Las Vegas

Las Vegas might only be the 28th largest city in the US, but it’s definitely one of the most famous, and infamous, of them all.

Located in the Mojave Desert, it has an average of 310 sunny days per year and bright sunshine during 86% of all daylight hours, but we bet (;)) that most people don’t go to Vegas to get a sun tan – they come mainly for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife.

If you’re one of those above and want to visit some of the largest and most notable casinos, resorts, hotels and clubs in the world, they are on the 4,2 miles long Las Vegas Strip which is actually located outside the official LV city limits, more specifically in Paradise and Winchester.

If you’re going to Vegas to experience other things too, the city hosts a range of quite unique museums, e.g. the Neon Museum (home of many of the historical signs from Las Vegas’s heydays), The Mob Museum, DISCOVERY Children’s Museum and the Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Park – to name a few.

Vegas also has an extensive Downtown Arts District hosting many galleries and events including the annual Las Vegas Film Festival. Once every month, on “First Friday”, there’s a celebration that includes arts, music, special presentations and food in a part of the downtown region called 18b, The Las Vegas Arts District.

Getting and staying there

The airport is called McCarran International Airport (LAS) and there are flights to the Las Vegas available from a number of European airports.

Note that in the US there is often a hotel charge of USD 21-25 / day and room, to be paid on arrival. This fee covers some common facilities, such as WiFi, and is mandatory for all guests. The exact amount is given on arrival at the hotel.

Also note that hotels in the United States normally apply an age limit of 21 years. This means that at least one person in the company must have turned 21 years of age.

Passport and entry permit

ESTA
Brits are allowed to travel to the US on vacation and stay for up to 90 days without a visa. To be able to do this, you must apply for the entry permit ESTA. An application should preferably be made no later than 3 days before departure. An approved ESTA application is valid for 2 years, or for as long as the passport is valid. Make sure to investigate which rules that are applicable for you and all members of your travel group.

British nationals do not need a visa for entry into the US, but an entry permit (ESTA) and a machine-readable e-passport are needed. You must apply for your entry permit at least 72 hours before departure in order to obtain a permit for boarding. It is important that the information in your registration matches the information in your passport. You have to apply and pay for your own entry permit, which is valid for two years following approval. An application costs $ 14. Application for the entry permit ESTA must be done at their official site. You must present your application number at the check-in at the airport. Again, make sure to investigate which rules that are applicable for you and all members of your travel group.

E-passport

From April 1, 2016, in addition to an approved ESTA application, you must have an electronic passport that is valid throughout your stay in the United States. The e-passport is marked with a special symbol on the front and has an embedded electronic chip.

An E-passport is the same as a biometric passport.

Enjoy your trip to Las Vegas!