To register visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov . 6 months validity is required beyond the end of your stay. You must have a machine readable passport. |
| British Embassy Details |
| 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008. (1)(202)588 6500/7800 |
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