International Visitor Information

Pre-Travel

Prepare Required Documentation
 

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, unless you are a citizen of an exempt country.
   
• Visa or ESTA:
  • Travelers from most countries need a visitor (B-1/B-2) visa. 
  • Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries must apply for ESTA.
    • Note: Anyone assisting international clients coming to the United States should be aware of a significant number of Internet scams involving the new ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) procedures. Clients should be directed to only use the official government site.
       
• For visa applicants: 
  • Complete the DS-160 form online.
  • Pay a $185 visa fee.
  • Bring all required documents including passport, photo and supporting materials. 
     
• For expedited entry:
  • If you are eligible, enroll in a Trusted Traveler Program like Global Entry.
  • If you are eligible, consider utilizing CBP's free app, Mobile Passport Control.

Note: While a valid visa or ESTA does not guarantee entry into the U.S. and admission is determined by CBP officers at the port of entry, the vast majority of travelers will have no challenges entering the U.S. lawfully.

 

Where are DC's airports? 
 

There are three major airports in the Washington, DC region, all serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines:
 

1. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (airport code: DCA)
2. Washington Dulles International Airport (airport code: IAD)
3. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (airport code: BWI)

 

What are my transportation options to and from the airport?
 

• Reagan
  • Distance: 4 miles from Downtown DC
  • Metro: Blue and Yellow lines; approximately 20 minutes from Metro Center
  • Taxi and ride share (Uber or Lyft): Look for the official taxi stand outside of baggage claim. A ride into downtown DC will cost about $15-20.
     
• Washington Dulles International
  • Distance: 26 miles from DC in suburban Virginia
  • Metro: Silver line; one hour from Metro Center; up to $6 per passenger
  • Taxi and ride share (Uber or Lyft): Taxi stands are located outside the main terminal. A ride into DC will cost about $60-$70. 
    • A dedicated access road makes getting to or from the airport efficient via car, taxi or airport shuttle. Washington Flyer taxi cabs exclusively service Dulles.
       
• BWI
  • Distance: 32 miles from DC
  • Public Transit: Accessible via an MARC/Amtrak train route that picks up and drops off at Union Station.
  • Taxi and ride share (Uber or Lyft)
  • Visit the BWI Airport transportation page for information about parking, car rentals and more.

 

At the U.S. Port of Entry

What is the customs process?

You must complete customs and immigration formalities at the first point of arrival in the U.S., whether or not it’s your final destination.
 

What can I expect from CBP officers?
 

You may be asked: 

• What is the purpose of your visit? 
• How long will you stay? 
• Where will you be staying? 
• What do you plan to do? 
• Do you have any criminal history or visa violations? 

Tips for smooth entry: 

• Be honest, clear and concise. 
• Have printed copies of your flight, hotel, or itinerary. 
• Be prepared to answer questions about your past travel to the U.S. as well as visa/ESTA history, including dates, locations and timelines.
• Stay calm and respectful. 
   

What do I need to know about Customs Declaration?
 

All travelers must complete the Customs Declaration Form 6059B and declare: 

• Agricultural products (food, plants, etc.) 
• Currency over $10,000 USD 
• Merchandise beyond personal use 
   

What to Do: 

• Carry all required documentation. 
• Declare all items truthfully. 
• Understand and follow the conditions of your visa. 
• Know your full itinerary. 
• Remain patient, respectful and cooperative during screening.
   

What to Avoid: 

• Misrepresent any information. 
• Fail to declare restricted goods. 
• Attempt to work or study without the proper visa. 
• Overstay your authorized period. 

 

Do I need travel insurance?

There is no compulsory or government plan in the U.S., but you are advised to purchase travel and health insurance in case of an emergency.

 

 

In the City

What are the electricity standards in Washington, DC?

The electricity used in Washington, DC is standard electricity, which is 110 volts. Appliances brought from Europe, Africa and most of Asia and Latin America will require a voltage transformer.

 

What is the time zone in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours during daylight saving time, from March through November, and minus five hours the rest of the year).

 

How can I use the Internet or stay connected during my stay?
 

• AT&T’s network runs on 850/1900 MHz. T-Mobile’s frequency runs on 1700/2100 MHz.
• Public wireless internet can be found in most DC coffee shops as well as hotel rooms for a charge.
• Free public wirless internet is offered at DC Public Libraries. Visit dclibrary.org for locations.
• Hotels – Hotel websites will list in what areas they offer complimentary service. You can purchase internet service on a daily rate if complimentary is not available.
• National Mall – Internet coverage is available in front of the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Capitol Visitors Center, limited hotspots throughout the Smithsonian museums and the Enid Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle. Two additional outdoor hotspots include the Hirshhorn Museum and the plaza beside the National Museum of the American Indian.

How do I make telephone calls?

When calling within the U.S. from one area code to another, dial 1, followed by the area code and the seven-digit telephone number.

 

What currency is used in Washington, DC?

In Washington, DC and throughout the United States, the U.S. dollar is the standard currency. This converter allows you to determine the value of other currencies compared with the dollar.

Below are some of the many places where you can exchange your currency for American dollars:

• Travelex Currency Services, Dulles International Airport Terminal
• Travelex Currency Services, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
• Travelex Currency Services, Reagan National Airport
• Travelex Currency Services, Union Station
• AAA Mid-Atlantic, 1405 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
• CXI Currency Exchange International, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1st Floor Food Court
• American Express Travel Service, 1501 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20005

 

How much are the goods and service taxes?
 

• DC Sales Tax is 5.75% (exemptions include groceries and prescription and non-prescription drugs).
• Restaurant meals and drinks: 10%
• Rental vehicles: 10%
• Parking in commercial lots: 12%
• Hotels: 14.5%

 

How do I know how much to tip?

Tipping is voluntary; gratuities are not automatically added to the bill except in some cases for large groups. Tipping guidelines: servers 15%-20%; taxi drivers 15%; doormen, skycaps and porters $1 per bag.

 

What local laws should I know?

If you're headed out for a night on the town, you should know that the drinking age in Washington, DC – and throughout the United States – is 21, and smoking is banned in public places throughout the city, including bars, restaurants, subways and taxis. Cigar smoking is permitted at cigar bars that register with the city. In Washington, DC, those who are 18 or older can purchase cigarettes and tobacco.

 

Which important phone numbers should I know in Washington, DC?

Here are some important phone numbers to keep handy during your Washington, DC visit.

• Emergencies (police, fire or ambulance): 911
• One-stop service for DC government services, numbers, and information: 311 or 202-737-4404
• Directory assistance: 411
• Metro Visitors Kit: 1-888-638-7646
• Official Visitor Maps (available in Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, and Japanese): 1-800-422-8644

How do I rent a car in Washington, DC?

To rent a car within the United States, you will need to already have a driver’s license issued by your home country. See below for more information on obtaining this permit. Rental cars can be picked up at all Washington, DC major airports. It is recommended to make reservations in advance. American car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. For more information on getting around in DC, click here.

 

What is a SmarTrip Card and where can I get one?

Metro riders must pay via SmarTrip card or the SmarTrip app on iPhone and Apple Watch. SmarTrip cards are plastic, rechargeable fare cards that can be purchased by cash or credit at any Metro station or in advance on wmata.com. You can calculate your fare between two stops using Metro’s Trip Planner.

The SmarTrip app can be used anywhere the SmarTrip card is accepted, including rail, buses and Metro-operated parking lots. Metro is the first rail system in the U.S. to offer a full service, touch-free payment option at every single stop. See below for more information about how to use SmarTrip in your Apple Wallet.

Click here for more information on getting around in DC.

 

Do I need to go to my embassy? Can I tour or visit an embassy?

Embassies are an essential starting point for international visitors who wish to tour the White House during their visit. Go to dc.gov to find contact information for each of the more than 175 embassies in DC. Visitors looking to explore embassies for leisure can inquire about guided tours and learn more about them in our guide. 

 

How do I book visits to popular attractions?

Visit the links below to learn how to visit each of these popular DC sites.

• White House
• U.S. Capitol
• Pentagon
• Arlington Cemetery
• Library of Congress
• Smithsonian

 

What types of multilingual services are offered in Washington, DC?

The White House Visitors Center, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress and other attractions offer brochures on site in several languages.

Museums and attractions:

• The Smithsonian Institution provides multilingual information at the visitors center in the Castle Building.
• Complimentary foreign language tours are available by appointment at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, National Museum of Asian Art Freer and Sackler Galleries, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Visit their websites or call each museum for information and booking.
• The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has handheld digital language guides available for rent on their first floor on a first-come-first-served basis.
• National Archives offers visitors guides in 6 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Simplified Chinese and Japanese
• Mount Vernon offers translated content for trip planning as well as audio tours in Chinese, French and Spanish. Printed maps and guides to the estates are available in ten languages.
• The Kennedy Center offers free tours on request in Spanish, German, French and Japanese. Tour scripts are available in 11 languages for self-guided tours.

Tour providers:

• Big Bus tours feature commentary in 8 different languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese.
• Washington En Français
• WashingTours &Events offers tours in French, Spanish, Italian, Tagalog, conversational Mandarin and German.
• Pascana DC organizes custom tours in Spanish and Portuguese.

 

• The Meridian International Center offers multilingual services at its information desk at Dulles International Airport, and staffs a telephone language bank. For details, call Meridian International Center at 202-667-6800 or meridian.org.

 

Do you have any more questions? Contact us and we’ll answer them for you.