Summary

Latest update: Health section - in November 2015, cases of dengue fever were reported in Hawaii

The hurricane season normally runs from June to November and can affect US coastal regions, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. You should monitor updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of the local authorities. See Natural disasters

Forest and brush fires (wildfires) are a danger in many dry areas in the summer months. High winds can cause fires to spread very quickly. See Natural disasters. There are a number of wildfires currently burning in the west of the United States, including California and Washington state. For more information on the location of these wildfires, visit the InciWeb website.

Around 3.8 million British nationals visit the United States every year. Most visits are trouble free, but you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

There is a general threat from terrorism. See Terrorism

The US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, but you may need to get authorisation from the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before you travel. See Entry requirements

The VWP isn’t available to those who have a British passport extended by 12 months under exceptional measures put in place in mid-2014. You’ll need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. See Entry requirements

All travellers arriving from Ebola affected areas in West Africa (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) must arrive at one of 5 major airports in order to undergo health screening. See Air Travel

You should be alert to the dangers of car and street crime. See Safety and Security