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The majority of travelers to the United States enter the country by air, and there are direct flights to many US destinations from cities around the globe. Flights from London to New York take just seven hours (approximately); a nonstop flight from London to Los Angeles will take approximately 11 hours. A journey from Sydney to Los Angeles will take over 13 hours. If you're flying from Sydney to New York, you should expect to be traveling for almost a whole day; therefore, it is advisable to break up your journey.

There are a number of major national airlines, including American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways.

The main international airports in the United States are located in Boston, New York, Washington, Miami, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, with connections to domestic airports throughout the country.

There are many road routes connecting the US with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The US has a large and efficient highway system called the Interstate system, but the distances are vast and road travel extremely lengthy. You can also travel by Amtrak rail services into the United States from Canada and Mexico.

When entering the US at a land border crossing from Canada or Mexico, either by car or public transport, make sure you have the appropriate documentation with you. According to US Customs and Border Protection, citizens of Canada are exempt from the visa and passport requirement of Immigration and Nationality Act, but they must present either a birth certificate, a citizenship certificate, or a passport that proves identity and citizenship. Go Northwest! (www.gonorthwest.com/Visitor/planning/border/border.htm) includes some useful information for travelers entering the US from Canada (or vice versa). Citizens of Mexico must have a passport and non-immigrant visa or Form DSP-150. Citizens of all other countries should have a passport (valid for a minimum of six months beyond the initial period of stay in the US) and an appropriate visa (see the Visas and Temporary Residency section for more on visa requirements). More information about documentary requirements for Canadian and Mexican residents can be found at the US Customs and Border Protection web site: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/citizens/req_canada_mexico.xml.

When you enter the US (either by air or land), a customs/border agent will check your passport and accompanying documents (e.g., your return plane ticket, evidence of finances, visa or visa waiver form, etc.). They will ask you the purpose of your visit and how long you intend to stay in the country. You will also have to go through customs when you enter the US and declare any goods that you are bringing into the country. For a list of items that you must declare, visit the following web site: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/what_you_declare.xml.

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Expat Focus would like to acknowledge the kind help given by Kirstie Wilson of British Business Connection in compiling this guide.

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