Entry requirements are the same as for the
United States of America. There is no immigration control for visitors arriving from mainland USA. Visitors entering the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a bar code on the photo page. From 26 October 2006 eligible travelers under the VWP must include biometrics in their machine-readable passports if they wish to enter the country without a visa, containing unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All new passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 must contain a digital
photo image in order to travel visa-free. Due to new security measures, all visitors to the USA will have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those traveling visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program. All travelers arriving or departing by air, land or sea between the USA and
Mexico,
Canada, the
Caribbean,
Bermuda, and Central and
South America are required to present a valid passport.
UK nationals: UK passport holders require a valid passport for travel to the USA. Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), most British citizens do not require a visa for holiday, transit or business purposes providing their passports are machine-readable, the stay does not exceed 90 days and a return or onward ticket is held. Holders of other UK passports do require a visa.
Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa, only a valid passport. Visitors should hold tickets and documents required for return or onward destination.
Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program; a valid machine-readable passport and a return or onward ticket is required if traveling by sea or air.
South Africans: South Africans must hold a passport valid at the date of entry; a visa is also required. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and the necessary documents for further travel.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport. Irish passport holders qualify for the visa waiver program, but a machine-readable passport (MRP) must be presented to gain visa-free entry to the country, which allows a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors must have return or onward tickets and all necessary documents for further travel.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the US Visa Waiver program. A machine-readable passport is necessary to qualify for the program. A return or onward ticket is required.
Health
Health risks include hepatitis A and dengue fever. Only bottled water should be drunk outside the major towns. Medical facilities are of a high standard, but health insurance is vital as medical care is very expensive.
Safety
Normal precautions apply, especially in the back streets of towns at night. Don't leave valuables lying on the beach when snorkeling or swimming.
