United States-Visa Guidelines and Essentials

Popular Tourist Destinations in the USA

1. New York City, New York

• Highlights: Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, Empire State Building
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa: Most international travelers require a visa unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens of 40 countries to visit for up to 90 days.
  • ESTA: If entering under the VWP, travelers must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
  • Apply for ESTA
  • COVID-19 Requirements: Check for any current travel health requirements.
• Useful Links:
  • New York Official Tourism Website

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2. Los Angeles, California

• Highlights: Hollywood, Universal Studios, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa or ESTA: Same as New York. Travelers should apply for a tourist visa or ESTA depending on their country of citizenship.
• Useful Links:
  • Visit California – Los Angeles

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3. Orlando, Florida

• Highlights: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa/ESTA: Required for entry as per U.S. guidelines.
• Useful Links:
  • Visit Orlando – Official Tourism Website

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4. San Francisco, California

• Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa/ESTA: Same as Los Angeles. Ensure that any visa requirements are met.
• Useful Links:
  • San Francisco Travel – Official Site

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5. Las Vegas, Nevada

• Highlights: The Las Vegas Strip, Bellagio Fountain, Hoover Dam (nearby)
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa/ESTA: Required for international travelers.
• Useful Links:
  • Visit Las Vegas

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6. Hawaii (Island of Oahu, Maui, Big Island)

• Highlights: Waikiki Beach (Oahu), Haleakalā National Park (Maui), Volcanoes National Park (Big Island)
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa/ESTA: Same as above.
  • State Regulations: Hawaii often has specific entry requirements due to its isolated ecosystem. Check for invasive species regulations.
• Useful Links:
  • Hawaii Official Tourism Site

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7. Miami, Florida (and the Florida Keys)

• Highlights: Miami Beach, Art Deco District, Everglades, Key West
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa/ESTA: Required for all non-U.S. travelers.
  • Boating Permits: If you’re planning on boating in the Keys, additional permits may be needed.
• Useful Links:
  • Visit Miami

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8. Chicago, Illinois

• Highlights: Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa/ESTA: Required for international entry.
• Useful Links:
  • Choose Chicago

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9. National Parks (Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite)

• Highlights: Vast natural landscapes, hiking trails, geological wonders
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa/ESTA: Needed as per U.S. entry requirements.
  • Park Pass: Some parks may require an entry pass, which can be purchased on-site or in advance online.
  • National Park Pass Information
• Useful Links:
  • National Park Service – Official Site

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10. U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix)

• Highlights: Beaches, coral reefs, snorkeling, eco-tourism
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa/ESTA: U.S. territory, so U.S. entry requirements apply.
  • Health Requirements: Ensure to check for any regional health requirements if arriving from other islands.
• Useful Links:
  • Visit U.S. Virgin Islands

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11. Puerto Rico

• Highlights: Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, beautiful beaches
• Entry Requirements:
  • Visa/ESTA: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so standard U.S. entry requirements apply.
  • COVID-19 Entry Requirements: Travelers should confirm any additional requirements.
• Useful Links:
  • Discover Puerto Rico

Click here to Understand what is ESTA and its complete visa process.