Fire and rescue services
Call 911.
Medical emergencies
Call 911.
Police
Call 911.
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America.
Fire and rescue services
Call 911.
Medical emergencies
Call 911.
Police
Call 911.
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America.
Exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America.
Exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Demonstrations and protests
Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the ongoing potential for unrest and violence.
More information:
Violent crime
Guns, gun violence and violent crime are more prevalent in the US than in Australia.
Mass shootings, active shooter events and hate crimes occur, including violent incidents directed towards the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals and groups from diverse cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Although tourists are rarely targeted, there is always a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Familiarise yourself with how to respond by reading the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Active Shooter Event guide.
We don't update our advice for individual gun crimes, such as mass shootings or active shooter events unless Australians face a significant risk.
According to the latest official crime statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), violent crime rates vary across the country but are highest in cities and urban areas.
Even in cities with relatively low violent crime rates, there can be unsafe and no-go areas.
To protect yourself from violent crime:
If you're affected by violent crime, follow advice from local authorities. If you require consular assistance, contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate (see Local contacts).
Petty crime
Tourists are often targeted for pickpocketing and purse-snatching. This can happen anywhere but is more prevalent in crowded areas and on public transport.
Conceal your valuables. Pay close attention to your personal belongings and only carry what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure location.
Rental cars are easy to spot and are often a target of thieves. Don't leave valuables on display or unattended in a vehicle, including in the boot.
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains the National Terrorism Advisory System, a public alert system to communicate information about current and potential terrorist threats in the US.
According to the National Terrorism Advisory System, there's a heightened threat of terrorist attacks and mass casualty violence in the US.
Threats include those posed by individuals and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and/or personal grievances, as well as those inspired by recent attacks, including:
The most recent Bulletin issued by the National Terrorism Advisory System (May 2023) also cites perceptions of the 2024 election cycle and legislative or judicial decisions about sociopolitical issues as possible reasons for individuals to commit violence in the coming months.
Attacks can be indiscriminate, including at public events, on public transport and in other places where crowds gather.
Subscribe to National Terrorism Advisory System for updates and advice.
To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist incident:
If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe to do so. Avoid the area in case of secondary attacks.
More information:
Natural disasters and severe weather events regularly impact the US. These include:
Monitor the Embassy, Consulates-General and Smartraveller social media channels for information, alerts and updates relating to severe weather events and natural disasters impacting the US (see Local contacts).
Consecutive and compounding disasters can also occur when one natural disaster or severe weather event triggers another.
Before travelling,
familiarise yourself with the risks of natural disasters and severe weather events at your destination(s).
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) to receive alerts and notifications about major disasters.
Preparedness
In the event of a natural disaster, our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited.
Prepare yourself by:
Ready.gov and the American Red Cross also provide information on preparing for natural disasters, severe weather events and other emergencies.
Anticipate disruptions before, during and after a natural disaster(s).
Keep in contact with family and friends and let them know you're safe.
Register with the American Red Cross via its Safe and Well website and/or mark yourself safe on social media using the American Red Cross Emergency! app for mobile devices.
Severe weather
Severe weather can occur year-round in the US and cause especially hazardous conditions.
Monitor the National Weather Service (NWS) for forecasts, updates and severe weather alerts and warnings.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that routinely impact the eastern seaboard, Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
Hurricanes can reach hundreds of miles inland, causing dangerous conditions, widespread damage and disruption to essential services in areas far from the coast.
While tropical storms have been known to form any month of the year, peak activity occurs during hurricane season, running from May or June to November, depending on your location.
The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.
If you travel during hurricane season, check weather reports and closely monitor the National Hurricane Center website.
If a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, prepare early by following the advice for all natural disasters above.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can occur in all 50 US states but are most frequent and attain the highest intensities across the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest.
They're also common in the rain bands of hurricanes and tropical storms.
Tornadoes can strike with little warning and cause catastrophic damage, with wind speeds sometimes exceeding 300mph.
While tornadoes can form at any time of year, they are more common in the spring and summer months (March to September).
If you're living in or travelling through an area prone to tornadoes, familiarise yourself with warning signals and emergency procedures and monitor the NWS Storm Prediction Center's website.
After a disaster
Travelling to areas affected by natural disasters and severe weather events can be dangerous.
If you plan to travel to a region after a natural disaster, check with your transport operator that services are operating.
Contact the place you intend to stay and check other sources for details on local conditions.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care. A visit to a doctor for even a minor issue can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and you may be asked to show proof of insurance or your ability to pay before receiving treatment.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries.
If you plan to bring medication with you, check whether it's legal in the US. Take enough legal medication to last the duration of your trip.
Some medications may be considered illegal or controlled substances, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. It's illegal to possess any prescription medication in the US without a prescription.
If possible, keep your medication in its original container and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Insect- and Tick-borne diseases
Various insect-borne illnesses can occur throughout the US. The most common are West Nile virus and viral encephalitis (multiple types).
Sporadic outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya virus and zika have also occurred in the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) in recent years.
Research your destination and get local advice before you travel.
To protect yourself:
Tick-borne ailments such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis and Powassan virus are also prevalent.
Check for ticks after being outdoors, especially in tall grasses and wooded areas.
More information:
Other health risks
Further information about health risks in the US, including communicable diseases and preventative measures, is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While the standard of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the US is similar to Australia, medical costs are significantly higher.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave Australia.
There's no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and the US. This means that Australian Medicare doesn't cover you in the US.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you in accordance with our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Drugs
Federal and state laws for drug-related offences vary, including laws related to the possession and recreational and/or medical use of marijuana (cannabis).
Penalties for drug-related offences can be severe and often include minimum mandatory sentences.
Some medications readily available in Australia are illegal or considered controlled substances in the US, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
It's also illegal to possess any prescription medication without a prescription. See Health.
More information:
Alcohol
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old. However, in some circumstances, state laws regarding possession and consumption can vary. Check the relevant state laws.
LGBTQIA+
No federal law explicitly protects LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination, and not all state and local non-discrimination laws include protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Some states and localities have laws that may discriminate against or otherwise affect LGBTQIA+ travellers. Check relevant state and local laws.
More information:
Abortion and reproductive health
Some US states have laws restricting access to abortion and other reproductive health care services.
Research local laws and always consult your doctor before making any decisions about your medical care.
More information:
International surrogacy
Surrogacy laws can be complex. Get legal advice before you agree to an arrangement.
Other laws
Some US states apply the death penalty for serious crimes. The death penalty can also apply to some serious federal offences, even if committed in states without capital punishment.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
The US recognises dual nationality.
If you're a US dual national, you must:
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
The US has strict entry requirements. US authorities won't allow you to enter the country if you don't comply.
If you're visiting the US for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to:
Otherwise, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions, including currency, customs and quarantine rules, can change at short notice. Contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate for the latest details.
More information:
Visa-free travel for short stays
If you plan to visit the US for less than 90 days, you may be able to travel under the VWP. This includes travel to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The VWP is intended for short, infrequent visits to the United States and can be used by tourists and business travellers. Conditions apply.
Ensure you know all terms and conditions before applying for your ESTA and attempting to enter the US under VWP.
If you don't satisfy US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at your port of entry that you're entitled to be admitted under the VWP, you may be denied entry and detained.
You can't enter the US under the VWP if you have:
You're also ineligible to participate in the VWP if you've travelled to Cuba since the United States designated Cuba a 'State Sponsor of Terrorism' on 12 January 2021 (see 'Travel to Cuba' below).
Before travelling under the VWP, you must apply and be pre-approved via the ESTA.
US authorities recommend applying as soon as you know you'll be travelling. ESTA approvals can take up to 72 hours.
ESTAs are valid for 2 years and for multiple entries.
You'll need to apply for a new ESTA if:
If there are differences between your ESTA, passport or ticket information, you could be:
If your ESTA application is denied, you must apply for a visa from a US Embassy or Consulate.
US authorities generally won't tell you why your ESTA application was rejected, and you can't appeal their decision.
If you provide false or incorrect information on an ESTA, you may be permanently banned from future travel to the US.
More information:
Visas
If your ESTA application is denied or, you're not eligible to travel under the VWP, or you intend to stay for more than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a visa from a US Embassy or Consulate.
The category of visa you need to apply for will depend on your reason for travel.
More information:
Entry into the US
An approved ESTA or valid visa allows you to board a US-bound plane or vessel – it doesn't guarantee entry to the US.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry will decide if you can enter the country.
Entry requirements are strict. Authorities have broad powers when deciding if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law.
At the port of entry, be prepared to answer questions about:
Officials may ask to inspect your electronic devices, emails, text messages or social media accounts. If you refuse, they can deny your entry.
Whether you enter the US under the VWP or on a visa, you'll likely need to have:
You can be refused entry if you provide false information or can't satisfy the officials you're visiting for a valid reason.
You may be held at the port of entry or a nearby detention facility while US authorities arrange for you to be returned to Australia (or the last country you visited).
If you're refused entry under the VWP, you generally don't have the right to an attorney or to appeal the decision.
The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf, and our ability to provide consular assistance in these circumstances may be limited.
Arrival and departure record (Form I-94)
When you arrive at the port of entry, US authorities will determine your admissibility and decide when you must leave the country. This date may be different from the expiry date of your ESTA or visitor visa.
A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official should:
Your I-94 is evidence of your legal status in the US and shows the date by which you must leave the country.
You can check your I-94 with CBP each time you enter the US.
If you stay past your I-94 expiry date, you can be detained, deported and banned from re-entering the US.
If you're issued a paper I-94 when you arrive at a land border, give it to the airline, cruise line or CBP officials when you leave the US.
Renewing your I-94 and/or extending your stay
You can't extend or renew your I-94 by travelling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean for 30 days or less and then re-entering the US.
If you travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean and return to the US while your I-94 is still valid, you'll be readmitted for the amount of time left on it.
If your I-94 has recently expired and US authorities think the purpose of your trip was only to extend your stay in the US, they can:
If you're on a visa and need to extend your stay in the US, lodge a request with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Form I-539 before your I-94 expires.
Except in the case of a serious emergency, VWP entrants are generally not eligible to extend their stay or change their status.
If a serious emergency, such as hospitalisation, prevents you from departing before your I-94 expires, USCIS can, at its discretion, grant you additional time to leave. This is known as 'satisfactory departure'.
To request satisfactory departure, contact the USCIS Contact Center.
Health-related requirements
While COVID-related travel restrictions have been removed, US authorities may still deny boarding any US-bound traveller showing signs of illness.
Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the US.
For further information regarding precautions to take before and during travel to the US and after arrival, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Biometrics
You'll have your fingerprints scanned and your face photographed when you arrive in the US.
More information:
Children
Children of all ages must have their own ESTA approval or US visa.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends that children under 18 years of age travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian carry a notarised letter of consent signed by the non-travelling parent or guardian to help prevent delays due to further questioning at ports of entry and departure.
More information:
Advice for people travelling with children
Travel to Cuba
The US enforces restrictions on travel to Cuba. This applies to anyone under US jurisdiction, including Australians who live or work in the US.
If you've travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you're not eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and must apply for a visa to enter the US (see 'Visa-free travel for short stays' above).
If you plan to visit the US after you've been to Cuba, you'll also need documents to prove the purpose of your trip. Immigration officials may question you at the port of entry.
More information:
Immigration enforcement
US authorities actively pursue, detain and deport people who are in the country illegally.
It's becoming more common for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to carry out random travel document checks, including on public transport.
If you're a tourist or visitor, be prepared to show your passport and entry stamp, ESTA or valid US visa, and/or electronic or paper Form I-94 (if applicable).
If you're living in the US but not a US citizen, be prepared to show proof of legal residence, such as a US permanent resident card, valid US visa and electronic or paper Form I-94, or US driver's licence issued by the state in which you live.
Australians entering the US on their Australian passport need only have a passport valid for their intended period of stay. However, different rules may apply in countries you plan to transit or stop in on your way to the US.
Be sure to check the entry requirements of any countries you intend to transit or visit on your way to the US. Some countries won't let you enter or transit unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country.
You may be denied boarding and end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Lost or stolen passport
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Passport with X gender identifier
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country.
Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD).
Declare all amounts over USD $10,000 (or its foreign equivalent) on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only US dollars and not only cash. Failing to do so is a serious violation and can result in the seizure and forfeiture of your money. Criminal penalties can also apply.
Banks and ATMs are widespread throughout the US, and currency exchange services are available in most major cities and airports.
Major credit cards are almost universally accepted. Contactless and mobile payment options are also readily available, particularly in cities and at most major retailers.
Road travel
Speed limits and road rules vary between states and localities within states.
If you plan to drive in the US:
More information:
Driver's licences and International Driving permits (IDP)
While some US states will allow you to drive on your Australian driver's licence for a limited time, others require you to obtain an International Driver's Permit (IDP) before you leave Australia.
Some rental car companies also require you to have an IDP.
Contact your rental car company and the motor vehicle department in each US state you intend to drive for further information.
Driving without an IDP where one is required can void your travel and vehicle insurance.
More information:
Motorcycles
You need a motorcycle licence to operate a motorcycle in the US.
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike, ATV or similar vehicle, and always wear a helmet.
Electrically-powered personal vehicles
Rules relating to electrically-powered means of transport, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, vary between localities. Learn local laws before hiring or using these items.
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using electrically-powered transport, and always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful in most cities and generally safe to use. Ridesharing options are also widely available.
Take the same safety precautions that you would in Australia.
Sea travel
The US is home to most of the major cruise lines and some of the world's busiest cruise ports.
Popular destinations for cruises originating and returning to or terminating in the US include Alaska, Florida, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Before embarking on a cruise, take steps to be prepared and reduce the risk of things going wrong. This will help you have a safe and hassle-free journey.
If you're embarking on a round-trip cruise to Canada, Mexico and/or the Caribbean, make sure your passport, ESTA or visa and I-94 will allow you to re-enter the US (see Visas and border measures).
More information:
Air travel
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check USA's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 911.
Call 911.
Call 911.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
Check the embassy or consulate websites for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
Australian Embassy, Washington DC
Contact the Australian Embassy in Washington DC if you're in:
Australian Embassy
1601 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington DC 20036
Phone: +1 (202) 797 3000
Fax: +1 (202) 797 3168
Website: usa.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: facebook.com/AusInTheUS
X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/AusInTheUS
Australian Consulate-General, Chicago
Contact the Consulate-General in Chicago if you're in:
Australian Consulate-General, Chicago
123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1330
Chicago IL 60606
Phone: +1 (312) 419 1480
Fax: +1 (312) 419 1499
Website: https://usa.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: facebook.com/AusCGChicago
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auscgchicago/
Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu
If you're in Hawaii, contact the Consulate-General in Honolulu.
Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu
Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street
Honolulu HI 96813
Phone: +1 (808) 529 8100
Fax: +1 (808) 529 8142
Website: usa.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralHNL
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/AusCGHonolulu
Australian Consulate-General, Houston
Contact the Consulate-General in Houston if you're in:
Australian Consulate-General, Houston
3009 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1310
Houston TX 77056
Phone: +1 (832) 962 8420
Fax: +1 (832) 831 2022
Website: usa.embassy.gov.au
Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles
Contact the Consulate-General in Los Angeles if you're in:
Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles
2029 Century Park East, 31st Floor
Los Angeles CA 90067
Phone: +1 (310) 229 2300
Fax: +1 (310) 299 2380
email: losangeles@dfat.gov.au
Website: usa.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralLA
X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/AusConsulateLA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausconsulatela
Australian Consulate-General, New York
Contact the Consulate-General in New York if you're in:
Australian Consulate-General, New York
150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor
New York NY 10017
Phone: +1 (212) 351 6500
Fax: +1 (212) 351 6501
email: consular.newyork@dfat.gov.au
Website: newyork.consulate.gov.a
Facebook: facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralNYC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausconsulateny
Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco
Contact the Consulate-General in San Francisco if you're in:
Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco
575 Market Street, Suite 1800
San Francisco CA 94105
Phone: +1 (415) 644 3620
Fax: +1 (415) 536 1982
email: sanfrancisco@austrade.gov.au
Website: usa.embassy.gov.au
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy or consulate, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.