Local Rules for Travellers
In the United States every state makes many of its own laws, so a rule can change when you cross a state line, and federal law applies on top. The points that most often catch visitors out are the drinking age of 21, cannabis (legal in some states but illegal under federal law and at the border) and the strict rules on bringing food into the country. Each rule below was checked against U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the UK government's official travel advice for the USA.
Medical and recreational cannabis is legal in some states, but it remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Arriving at a U.S. border or airport with cannabis can lead to seizure, fines, arrest and problems with your admission to the country.
Possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including cannabis where it is not legal, carries severe penalties: expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines.
The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 across the whole country.
While you are in a state you are subject to both that state's laws and federal law, so rules on alcohol, cannabis, driving and more can change from one state to the next.
Always carry a passport showing that you have permission to enter or remain in the US.
Driving rules, including whether you need an International Driving Permit, vary from state to state. Check the rules of every state you plan to drive in.
Every agricultural item, including food, fruit, plants and animal products, must be declared on arrival and can be inspected. Not declaring prohibited items can cost up to $1,000 for a first offence.
Most fruits, vegetables and plants cannot be brought in for personal use in your luggage without a permit, and soil of any kind needs an advance USDA permit.
Federal law requires you to report more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments when entering or leaving the United States. Not reporting it can lead to seizure, fines or imprisonment.
How much alcohol you may bring into the U.S., and whether you need a licence, is set by the laws of the state where you first arrive.
Firearms are restricted items: special licences or permits from a federal agency are required before they are allowed into the United States.
Every rule on this page is labelled, so you can tell what is enforced by law from what is simply polite.
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the source.