Washington, DC welcomes thousands of international travelers each year. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, conventions, or family, this guide provides clear, up-to-date information to help you prepare for a smooth trip.
Updated March 2026
Jump to:
- Pre-Travel Planning
- Airports & Transportation
- U.S. Port of Entry
- Additional Resources
- In the City
Pre-Travel Planning
Required Documentation
- Passport: Must be valid at least six months beyond your intended stay, unless exempt.
- Visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA):
- Most travelers require a visitor visa (B-1/B-2).
- Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must apply for ESTA.
- Important: Direct clients only to the official ESTA website to avoid scams.
Visa applicants:
- Complete the DS-160 online form.
- Pay the $185 visa application fee (as of 2026). NOTE: an additional $250 fee was passed but not in effect as of March 2026. Learn more.
- Bring all required documentation: passport, photo and supporting documents.
- Consider enrolling in a Trusted Traveler Program (Global Entry) for expedited entry.
- Use U.S. Customs Border Protection’s (CBP) Mobile Passport Control app if eligible.
Note: A valid visa or ESTA does not guarantee entry. CBP officers determine final admission. Most travelers experience no issues if documents and answers are complete and truthful.
Travel Insurance:
- U.S. law does not require travel or health insurance.
- It is highly recommended for medical emergencies or trip disruptions.
Airports & Transportation
Washington, DC Area Airports
All three airports are serviced by major U.S. carriers, including United Airlines.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- 4 miles from downtown DC.
- Metro: Blue/Yellow lines (~20 min to Metro Center).
- Taxi/Uber: $15-20 to downtown; official taxi stands outside baggage claim.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- 26 miles from DC (suburban Virginia).
- Metro: Silver Line (1 hour to Metro Center; up to $6 per passenger).
- Taxi/Uber: $60-70; Washington Flyer taxis serve Dulles exclusively.
- Dedicated access road ensures smooth car or shuttle travel.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- 32 miles from DC.
- Public Transit: MARC/Amtrak trains to Union Station.
- Taxi/Uber: Available at all terminals.
- Visit the BWI transportation page for parking, car rentals and shuttles.
Tip: Allow extra time during peak periods and for international customs clearance.
At the U.S. Port of Entry
Customs & Immigration
- Complete customs and immigration at your first U.S. arrival airport.
- CBP officers may ask about:
- Purpose of your visit
- Length of stay
- Accommodation and itinerary
- Travel history, visa or ESTA history
- Criminal history or visa violations
Tips for Smooth Entry:
- Answer honestly and concisely.
- Have printed copies of flights, hotels and itinerary.
- Be patient, calm and respectful.
Customs Declaration
- Complete Customs Declaration Form 6059B and declare:
- Agricultural products
- Currency over $10,000 USD
- Merchandise beyond personal use
Avoid:
- Misrepresentation or false statements
- Undeclared restricted items
- Unauthorized work or study
- Overstaying your visa
Expanded Screening & Social Media Policy
- As of Dec. 15, 2025, nonimmigrant visa applicants in categories H-1B, H-4, F, M, J must ensure social media privacy settings are set to public for review.
- CBP may request social media identifiers from the previous five years under proposed rules (IMPORTANT: this is not yet in effect as of March 2026).
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
- Automated authorization for VWP travelers (up to 90 days).
- ESTA does not replace a visa where one is required.
- Apply at booking; carriers check approval before boarding.
- CBP is transitioning ESTA to a mobile-only application.
Trusted Traveler Programs
- Programs like Global Entry expedite airport processing.
- Beneficial for frequent international travelers attending recurring events.
Border & Airport Wait Times
- Check estimated wait times for international arrivals at major U.S. airports via official CBP resources.
Additional Resources:
For current policies, procedures and official guidance:
- Department of State – Visitor Visa: travel.state.gov
- USCIS – B-1 Temporary Business Visitor: uscis.gov
- ESTA Mobile Application: Official ESTA site
- Customs and Border Protection: Know before you visit
- Trusted Traveler Programs: DHS Trusted Traveler
- Border Wait Times: CBP estimated wait times
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.
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 6% (exemptions include groceries and prescription and non-prescription drugs).
- Restaurant meals and drinks: 10%
- Rental vehicles: 10.25%
- Parking in commercial lots: 18%
- Hotels: 14.95%
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 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.
You can also use your contactless credit and debit cards at Metro stations.
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.
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.
