Travel

About Washington, D.C.

Washington, District of Columbia is the capital of the United States.  Founded in 1791 and named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States, it has a population of 601,723. 

One of the world’s most talked about destinations, with nearly 18 million visitors a year, including over 1 million international visitors. Washington, DC is  a must-see city with a magnificent assortment of National monuments, museums and  attractions.  Click here to learn more about DC.

Visa Requirements

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), tourism, pleasure or visiting (visa category B-2), or a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

For more information and examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa visit http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visitor.html.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business, for 90 days or less, without obtaining a nonimmigrant visa. For a list of participating countries and additional information about the program visit the U.S. Department of State's Visa Waiver Program webpage.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP. ESTA is not a visa. VWP travelers must complete an ESTA application and receive notification of his or her acceptance prior to their visit. Obtain an ESTA now.

Machine-Readable Passports

All VWP travelers, regardless of age or type of passport used, must present a machine-readable passport. In addition, depending on when VWP travelers' passports were issued, other passport requirements may apply. Read more about machine-readable passport requirements.

Residents of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda

Canada, Mexico and Bermuda are not participants in the Visa Waiver Program. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. Visit the Department of Homeland Security's Crossing Boarders website for more information about proper documentation.

Visa Procedures

For those individuals who need to secure a visitor visa (B-1), the following links are helpful:

• U.S. Department of State Temporary Visitors page or Visa Home page for detailed information about visa procedures.
• Find the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.
• Fill out an electronic visa application.

Time

Washington, D.C. is in EDT - Eastern Daylight Time, which is five (5) hour behind of Greenwich Mean Time, four (4) hours during daylight savings.

Currency & Tipping Etiquette

The unit of currency is United States Dollars, indicated as 'USD'. Visit www.xe.com for the latest exchange rates.

It is customary to tip between 15-20 percent depending on the quality of the service.

Electricity

The United States operates on 120 volts, compared to the standard 220 volts in Europe.

Airports & Transportation

Airports

With three area airports, there are many options for getting to DC. Airports include:

• Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
  • 391 daily nonstop flights to 78 domestic destinations.
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • 317 daily nonstop flights to 83 domestic destinations.
  • 415 weekly departures to 49 international destinations.
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  • 632 domestic flights and 18 nonstop international flights daily.
  • Non-stop flights to 66 domestic and 10 international destinations.

Metrorail & Metrobus

Washington, DC has one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient transportation systems in the world. Metrorail and Metrobus are the most convenient ways to get around DC, with Metrobus providing connections for locations not serviced by Metrorail. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center even has a dedicated Metro station serviced by the yellow and green lines, and many hotels are conveniently located near Metro stations or bus routes.

Metrobus runs a total of 338 routes throughout the city and the greater Washington, DC area, with more than 485 buses using compressed natural gas or a hybrid electric drive system helping to keep DC eco-friendly. Metro operates from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends.

DC Circulator

The DC Circulator is one transportation option that gets rave reviews from residents and visitors alike. It’s incredibly affordable at just $1 and travels along five specific routes designed for easy-on, easy-off access at points of interest throughout the District.  Explore neigborhoods such as Anacostia, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Woodley Park/Cleveland Park, U Street and more with the Circulator. Buses arrive at stops every 10 minutes, making your travels around the District a breeze.

For more information on the Metrorail, Metrobus and DC Circulator, visit http://washington.org/DC-guide-to/getting-around-washington-dc