UNITED STATES - Prepare for your trip!

December 17, 2025

If you are planning a future trip to the United States, here is some advice to help you best prepare for your stay.

1. Entry formalities and essential documents

Biometric Passport: A valid biometric passport is mandatory.
It is recommended that the passport be valid for six months beyond the planned duration of your stay. In case of doubt or if your passport expires soon, it is recommended to renew it before applying for your ESTA or Visa.
ESTA: If you are a citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (like most EU countries), you must obtain an ESTA travel authorization before departing.
The application is made online on the official U.S. government website, costs approximately $40 USD, and must be done at least 72 hours before your departure (ideally several weeks in advance). Beware of fraudulent websites that will charge you extra fees.
The ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, and authorizes stays of up to 90 days per trip.

Visa Required: However, you must imperatively apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate if:
- You do not meet the ESTA requirements (stay longer than 90 days, specific business travel, previous ESTA refusal, etc.)
- You have dual nationality with certain countries (Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen) and/or you have traveled there after February 2011.
- You have visited Cuba since January 12, 2021, or intend to go there before entering the United States.
- You are traveling to the USA via Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Insurance: The American healthcare system is one of the most expensive in the world. A simple consultation or an emergency can lead to thousands of dollars in costs.
Our partner Chapka, a specialist in travel insurance, offers different coverage plans to ensure you travel with peace of mind.

Liquids (Carry-on Baggage): Liquids in your carry-on (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.) must be contained in containers of 100 ml maximum. These containers must be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag (max. 1 liter) and presented separately at the security checkpoint.
Medications: Always keep prescription medications in their original packaging and have a copy of your medical prescription to avoid any issues at customs.

Currency Declaration: You must declare cash (in dollars or other currencies) if the total amount carried (in cash, traveler's checks, etc.) exceeds $10,000 USD upon entry or exit from the territory.
Food Products: Import rules for food products (meat, fruits, vegetables, certain cheeses) are extremely strict. Do not carry unpacked or perishable products to avoid confiscation and fines.

Currency: The U.S. Dollar ($).
Exchange: Avoid exchanging money in France or at the airport where rates are often unfavorable. Local banks or certain exchange offices in town generally offer better rates.

Card Payment: Payment by card (credit or debit) is accepted almost everywhere. Check before you leave to know your guarantees and fees, or opt for a bank card via online banks (Revolut, Boursorama, Fortuneo) to minimize costs.
- Prefer $: If a terminal asks if you want to pay in Euros (€) or Dollars ($), choose the U.S. Dollar ($) to guarantee the best exchange rate from your bank.
Cash: Prefer withdrawing at the branches of large banks (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, etc.) for more reasonable fees than at independent ATMs or cash machines. (Limit the number of withdrawals to avoid banking fees).
Tips: Tips are never included in the prices displayed in the United States. It is customary to offer a tip equivalent to 15% - 20% of the total bill, before taxes. Sometimes it may be indicated or included in the bill with the word "gratuity."

Roaming: Your European plan will immediately switch to "outside EU zone" mode, resulting in very high roaming fees.
- Plan Extension: Contact your operator before departure to add a temporary option for the USA.
- Local SIM / eSIM: The most economical solution is often to purchase a physical SIM card or eSIM (Holafly, T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) upon arrival or online before departing.

Voltage: The electrical voltage in the United States is 110-120 Volts (compared to 220-240V in Europe). Most chargers (phones, computers) are compatible with both voltages, but check your devices before leaving (it should be indicated "Input: 100-240V").
Plugs: The country uses Type A and B plugs (two or three flat pins). An adapter is essential.

Legal Age: The legal majority in the United States is 21 years old. If you are younger or traveling with children, you will not be able to go into bars after a certain hour.
Tobacco: Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited and frowned upon even on the street.
Driving: If you wish to rent a car there, some particularities are good to know: right-hand traffic, minimum legal age of 16, necessity to possess a French and international license, no priority to the right, very wide roads, etc.
Emergency Number: The emergency number in the USA is 911, which will forward you to the appropriate services.