Non-Cuban Americans can travel freely as short-term tourists to Cuba, needing just a passport and your plane ticket’s tourist card. However, if you are an American citizen born in Cuba, you must get a visa at the Cuban embassy before traveling to the island.

Those citizens under United States jurisdiction, which includes all U.S. residents, should understand that there is a partial trade embargo with Cuba. It is illegal to trade in Cuba. For the tourist, this means that you cannot spend money or buy gifts unless you have a license to do so. If you engage in illegal trading with Cuba, you will be subject to fines and prosecution when you return to the United States.

Tourists should also note that visiting Cuba can be a double-edged sword. The Cuban government is a police-state maintaining order by electronic and physical surveillance of its citizens and tourists. Be aware that the U.S. has consular services in Havana, but not full diplomatic relations with the government and that you travel there at your own risk. The Swiss Embassy and therefore the Swiss government legally protects the U.S. Interests Section of the consulate, although they are not located within the same building.

Tourists are often targets for crime. Violent street crime is on the rise against tourists, mostly during robberies and burglaries. Thefts, such as pick pocketing, muggings, and the stealing of unattended luggage, are commonplace. Carry a copy of your passport at all times on your person. It would be prudent to keep a copy of your travel insurance policy on you as well. If police or other officials questions you, you will have your U.S. citizenship papers and proof of identity handy. Leave the originals in a secure place. If you are the victim of crime, call the police at 106, the Cuban equivalent to the American 911 emergency number. Fire is 105.

Note that Cuban medical care does not conform to the same standard as American care. Bring prescriptions with you, especially life-saving ones such as blood pressure and insulin. Do not attempt to enter the country without a copy of your prescription and a letter why it is needed. You may be denied entry.

Cira Garcia Hospital is located in the Miramar neighborhood, the only place in Havana where you may be treated. Although travel medical insurance is imperative while traveling to Cuba, be aware that all medical consultation and treatment is payable with cash only.

Check the current travel warnings and restrictions at the U.S. State Department web site before you travel to Cuba.

Ghana citizens visiting the United States must acquire a non-immigrant visa before leaving their home country. Immigrant visas are also available, but are much more expensive with much more documentation required. Both types of visas must be obtained from the U.S. Embassy in Accra. Only U.S. consular officers can grant visas to the United States. No other personal or business entity is authorized to facilitate or grant you a visa.

Non-immigrant visas (NIVs) are for Ghana travelers, aged 14 to 79, who are visiting, studying, or working temporarily in the United States. You must apply for your visa using the embassy’s electronic visa application form, which is found on the American Embassy’s web site. All interview appointments are also booked online.

One photo with specific measurements and background is required:

• photo must be in color and taken within the last six months
• photo must measure 50mm or 2 inches square, eye level must be 28 to 35mm from the bottom of the photo
• photo background must be white
• applicant must face straight ahead, centered in the photo, ears exposed

Applicants should begin their application process as early as possible, especially if traveling during the peak, summer holiday travel season. Average wait times for non-immigration visa interview appointments are seven to 35 calendar days, while student and/or exchange student and other non-immigrant visa interviews typically hover around the seven-day mark. After the interview appointment is completed, non-immigrant visa processing takes around three days. No same-day visa service is available.

Consult the Accra U.S. Embassy website for specific information on current interview wait times, especially for A, G, K, and V labeled non-immigrant visas. Note that medical and humanitarian emergencies may facilitate expedited interviews and therefore turnaround times may be quicker. Just make sure that you have your ticket information, travel insurance, and necessary papers.

There is a visa waiver program available for travelers who have machine- readable, biometric passports. Check the U.S. State Department for current information, requirements, and applications.

If you want to reside or find a permanent job in the United States, you need an immigrant visa (IV). Examples of eligible immigrants are those who have an immediate relative or a family sponsorship or an employer sponsorship. Religious workers may have special immigration status.

The procedure is different for an immigrant status visa. Call the Consular Section of the American Embassy in Accra for specific and up-to-date information. Interviews, medical exams, and detailed financial and personal information is required.

No matter which visa you apply for, make sure that you have all the necessary documentation readily available, such as: passport, financial support information, sponsorship papers and travel medical insurance.

Ninety percent of the American domestic travel aircraft are twin-engine jets as they are the less costly commercial travel jet to operate. Twin engines have two engines and two propellers. Nearly 13 million U.S. airliner hours were recorded in 2009. Of the more than 87,000 flights each day in the United States, only one-third of those are commercial flights.

Airbuses are one of the most popular airliners in the United States. Examples of domestic commercial airliners used are: the Boeing 747 and the newer 787 models. Older models may still be in use, but are out-of-production, such as the DC-9 and DC-10. The 747 and the McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 are arguably the most used airliners by domestic commercial carriers by percent and logged air hours.

Of the top ten U.S. airlines, all scheduled passengers flying U.S. airlines, were down, except JetBlue; and, from January through September 2009, all domestic flights were down nearly three percent. The amount of flying passengers down nearly seven percent and the amount of manufactured planes were down for the same year. Still there are around 5000 planes in the sky at any given moment in the United States.

General aircraft types are:

• Cargo: mostly carry things, not people, except some carry a very limited amount of passengers
• Helicopters: usually seats less than 10 passengers and is suited to very short trips
• Turboprops: these can carry up to around 70 passengers and are well-suited for trips up to four hours. Another type of turboprop is the economical twin piston which carries only up to eight people and is for trips of short duration. These planes are mostly for business use. Although they are smaller than commercial airliners, they often travel higher and faster than them.
• Airliners: seats 50 to 400 passengers depending on whether the flight is domestic or international. This is a large aircraft suitable for very long flights without refueling.

Airliners are what most Americans commercially travel on domestically. Specific airliner types depend on the manufacturer. There are often slight variations on internal amenities such as seat width and legroom depending also if that specific type of aircraft operates short or long flights, and has mostly economy, first or business class seats. For instance, some seats have extra legroom due to their location and positioning of the aircraft’s bulkheads.

No matter what kind of airliner you travel on, certain basic items are required or suggested for domestic travel in the United States: a paper or e-ticket is required and a travel insurance policy or travel medical insurance is highly suggested. You never know when you will need to use your travel insurance policy which can be because of: lost or stolen luggage, change in flights, theft in airline ticket etc.

Americans returning from Mexico require a passport, birth certificate, resident alien or a SENTRI card. You must prove that you are a legal resident of the United States, not a citizen, to get in to and out of Mexico. However, you are strongly encouraged to keep a passport on you at all times to provide identity information and for banking purposes. You will be issued a blue tourist card valid for usually 90 days when you enter Mexico and this must be surrendered upon leaving Mexico. If you travel by air, you must have a valid passport.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative hosts certain Trusted Traveler Programs. The SENTRI program is part of that initiative that makes traveling across the U.S./Mexico border easier for frequent travelers and is issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency of the Department of Homeland Security. The SENTRI card pre-approves those accepted travelers giving them access to dedicated commuter lanes at the border crossing. SENTRI cards are valid for five years and require an interview, fingerprinting, and fee to obtain. You can apply online.

If you are returning from Mexico to the United States after entering the country with a vehicle, you first must go to any Mexican Army Bank, called a Banjercito. Turn in your temporary import permit that you obtained when you entered the country as well as the Vehicle Return Promise. Also, you must turn in your tourist card. You will get your vehicle security deposit back if you used that method upon entry or get your bond agreement returned if you used that method of vehicular entry into the country. Border crossing wait times to reach the primary inspection booth are available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site of the Department of Homeland Security.

Americans have increasingly become targets for crime once they cross into such cities as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and Matamoros. There are military troops deployed in regions of the country that Americans tend to frequent as tourists, including border regions. Kidnapping of non-Mexicans continues targeting mostly the wealthy and middle-class. “Express kidnappings” are very lucrative and Americans have been known to be accosted in plain sight. The U.S. State Department strongly suggests that Americans consult with their travel medical insurance company regarding if their travel insurance policy is valid in Mexico and whether it will cover emergency expenses.

If you have lost your passport or if it or any other identity papers have been stolen, you need to contact one of the many American consular offices in Mexico for more information and possible emergency services before return to the United States.

A green card is the term for a Permanent Resident Card granted to a foreigner by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The card gives the holder the right to live and work in the United States permanently without restriction.

The green card allows holders to travel outside the borders of the US and return without needing additional paperwork. According to Mexico’s visa policy, travelers with a green card can enter Mexico without a visa, just like American nationals.

Green card holders can travel to Mexico

According to the U.S. Embassy of Mexico, all legal residents of the United States, regardless of their nationality, can travel to Mexico if they are in possession of a green card (although the actual current color of the cards is pink). Travelers do not need to go through the process of applying to Mexico City for an entry permit or a visa.

A tourist card can be issued on board an aircraft or the port of entry to be able to travel to Mexico as tourists, in transit or for short business trips. You must carry a valid passport and your U.S. Permanent Resident Card (green or pink card) issued by the United States government at all times.

Steps to travel safely

For safety purposes be sure to register at the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. If you are without the Internet, register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration allows the State Department to assist or contact a U.S. citizen in case of an emergency.

Also, be sure to research and purchase travel insurance. There is travel medical/evacuation coverage and even travel insurance packages that cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies and medical evacuations. The cost of travel insurance is minimal compared to the medical cost in an emergency situation. Mexico can be a dangerous place in certain regions, be sure to plan for every circumstance and stay safe.

Returning to the US with your green card

Upon your return from Mexico, you cannot be denied entry. With your valid foreign passport and your U.S. Permanent Resident Card (green or pink card), you have the full right to return to U.S. soil. Be prepared to answer some simple questions and be fingerprinted. If you do not have your passport or green card when trying to reenter the United States, you will be held until the situation can be worked out with the proper embassy authorities, which could take a very long time. For a quick and safe return, be sure not to misplace your passport or U.S. Permanent Resident Card (green or pink card) during your stay in Mexico, keep it with you at all times.

Nationals of South Africa are required to have a visa to enter the United States. American citizens traveling to South Africa for tourism however, do not require a visa for trips of less then 90 days. Though taking care of any necessary visa requirements is important before planning a trip to either country, travel insurance is another necessity no traveler should neglect.

South Africa is considered the adventure travel capital of the world. Millions of travelers flock to this country every year to experience its natural beauty and explore its history. Whale watching, luxury shopping, elephant walks, green hunting, paragliding, shark cage diving, cultural museums, theme parks, botanical gardens, and dune boarding are just a few of the hundreds of possible activities to explore.

While visiting game parks and reserves allows travelers to interact with wild animals, it also carries the possibility of injury. Animal attacks have occurred and having Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance is a smart idea for protection. In the case of a medical emergency a travel insurance policy that includes Medical Evacuation will allow an injured traveler to be airlifted to the nearest competent medical facility or to the United States to receive superior life sustaining medical care. Estimates show that without insurance, air evacuations can cost tens of thousands.

Traffic accidents are also a worry for visitors to South Africa. The country has a high number of car accidents caused by poorly maintained vehicles and excessive speeding. Car robberies at traffic lights and stops are also a concern, with some travelers facing violent physical assaults. Rental Car Policies protect travelers from having to pay for a vehicle that is stolen or requires extensive repairs. Travel insurance can also reimburse for the theft of any personal property.

Travelers insurance offers protection once arriving at the final destination in South Africa, but these plans offer so much more. Hurricanes, terrorist acts, and the death, or serious illness of a family member is just a few examples of unforeseen events that may mean postponing a South African vacation. By choosing an experienced company that specializes in handling travelers insurance, tourist may be able to cancel or delay a trip without losing a deposit. Reimbursement for canceled flights and a cash payment for lost baggage are other benefits of travelers insurance.

In most cases, travelers to South Africa will enjoy a thrilling adventure free from problems. If something does go wrong however, policies are available for business travelers, students, and families. These policies provide peace of mind and a safety net that can keep a trip from being ruined.

With its close proximity to Florida, Cuba is the perfect destination for US citizens seeking an island holiday. The capital Havana is popular with tourist due to its exciting club atmosphere, immaculate beaches, architectural diversity, and the charm of Old Havana. American tourist to Cuba get the chance to learn Salsa dancing, mingle with friendly natives, and sample the mix of Spanish and African inspirations found in Cuban cuisine. Tourists can go: windsurfing, kayaking, deep sea fishing, bird watching, scuba diving, swimming, sailing, caving, snorkeling, diving, or hiking. Before traveling to Cuba, US citizens should examine necessary entry requirements and get adequate travel insurance protection.

The US government imposes some strict requirements for US citizens planning to travel to Cuba. Under the Trading with the Enemy Act, travel to Cuba is restricted for regular tourist, planning to visit the country and spend money there. Due to this, direct travel as a tourist cannot occur from the United States. Instead, tourist must first travel to Mexico, Canada or another friendly nation. Some tourists choose to fly directly to Jamaica then take one of the many daily flights available to Cuba.

General licenses are available for some categories of visitors to Cuba. For example, doctors attending business conferences, journalist writing articles on the country and US Citizens with Cuban relatives can usually travel to Cuba without going through any red tape. Specific licenses are also available for humanitarians, freelance journalists, and students attending educational programs. A visa will also be needed to enter Cuba and can be obtained from a Cuban consulate.

Cuba is a truly innovative and original destination for US citizens to visit. Tourist can simply recharge on its famous beaches, take part in the lively Afro-Cuba music scene, roll cigars in tobacco factories, and enjoy Cuba’s culture and history through museums and fine art galleries. Even with all the charms Cuba has to offer, accidents can and do occur. A simple trip and fall can leave travelers with a broken limb and spoil their perfect vacation. Though Cuba does have health facilities in major tourist areas, cash is required upfront for services. Look to Medical Evacuation coverage to get an emergency transportation to a hospital back in the US.

With traveler’s insurance tourist are able to plan ahead and be prepared in case serious injuries do occur. Cheap travel insurance is also available to offer worry free protection at an affordable price. Business travelers will also be relieved to know that a travel insurance policy can be used to pay for the lost incurred if a planned conference or seminar is canceled. Those who travel to Cuba several times a year for business should take advantage of annual insurance, to get protection for an entire year.

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.