General Travel Questions for the United States

Q. Do I need a visa to travel to the United States?

A. Consult with travel.state.gov. 

Q. What do I do if I still have the Form I -94 (green or white) Departure Record still in my passport?

A. If you returned home with your departure record Form I-94 (white) or Form I-94W (green) in your passport, it means that your departure has not been recorded properly. It is your responsibility to correct this record. Go to cbp.gov. 

Q. I need to obtain criminal records from the United States, how do I get them?

A. Contact your local Department of Public Safety or State Police from the state you last resided.

Q. I am planning to travel to the Unites States. Where can I find information on tourism, maps, business, study, work or obtain information on a particular’s state legislation in the Unites States?

A. For tourist information, maps, and a variety of other information you can contact the USA.Gov and for information on a particular state’s legislation, statelocalgov.net. 

Q. Do I need vaccinations to enter the United States?

A. Vaccinations are no longer required for temporary travel to the United States. However, if you are intending to study or work, you should contact the school or prospective employer as they may have specific requirements.

Q. What do I do about health insurance for the United States?

A. Visitors and temporary residents in the United States are required to pay their own medical costs. As a result it is advisable to take out health insurance before departure. Those planning on remaining in the United States for any length of time or permanently may obtain health insurance after their arrival in the United States. Sometimes health insurance is available through an employer because many companies arrange group insurance for their employees.

Q. Traveling abroad with my pet.

A. Before taking a pet to another country, contact that country’s consulate or embassy for information about the requirements.

Q. How can I obtain Tax Refund for my purchases in the United States?

A. Sales Tax: is on goods and services and is set by each of the fifty states, and state entities (such as cities and counties), not by the U.S. government. Each state and state entity determines what the sales tax will be (always a percent of the purchase price) and what items will and will not be assessed a sales tax. The sales tax is not included in the advertised price of goods. Please note: sales tax is not the same as value-added tax (VAT). The state sales tax is a small tax on purchases or services, calculated at the time of purchase, which individual states assess and which the U.S. Federal government neither determines nor receives. The VAT, on the other hand, is a national tax applied in many countries that is included in the actual sales price rather than at the time of purchase. The United States does not have a VAT, and the Federal government cannot refund state sales taxes. Also, many states do not charge tax on items shipped out of state. Ask about state sales tax policies in the state where you make your purchases. (Information garnered from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.  

Q. Bringing Firearms and Ammunition into the United States.

A. You may consult the following web page for more information on this topic.

Q: Can I drive with my Spanish driver’s license in the United States?

A: Yes, but it is strongly recommended you obtain the International Driving Permit at Tráfico or call their toll free number 900 123 505. You may also request the International Driving Permit from RACE if you are a member. This will facilitate renting a car or be helpful if you are stopped by the police.

Q: How much currency/money/monetary instruments can I bring into the United States?

A: There is no limit on the amount of money that can be taken out of or brought into the United States. There are certain reporting requirements, however.

Please consult cbp.gov. 

If you did not find an answer to your question in this FAQ,
Please send an email to: AskACS@state.gov.