Australian visitors to the United States who are visiting for business, tourism, or health care reasons and staying less than 90 days, do not need a visa. The Visa Waiver Program waives the need for Australian visitors to enter the US as long as certain conditions are met. Under the visa waiver program, time spent in Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands counts toward the 90-day maximum.

How can an Australian citizen enter the US?

All citizens covered by the visa waiver program, including Australians, are  mandated to get travel authorization prior to traveling to the United States. Authorization may be obtained through the online portal, Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTA).

You will receive authorization within a few minutes, but it is advised to apply at least 72 hours in advance of your travel. The authorization is a free Internet application provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security. There are unauthorized third-party websites that have been established and are charging applicants for submitting ESTA applications. These websites are not authorized by the United States government and are scams.

Requirements for Australian Visitors to the US

• Citizens who are traveling for business or pleasure only. The VWP does not apply to federal government business or to members of the media.
• Citizens will be visiting for a period of 90 day or less, this includes time spent in a Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands.
• Must be in possession of an unexpired machine-readable passport (MRP).
• They have complied with previous admission under the Visa Waiver Program and are not ineligible for a US visa.
• They are arriving by a signatory commercial carrier, if traveling by air or sea, and have a return ticket to a foreign destination other than the United States and adjacent islands (like Hawaii).
• They can demonstrate intent to stay only 90 days and have the financial means to support themselves while in the United States.
• They do not have a criminal record.

Upon entering the United States, be prepared to show your VWP paperwork, current passport and to be fingerprinted. When exiting the United States, you will have an exit confirmation added to your travel records to show compliance with the terms of admission. Once in the US, an Australian visitor cannot extend the time on the Visa Waiver Program.

How many times can Australian citizens enter the US?

There is no limit to how many times an Australian citizen can enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, however, entry and re-entry into the US is at the discretion of the immigration officials.

Will you need travel insurance as an Australian in the US?

Definitely. It is always necessary to purchase travel insurance when traveling outside your home country. The minimal money spent on a travel insurance policy will be worth it should an unforeseen accident occur and you need medical attention. Medical care in the US is the most expensive in the world. Travel insurance can also help if something comes up and you can’t travel as planned. With cancel for any reason coverage, you won’t lose the money you invested in your trip.

Although, Istanbul, Turkey has remained a popular vacation destination for U.S. citizens and is on friendly terms with the U.S. governmentally speaking, it is a center for terrorism and crime. The United States-Turkey friendship dates to late 18th century and was officially acknowledged by a treaty in 1830.

More recently, as part of the 1947 Truman Doctrine, the United States has loaned and granted Turkey more than $12.5 billion in aid and another $14 billion in military assistance. Only three months in office, President Obama paid a historic visit to Turkey to solidify continuing interests and mutual respect. However friendly, all the politics in the world can’t keep you safe from individuals or groups with criminal agendas.

According to the U.S. Department of State, “In Istanbul, small-scale bombings and violent demonstrations, and more recently vehicle arsons, have occurred regularly since 2006. Most of these incidents have happened in neighborhoods not generally frequented by tourists, including a July 2008 bombing in the Güngören neighborhood that killed 17 Turkish citizens. PKK supporters on a number of occasions have set public buses on fire after ordering passengers to disembark. In April 2006, an attack of this type resulted in three deaths and at least one severe wounding. Thus far, no attacks on buses have taken place in tourist areas of the city. In Istanbul, until 2009, May Day (May 1) celebrations had resulted in violent clashes between police and workers who have been prohibited from commemorating this day in Taksim Square.” Many additional terrorists’ attacks and religious attacks have occurred in Istanbul from 2003 to the present.”

The State Department also suggests all visitors to Istanbul be responsible for their own safety as international and domestic political issues can at times trigger demonstrations in most major cities, including Istanbul.

The rate of street crime remains relatively low in most of Turkey; however, in Istanbul it has increased. Petty crimes are the most popular in tourist areas like Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and in the areas around the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Types of street crime includes: pick pocketing, purse snatching, and mugging. The same precautions you use at home in the U.S. should be implemented while in Istanbul. It is strongly suggested that you leave your U.S. passport in your hotel safe and carry only what you need when you go out.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website, which contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

If you are a victim of crime you should contact the local authorities, or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The emergency number equivalent for 911 in Turkey is 155.

Despite the safety issues, if you do decide to travel to Istanbul, be sure you purchase travel insurance, travel medical insurance or a travel insurance package. At least, this will give you peace of mind in case you should be injured during your stay.

According to the Canada Border Services Agency, everyone must have a passport or equivalent documentation such as a NEXUS card or an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) to enter Canada by land, sea or air. Although, it is strongly suggested all citizens of both Canada and the United States carry passports when crossing borders.

Like the United States, Canada approves use of alternative travel documentation that can be used in place of a passport.

In Canada approved equivalent travel documentation is:

1. NEXUS card: A card that pre-approves entry by land, sea and air between the U.S. and Canada. There is an application process which involves an interview. Apply through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
2. U.S. Passport Card: Issued by the U.S. Department of State it allows entry into Canada by all travel means.
3. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): This card proves both identity and citizenship. The EDL can be used by land or sea, but not by air. Currently, an EDL is only available in Washington and New York states.

However, that’s only half the story, if you want to re-enter the United States, you better be prepared with your U.S. passport or equivalent travel documentation in hand. According to The United States Embassy Consular Services Canada, “All persons, U.S. Citizen or foreign nationals must present a valid passport or alternate approved travel document to enter or depart from the United States by air.”

This policy was passed by Congress as The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) “to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States.” Travel document security remains a top priority for the U.S. government.

In the United States approved equivalent travel documentation is:

1. NEXUS Card: A WHTI-compliant document for land and sea travel as well as air travel between airports using the NEXUS program.
2. U.S. Passport Card: A U.S. government passport card that allows entry back into the U.S. from Canada.
3. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): This card proves both identity and citizenship. The EDL can be used by land or sea but not by air. Currently, an EDL is only available in Washington and New York states.

The United States also requires persons over the age of 19 years to provide a government issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, and proof of citizenship such as a birth or naturalization certificate. Persons 18 years of age and less must provide proof of citizenship. Nexus and FAST cards are also acceptable for proof of citizenship and identity. If you are traveling with children make sure you are prepared with the proper documentation when crossing borders, check on the The United States Embassy Consular Services Canada for more information.

When traveling to Canada, make sure to purchase your travel insurance policy beforehand. There are several policies to choose from including; medical travel insurance, in case you are injured while away from home, single trip insurance and multi trip insurance as well. You can never be too safe when leaving your home country and entering a foreign one.

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), immigrants can travel abroad while awaiting their green card. Depending on your immigration status, however, you may find it’s not worth the trouble or risk.

If you have an application for immigration pending (meaning you haven’t received the green card yet), you may need to carry specific travel documents if you wish to return to the US. You will need to apply for these travel documents before you leave the United States.

Warning: if you have been in the US illegally, then you may not be allowed back into the US if you depart.

No Green Card yet? You’ll need these travel documents

If you haven’t yet received your green card, and you need to leave the US temporarily, it’s imperative that you apply for a permit to re-enter before traveling.

The USCIS issues four types of travel documents:

1. Advanced parole
2. Refugee travel document
3. Re-entry permit
4. Carrier documentation

Note, even if you have all of the above documents, there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter the US.

Risks of Traveling Abroad with Advanced Parole

If you are in the process of adjusting your status to permanent US resident, traveling outside of the US without advance parole can have severe consequences on your immigration status.

If you fail to obtain the proper documents, and you leave the United States without them, you will have effectively abandoned your application for a green card. In addition, you may be not be eligible to be admitted back into the US when you try to return.

What about emergency travel?

If you need to travel outside the US as a result of an emergency, you may request an emergency advance parole appointment at the local field office by contacting USCIS. The following items will be needed at that appointment:

• A completed and signed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• The correct I-131 filing fee
• Evidence to support the emergency request (e.g., medical documentation, death certificate)
• Two passport-style photos.

Obtaining Advance Parole without a Green Card

To obtain an Advance Parole, you must complete Form I-131 –Application for Travel Document. The application may be filled out online and special instructions are on the website. Be prepared to pay a the filing fee, but if you meet certain criteria the fee can be waived. On the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website there is all the information you need to apply and obtain your advance parole.

Note that on the USCIS instructions for the I-131, you will see the following information requirements that must be attached to your application:

1. A copy of any document issued to you by the USCIS showing your present status in the United States; and
2. An explanation or other evidence showing the circumstances that warrant issuance of an Advanced Parole Document; or
3. If you are an applicant of status, a copy of a USCIS receipt as evidence that you filed the adjustment application; or
4. If you are traveling to Canada to apply for an immigration visa, a copy of the US consular appointment letter; or
5. If you are the surviving spouse of a US citizen who died before the second anniversary of your marriage, (or included in your parent’s deferred action grant letter), you must file Form I-131 with a copy of the order notice, or document placing you in deferred action. If you are a qualified child and you are requesting advance parole, you must submit a separate application.

Will you need travel insurance to travel without a green card?

Definitely. Anytime you travel outside your home country, it is highly recommended that you get travel insurance, should anything unforeseen happen while you are out of the country. Accidents happen and medical costs can be covered by the medical travel insurance in a travel insurance policy.

If your travel documentation doesn’t come in time for your trip, and you’ve already purchased airline tickets and put a deposit on your lodging, the cancel for any reason insurance coverage will help cover your losses if you have to cancel the trip.

America’s only national rail service, Amtrak, provides both intercity and long-distance train service. There are 293 other tourist railways in North America offering short routes, wedding, and other specialized services. There are also 16 heavy rail rapid transit systems in the United States, each operating in large cities such as NYC, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Detroit.

Amtrak: National Scenic Byways
Amtrak offers 500 destinations in 46 states, 21,000 miles of routes, and 18,000 employees to make your American train travel a memorable experience. Note that Amtrak is known for its travel delays, perhaps because it is utilized by an average of 78,000 passengers commuting on up to 300 routes daily or simply because its tracks are privately owned railroads. Nearly 30 million passengers log over 36 million miles on Amtrak each year. Amtrak has various passes available: the North American Rail Pass, rail/fly packages, regional passes, and Florida and California state specific passes. Most people ride Amtrak for the scenic routes and its comfort, not for its expediency.

Subways and Elevated Trains
New York City’s subway is the only U.S. subway open 24/7. It serves nearly 7.5 million daily commuters on its 26 lines. The United States ranks first in the world for its rapid transit length and number of stations open to serve commuters. There are approximately 30 current/future light rail systems and 43 light rail/streetcar systems in America, not including 15 heritage streetcar systems serving localized areas. Streetcars are also called trams or trolleys; and, there are railborne vehicles of transportation.

Tourist Rails
There are over 100 tourist rail options in the U.S. as well as nearly 200 local tourist trains available for just about any need from general travel to specialized get-togethers such as weddings and reunions. Some run through historically significant areas, some simply through zoos and museum grounds.

Tips for Traveling U.S. Rails

• Read rail tickets carefully for reservation and service information
• Know that there may be delays or cancellations
• If you have children and are traveling overnight, consider a sleeper car
• Dress comfortably
• Do not leave luggage or personal items unguarded
• If you have food allergies or other dietary needs, find out about dining ahead of time

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security shares the responsibility of enhancing rail security against terrorism with the Department of Transportation to help assure rail travelers of a worry-free travel experience.

Note that no rail system in the U.S. needs U.S. citizenship documentation unless a line heads over the border into Canada as in the case of two Amtrak lines. Still, it is prudent to carry proper identification, an In Case of Emergency or ICE contact, and copies of your travel medical insurance or travel insurance policy just in case of personal emergency.

All United States citizens, including foreign nationals, traveling by air, land, or sea to Canada must present a passport book, passport card, or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document in order to enter the country or to re-enter the US. This means that one or more of these documents are required by one mode of travel or a combination of travel modes. This became effective June 1, 2009, and applies to those travelers over the age of 16. Children under age 16 may continue to use their U.S. birth or naturalization certificate indicating U.S. citizenship in order to enter Canada through a land or sea border.

Document Specifics for Travel from the US to Canada

All U.S. citizens traveling by air, one of the following documents must be presented:

• a valid U.S. passport
• military identification card
• merchant mariner card
• NEXUS card
• transportation letter

If you are traveling by land and/or sea, the WHTI compliant documents are:

• Trusted Traveler Cards such as NEXUS, FAST, SENTRI
• enhanced state-issued driver’s license
• enhanced tribal card
• U.S. military identification card–must include military travel orders
• U.S. merchant mariner document–must provide proof of official maritime business
• Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
• American Indian Card (Form I-872)

Special Concerns

If parents, grandparents, or legal guardians are traveling to Canada with one or more children, it is strongly advised to carry proof of custody. If you are not the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian, carry a letter from one or both parents, grandparent, or legal guardian stating that you have permission to carry the child or children across the border. Failure to do so may result in significant delay entering the country. This is due to international concern over the abduction of children. You must also have proof that the child is a United States citizen. You are encouraged to possess a letter stating any possible medical concern and travel medical insurance information for each child in case of emergency.

You may be barred from entering Canada if you have a criminal record, including drunken driving. Note that it will take several weeks and a processing fee to get a waiver of exclusion issued.

Naturalized citizens, bring your naturalization certificate; permanent aliens, your Alien Registration or “Green” card.

If you hold a dual U.S./Canadian citizenship, enter the United States always as an American citizen maintaining allegiance to the United States.

U.S. consulates are located in Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax, Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, and Québec City. Winnipeg is set up for emergency services only. Although it is not required for travel, you can set up travel registration on the U.S. Department of State web site to record your trip information, including itinerary, medical and travel insurance, in case of emergency.

The WHTI evolved from the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Act of 2004 to both strengthen US borders as well as to facilitate entry into the US.

Whether you are traveling out of town, out of state, or out of the country, packing for a trip can be a real challenge. First, you will need to make a comprehensive list of everything you need. Think about important items like paperwork such as: passports, travel insurance policies, toiletries, medication, and undergarments. Once you have the list compiled, go back through and think about what you really need. Will two coats really be necessary? Think about the weather and what kinds of clothes you’ll need to bring. Then, bring just one or two “back-up” pieces like a light jacket or long sleeved shirt in case it gets cool. Over packing can be cumbersome, time consuming, and heavy. Bring smaller, travel-sized shampoos, lotions, and toothpaste. This will make boarding a plane easier, and won’t be as much weight or bulk when you pack your carry-on bag. Put them all in a plastic, waterproof zip top container so they do not spill and leak onto your clothes. If you’re bringing a laptop, a neoprene or soft carrying case is recommended to keep it protected from damage.

When packing for your trip, remember that lighters and cigarettes are now prohibited at most airports when it comes to bringing them onto the airplane. If you have a PDA or cell phone, bring it in your pocket or purse so you have it close to you at all times. Packing the suitcase can be the most challenging part of getting ready for any vacation. Put paperwork such as business documents and your travel insurance policy in a safe secure place, such as your purse or briefcase in the event that your luggage gets misplaced, you will need to find them quickly. Use the rolling technique to roll your sweaters, shirts, and pants or jeans into tight rolls, and then pack them into the suitcase. For dresses or suits, it’s wise to use a separate piece of luggage with a hanger so these items do not get wrinkled. Socks can also be rolled and packed; underwear and bras can be stored in a plastic bag. Then, when they’ve been used, you can put them back in the plastic bag for the trip home to prevent any odors from spreading to your clothing.

If you plan to bring food, never pack this with your clothing. Instead, bring it on the carry-on bag so you can easily get to it, and nothing will spill. Following these simple tips can make packing for a trip a breeze.

A trip to Disney World located in Orland0, Florida is usually associated with fun since the entire park was designed to give children the chance to live out their dreams with some of the most beloved figures of all time. For parents who may be looking for a reason to take their kids to Disney World, one question is often asked: Is a trip to Disney World educational?

Unlike Disneyland located in Anaheim, California, which is suited for younger children with some educational attractions, Disney World was built with people of all ages in mind and there are a large number of attractions at Disney World that are educational for both children and adults.

Firstly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a “Wild by Design” tour that takes groups of sightseers through a swampy area based on of a small part of Africa. Along the route, the group is exposed to a small section of the African ecosystem. Participants must be at least 14 years old. Then, there is the “Backstage Safari” attraction that teaches those 16 years of age and older about caring for the animals. The group visits a veterinary hospital and Nutrition Center. For the people who stay in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there are several other educational animal-related programs available as well.

The hands-down most educational attraction at Disney World is EPCOT. EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is a futuristic dome that focuses on hypothesizing what future technology will be. In addition to allowing people the chance to explore both current and future technologies, EPCOT offers a series of marine-related tours as well. “DiveQuest” is a dive tour of EPCOT’s 6-million gallon indoor aquarium. “Dolphins in Depth” is an arranged dolphin encounter that allows people ages 13 and up to get up close and personal with dolphins and “Seas Aqua Tour” is for the younger children so that they can experience the aquarium as fully as possible. Visitors will also find the two plant-related tours, “Gardens of the World” and “Behind the Seeds,” to be highly educational.

There are many other attractions that educate visitors on how the park itself was formed and how it runs. Disney-MGM studios offer backstage tours so people can see how films are put together and Magic Kingdom offers a look at the park’s steam train operation system, along with other programs.

With all of these adventures, it’s a good idea to invest in some kind of travel insurance. While accidents at Disney World may be few and far between, there is always the smallest chance that something can go wrong, so getting a single trip travel insurance policy will help make sure the trip goes as smoothly as possible.