– 10 h (Alaska); – 11 h (Hawaii); + 8 h (Micronesia); + 11 h (Marshall Islands)

Washington

Official language

English

• 110/120 volts
• A travel adapter for Type A and B sockets is required.
• A voltage converter is necessary.

Banks

9:00 a.m.–4:00/5:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon (Sat)

Although opening hours vary from bank to bank, most branches stay open later at least one day per week.

Shops

9:30 a.m.–6:00/9:00 p.m. (Mon–Sat)

Various shops are open 24 hours a day throughout the country.

Shops are closed on major public holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, while this is not always the case on holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Juneteenth.

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Third Monday in February: Presidents’ Day
• Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
• July 4: Independence Day
• First Monday in September: Labor Day
• Second Monday in October: Columbus Day
• November 11: Veterans Day
• Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day
• December 25: Christmas Day

The following documents are required for entry into the United States:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the intended stay.
• Swiss citizens may enter the United States without a visa for short stays but must apply online for ESTA authorisation. ESTA registration: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
• Please note: Persons who have travelled to Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, North Korea or Yemen since March 1, 2011, or to Cuba since January 11, 2021, as well as persons holding dual citizenship with Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan or Cuba, are excluded from the Visa Waiver Program and require a visa to enter the United States.
• Upon entry, digital fingerprints and a portrait photograph are taken of all travellers.
• Check the latest entry requirements with the U.S. Embassy in Bern well in advance of your trip.
• Minors: Check with the local authorities regarding entry requirements for minors. Further information: Travel authorisation for travelling with children.

Last updated: February 2024

The United States can be divided into six main climate zones, each with its own characteristic weather patterns.

• Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington): This is the wettest region in the United States, with abundant rainfall throughout the year and occasional showers. Winters are cold and wet, while summers remain pleasantly warm without extreme heat. Coastal fog is common during the warmer months.
• Central and Southern Pacific region (California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado): Summers are typically dry and pleasant. California enjoys excellent weather for most of the year, with cooler conditions in the north of the state and only rare snowfall. Most cities are known for their mild winters. In other states within this zone, such as Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, winters can be very cold, with temperatures below freezing. Colorado and Utah are famous for their excellent skiing conditions.
• Midwest (North and South Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois): This region experiences everything from snowy winters to humid summers. It is characterised by significant temperature fluctuations and moderate rainfall, particularly in spring and early summer. Summers are warm, while winters bring heavy snowfall and strong winds.
• Northeast (Washington D.C., Ohio, Pennsylvania and New England states such as Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont): This area has mild summers and harsh winters with abundant snowfall. The farther north you travel in New England, the colder it becomes. Autumn is particularly spectacular in wooded areas, and the region is famous for its colourful fall foliage.
• Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama and the eastern parts of Arkansas and Louisiana): This part of the United States enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. Spring, summer and autumn are pleasant, while winters in the more northern areas can be slightly cold but are generally mild and short. Florida stands out for its pleasant year-round weather, with mild winters and hot summers.
• Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and the western parts of Arkansas and Louisiana): As the warmest region of the United States, the Southwest experiences heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and occasional tornadoes. Winters are short, while spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures. Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 35 °C.

The ideal time to travel to the United States:

• Beach holidays: The Californian coast and the Florida Keys from May to September; Hawaii throughout the year.
• City trips: Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for visiting cities such as New York, San Francisco and Chicago.
• Winter holidays: December to March for ski resorts in Colorado and Utah; year-round mountain adventures in Alaska.

• Mobile phone use may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming fees before travelling and, where appropriate, purchase a dedicated roaming package to reduce costs.
• Purchasing a prepaid SIM card from a local provider is recommended in order to benefit from affordable rates and reliable network coverage during your stay in the United States.
• Public Wi-Fi is widely available and provides convenient Internet access in cities, at tourist hotspots, and in cafés and hotels.

• Grand Canyon, Arizona: One of the world’s greatest natural wonders, renowned for its immense size and its complex, colourful landscapes.
• Statue of Liberty, New York: A symbol of freedom and democracy, gifted to the United States by France and located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: The world’s first national park, famous for its geysers, hot springs and rich wildlife.
• Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California: An iconic suspension bridge known for its distinctive red colour and breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay.
• Walt Disney World Resort, Florida: The world’s largest and best-known entertainment resort, making it a dream destination for families with children.
• Times Square, New York: A vibrant centre of theatre, art and commerce, famous for its enormous illuminated billboards and its New Year’s Eve celebrations.
• National Mall and monuments, Washington D.C.: The heart of the United States’ national monuments and museums, including the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol.
• Las Vegas Strip, Nevada: A world-famous street known for its high concentration of luxury hotels and casinos.
• Yosemite National Park, California: A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls and giant sequoia trees.
• Empire State Building, New York: An iconic feature of the New York skyline, offering an observation deck with breathtaking views across the city.
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota: A monumental sculpture of four U.S. presidents carved into a granite mountain.
• Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California: A former federal prison located on an island in San Francisco Bay, now a museum and part of a national park.
• Niagara Falls, New York: Impressive waterfalls located on the border between the United States and Canada.
• Antelope Canyon, Arizona: A narrow slot canyon shaped by water erosion, famous for its wave-like walls and striking beams of light.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii: Home to active volcanoes and unique ecosystems.

Travel inspiration:

• The most beautiful beaches in the United States and around the world
• The best tips for stress-free long-haul flights
• Hawaii in April: sunshine, nature and the spirit of Aloha
• Hawaii in July: adventure and culture under the sun
• New York attractions and more: your guide to the perfect city break

The United States is known for its diverse and innovative cuisine, which enriches the culinary landscape through a combination of traditional dishes, fusion cuisine and international influences. American gastronomy reflects the country’s cultural diversity and its generous portion sizes, ranging from fast food to gourmet dining experiences.

• Burgers and BBQ: The classic American burger and traditional barbecue are firmly established elements of the country’s food culture, with each region offering its own distinctive specialities.
• International cuisine: Thanks to the multicultural population, there is an impressive variety of international dishes, ranging from Italian pizza to Asian sushi.
• Farm-to-table and organic food: Growing awareness of healthy and sustainable eating has led to a boom in farm-to-table restaurants and organic food.
• Desserts: American desserts such as cheesecake, brownies and apple pie are popular around the world and reflect the country’s fondness for sweet treats.
• Craft beers and wines: The craft beer movement and the wine cultures of California, Oregon and Washington demonstrate the creativity and high quality of the American beverage industry.

American cuisine therefore offers a broad range of culinary experiences, from street food to Michelin-starred dining, and reflects the country’s dynamic and innovative society.

• Greeting: A friendly smile and a firm handshake are customary. In informal situations, greetings such as “Hi” or “Hello” are also common.
• Saying please and thank you: Politeness is highly valued. “Please” and “Thank you” are considered good manners in all interactions.
• Clothing: Dress is often casual, but more formal clothing is recommended for business appointments or upscale restaurants.
• Dining culture: In the United States, meals are generally informal. Sharing dishes is less common, and each person usually orders their own meal.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in many public places, including restaurants and bars. Designated smoking areas are clearly marked.
• Tipping: A tip of 15–20% is standard in restaurants, for taxi journeys and for other customer-facing services.

Drinking water quality:

Drinking water in the United States is generally of high quality and subject to strict legal standards, making it among the safest and cleanest in the world.

Vaccinations:

• No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into the United States.
• However, it is recommended that you and your children are up to date with the standard vaccinations included in the national immunisation schedule.
• Vaccinations against hepatitis A and poliomyelitis are recommended for travel. For longer stays or in the presence of specific risks, vaccinations against dengue fever, hepatitis B, rabies and meningococcal disease caused by strains ACWY should also be considered.

• In the United States, the quality of medical care, including equipment, hygiene standards and the availability of medicines, is generally very high. However, the often considerable distances to the nearest hospital should not be underestimated. Medical treatment can be very expensive and usually has to be paid for immediately or in advance.
• It is advisable to take out travel health insurance for your stay in the United States that also covers the cost of possible repatriation. Make sure that your credit card has a sufficient limit to cover any advance payments.
• Travellers to the United States who rely on prescription medication should always carry it in its original packaging and bring only the amount needed for the duration of their stay, up to a maximum supply of 90 days. It is also important to carry a medical certificate in English confirming the necessity and dosage of the medication.

• The United States is generally considered a safe travel destination, although the security situation varies by region. In major cities, particular attention should be paid to petty theft and fraud, while rural areas are often considered safer.
• Before and during your trip, follow the latest developments in the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Despite increased security measures, there remains a risk of terrorist attacks.
• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Last updated: February 2024

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised for car rentals; however, an international driving permit is recommended.
• The minimum age for renting a car ranges from 21 to 25, depending on the rental company. Exception: In the State of New York, the minimum rental age is 18.
• A car can only be rented with a standard credit card.
• Speed limits are indicated in miles per hour (mph).
• Overtaking school buses is strictly prohibited.
• During a police stop, remain inside the vehicle and keep your hands clearly visible on the steering wheel until further instructions are given.
• Speed limits vary from state to state.
• Transporting alcohol in the passenger compartment is prohibited.
• A CH sticker and a warning triangle are mandatory.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.8‰. A limit of 0.0‰ applies to novice drivers and persons under the age of 21.

• Long-distance trains: The network operated by Amtrak connects major cities and selected rural regions. It offers a scenic alternative for travelling, particularly along the West Coast and through the Rocky Mountains.
• Regional trains: In addition to long-distance services, Amtrak also operates regional trains covering shorter routes between cities and suburban areas. These trains are an efficient option for commuters and day trips. They run more frequently than long-distance trains and generally do not require reservations.
• Coaches: An extensive network of bus routes operated by providers such as Greyhound, Megabus, Jefferson Lines, Peter Pan and BoltBus connects cities and rural areas throughout the country. Travelling by coach is a cost-effective alternative to trains and flights, especially over longer distances. Most coaches offer basic amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets.
• Subway: In major cities such as New York, Washington D.C., Chicago and San Francisco, subway systems provide a fast and efficient way to reach city centres and surrounding areas.
• Tickets: Tickets for public transport, including coaches, subways and trains, can be purchased from ticket machines, ticket counters or directly from the transport staff. Frequent travellers can often purchase passes or travelcards offering unlimited journeys within a specified period. It is advisable to check the most suitable ticket options and any available discounts in advance.
• Timetables and apps: Digital timetables and apps such as MTA, Moovit, Citymapper, Waze, Transit and Lyft provide real-time information, route planning and ticket purchasing.
• Ride-hailing services: Uber and Lyft are very popular in the United States and allow passengers to book rides with private drivers and pay via the app. They offer a convenient and often more affordable alternative to taxis.

The United States has an extensive network of airports offering numerous domestic and international connections.

Below is a list of airports in the United States that can be reached directly from Switzerland:

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Direct flights from Zurich.
• Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston: Direct flights from Zurich.
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York: Direct flights from Zurich and Geneva.
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Direct flights from Zurich.
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Direct flights from Zurich.
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Direct flights from Zurich and Geneva.
• Miami International Airport (MIA): Direct flights from Zurich.

These direct connections are operated mainly by airlines such as Swiss International Air Lines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

011 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

• Single emergency number: 911

Washington D.C., 2900 Cathedral Avenue N.W.
Tel. +1 202 745 7900
Email: washington@eda.admin.ch

• The United States has very strict drug laws. The possession, sale and use of illegal drugs are severely punished, including substantial fines and imprisonment.
• The sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited for persons under the age of 21. Regulations concerning alcohol consumption in public vary by region, with strict bans in some areas.
• Be prepared for natural hazards: earthquakes, wildfires or severe storms may occur in certain regions. It is important to be aware of the risks and the appropriate behaviour in such situations. Many local authorities provide guidance and emergency plans. Keep emergency contact details readily available, follow the instructions of the authorities and use apps or news services for current warnings and information about natural events.