You will need a valid visa or ESTA to enter the United States and must be in possession of one at least 72 hours before departure.
Learn about the USA visa, customs and quarantine regulations. This includes types of visa applications, what to declare and what is prohibited in the USA.
Quick find guide
Visas
You’ll need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor.
The ESTA allows approved applicants to travel to the USA for up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism, certain types of business visits, and transit to another country. You will generally qualify if you hold a valid ‘British Citizen’ passport and if you haven’t been arrested for certain crimes. Further details on US immigration rules are available on the Customs and Border Protection website.
You are unable to extend an ESTA and should you stay any longer it could result in sanctions from the Department of Homeland Security.
Customs
Travellers entering the United States may take as much money as they wish into the country. You can take up to $10,000 in currency, coin and specific monetary instruments without reporting it to customs.
Many agriculture products are prohibited entry into the United States from certain countries because they may carry plant pests and foreign animal diseases. All agriculture items must be declared and are subject to inspection by a CBP Agriculture Specialist at ports of entry to ensure they are free of plant pests and foreign animal diseases. Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil and products made from animal or plant materials. For generally allowed food items please visit USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Alcohol Up to 1 US quart of alcoholic beverages.
Tobacco 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 2 kg of tobacco products per adult.
Climate
The Southern states enjoy long, warm summers although humidity can be high in some areas, the more Northern states enjoy nice warm summers but can be much cooler in the winter.
Language
Unlike most other countries, the USA does not have any official languages. American English is the main language, spoken by 79% of the population. Spanish and Chinese are also spoken.
Currency & Money
The currency in America is the US dollar and the famous green notes are probably the most recognisable currency in the world. ATM’s can be found just about everywhere, and all cities will have places where you can exchange currency into dollars.
Yes, you can expect to pay between 2.9% and 7.25% in sales tax on top of the advertised price.
Tipping is an established and accepted custom in America. For good service, waiters and taxi drivers expect 15-20%, and counter and bar staff 10-15%. Porters can expect from $3-$5 per case, while tour guides can be given the equivalent of USD$3-$4 per day.
It is standard practice for many hotels and resorts to charge a mandatory resort fee which is payable locally. This fee can vary between $5 to $40 per room per night and cannot be included in the cost of your holiday.
When to visit
It all really depends where you wish to take your USA Motorhome adventure. As the USA is such a large country the climate can vary, but generally Spring and Fall are sunny & crisp. Our Colours of New England motorhome tour is best between September and October as the trees change to spectacular hues
Springtime can offer fantastic trips to California or Florida since it allows for exploration of national parks and sandy beaches before the summer crowds come.
The East Coast is lovely during Spring as well as in the Fall, temperatures can get quite high in the summer.
Winter in the USA is perfect for our Alaska motorhome tour where you can see the Northern Lights, glaciers and so much more.
Public Holidays
| 1st January | New Year's Day |
| Third Monday in January | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| Third Monday in February | President's Day |
| Last Monday in May | Memorial Day |
| 4th July | Independence Day |
| First Monday in September | Labor Day |
| Second Monday in October | Columbus Day |
| 11th November | Veterans Day |
| Last Thursday in November | Thanksgiving Day |
| 25th December | Christmas Day |
Park Passes
Most National Parks in the US are free to enter however some do charge. The Park Pass is a membership scheme to grant free access to all charged National Parks in the USA.
We don't include National Park fees in our prices as its better value to pay this locally.
USA Blogs
