USA Small Group Tour – America's Wild West: Rockies to the Badlands

British citizens travelling to the United States for tourism can normally enter under the Visa Waiver Programme for stays of up to 90 days, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Travellers using the Visa Waiver Programme must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before departure. Applications should be made through the official US Government website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Certain travellers, including those who have visited Cuba on or after 12 January 2021, or certain other countries subject to US restrictions, may not be eligible for an ESTA and may need to apply for a visa instead.

An approved ESTA does not guarantee admission to the United States. Travellers should check their eligibility and the latest entry requirements well before booking, particularly if they have previously visited countries subject to US travel restrictions.

British citizens must hold a valid passport for travel to the United States. For holders of a full British citizen passport, the passport must be valid for the duration of their intended stay; an additional six months' validity is not normally required.

Travellers entering under the Visa Waiver Programme must hold an eligible biometric passport and travel using the same passport linked to their approved ESTA.

Different requirements may apply to other nationalities, and travellers should also check the entry requirements of any countries through which they transit.

For the latest information, please consult the UK Foreign Office's USA entry requirements: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travellers arriving in the United States from the UK. However, travellers should ensure that their routine UK vaccinations are up to date and seek advice from their GP or a specialist travel health professional before departure.

Our journey through the American West includes visits to national parks and wilderness areas where precautions against insect bites, particularly ticks and mosquitoes, are advisable. Travellers should use suitable insect repellent, wear appropriate clothing and take care when walking in wooded or grassy areas.

At higher elevations, temperatures can change rapidly and the sun can be particularly strong. We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses and appropriate clothing, and remaining well hydrated throughout the journey.

For further advice, please consult the NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/north-america/united-states-of-america

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for all travellers visiting the United States and is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations.

Medical treatment in the USA can be extremely expensive, and travellers must ensure their policy provides adequate cover for emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and medical evacuation or repatriation. We strongly recommend a policy with substantial medical cover, ideally at least £5 million.

Insurance should also cover cancellation, curtailment, personal belongings and any activities undertaken during the tour, including walking in national parks. Travellers should declare any pre-existing medical conditions to their insurer and ensure these are covered.

We recommend arranging travel insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed and checking that your policy covers the full duration of your holiday, including international travel.

Travelling through the American West offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from mountain wilderness and alpine lakes to open plains and historic frontier towns. Distances between destinations can be considerable, and some days involve extended periods of travel, although our itinerary includes regular sightseeing stops and opportunities to enjoy the scenery.

Weather conditions can vary significantly, particularly in the national parks and at higher elevations. Even in late May and early June, temperatures may be cold, with snow still present in some mountain areas. Seasonal road closures, particularly in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, may occasionally require adjustments to the itinerary.

Wildlife encounters are one of the highlights of travelling in this region. Visitors must maintain a safe distance from wild animals, including bison, bears and elk, and always follow the instructions of guides and national park authorities.

Facilities in remote areas can be limited, and mobile phone reception may be unreliable. Some historic national park lodges offer simpler facilities than modern city hotels, but their character and exceptional locations are an important part of the experience.

Our tour is carefully planned and fully escorted, with experienced local guides helping guests explore this remarkable region safely and comfortably.