The USA in Key Figures
ESTA
Mandatory (stay ≤ 90 days, multiple entries)
911
Single emergency number
0
World Heritage Sites (UNESCO)
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When to Go? Weather & Events
Average Weather Per Month
Public Holidays & Events 2026
- January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- February 17: Presidents' Day
- May 26: Memorial Day
- July 4th: Independence Day
- September 1st: Labor Day
- October 13: Columbus Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
- November 27: Thanksgiving Day
- December 25th: Christmas Day
Essentials for a Trip to the USA
According to NTTO data, here are the most popular destinations for international travelers.
- 1. New York City, New York
- 2. Miami, Florida
- 3. Los Angeles, California
- 4. Orlando, Florida
- 5. San Francisco, California
- 6. Las Vegas, Nevada
- 7. Washington DC.
- 8. Chicago, Illinois
- 9. Boston, Massachusetts
- 10. Honolulu, Hawaii
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Practical Information for Travellers
Entry & Stay (French)
- ESTA Required: For tourism/business stays of up to 90 days. Must be applied for on the official website.
- ESTA validity: Valid for 2 years OR until passport expiry. Cost: USD 40 (price as of 09/30/2025).
- Passport: Valid for the duration of the stay. The 6-month requirement does not apply to French citizens.
- Travel to Cuba: If staying in Cuba since 12/01/2021, a visa is required (not eligible for ESTA).
- Domestic flights (from 07/05/2025): REAL ID or foreign passport required.
Health & Safety
- Emergency number: 911 (Police, Fire Department, Ambulance).
- Health insurance: Essential (very high medical costs). Must cover repatriation.
- Medications: Keep the prescription and original packaging. Report if necessary.
- Non-vital care: Favor "Urgent Care" (cheaper than "ER" emergencies).
- Ariane registration: Recommended for consular follow-up.
Customs & Baggage
- Cash: Declaration if > USD 10,000 of 'currency and monetary instruments' (cash, bearer checks, money orders…), aggregated amount per person/family – FinCEN form 105.
- Food: Very strict rules. Always declare fruits, meats, and vegetables to avoid fines/seizures.
- Liquids (cabin): Rule 3-1-1 (100ml max / bottle, 1 bag 1L).
- Drones: > 250 g: FAA registration + Remote ID required; recreational use: TRUST test required. Takeoff/landing prohibited in National Parks.
Transportation & Practical Life
- Driving: A French driving licence is sufficient for a short stay. An international driving permit is recommended.
- Car rental: Minimum age often 25 years (or extra charge for 21-24 years).
- Electricity: 120V / 60Hz. Type A/B adapter required.
- Tips: Cultural. 15-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis.
- Taxes: The prices displayed are almost always excluding tax (sales tax added at the till).
Logistics & Practical Guides
Memo for your clients
- Before departure: ESTA approved, valid passport, health/repatriation insurance.
- Airport: Liquids rule 3-1-1 (100ml max).
- Customs: Declare cash > $10,000 and all food (meat/fruits/plants prohibited).
- On site: 911 emergency services, A/B electrical adapter, 15-20% tip expected.
- Driving: French driving licence valid for short stays. Be aware that tolls and parking are expensive.
- Drones: Prohibited in National Parks.
- Taxes: The prices shown do not include "sales tax".
Air Passenger Rights (US DOT)
Key rule (since April 2024):
In the event of flight cancellation or significant schedule change by the company, if the customer refuses the proposed alternative, they are entitled to an automatic refund to the original payment method (card, bank transfer, cash if paid in cash).
Air travel disputes: Use the online complaint portal of the Aviation Consumer Protection (US DOT).
Advanced Logistics: Internal Connections
| Route | Road | Train (Amtrak) | Flight | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York ↔ Washington DC | ~4–5 a.m | ~3h (Acela) | ~1h15 | Ideal train (city center). |
| Miami ↔ Orlando | ~4h | ~3:30 (Brightline) | ~1h | The Brightline train is very convenient. |
| Los Angeles ↔ San Francisco | ~6am–7am | ~9-12h (Long) | ~1h15 | Flying is almost mandatory. |
| Las Vegas ↔ Los Angeles | ~4–5 a.m | — | ~1h | Iconic route, but avoid returning on Sundays. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I apply for ESTA?
Apply as soon as possible, ideally at least 72 hours before departure. The response is often quick, but delays can occur. The ESTA is valid for two years.
Does the passport need to be valid for 6 months after departure?
No, not for French citizens. The United States has an agreement ("Six-Month Club") that exempts France from this rule. The passport simply needs to be valid for the duration of the stay.
Can you drive with a French driving licence?
Yes, for a short tourist stay (less than 3 months), a French driver's license is accepted in most countries. However, an international driving permit (IDP) is still recommended to avoid any problems with some rental companies or insurance companies.
Can I enter with $15,000 in cash?
Yes, but you are required to declare it to customs using FinCEN form 105, as the amount exceeds $10,000. Failure to declare can result in heavy penalties.
My flight is cancelled, what are my rights?
According to the new DOT rules (April 2024), if the airline cancels your flight or changes it significantly, and you refuse the proposed alternative itinerary, you are entitled to an automatic cash refund.
Test your knowledge!
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Contacts
General Emergencies
Police / Ambulance / Fire Department: 911
Psychological Crisis: 988
Consular Contacts (France)
Embassy (Washington): +1 (202) 944-6000
Check the embassy website for the emergency number for your constituency.
Disputes & Scams
Consumer fraud: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Air transport (DOT): "Aviation Consumer Protection" website
