U.S. Embassy - Tokyo, Japan

How early should I arrive at the airport?
Get to the airport in plenty of time. Wait times vary greatly depending on the airport and the time of day you are flying. Check with your airline to get a recommendation for when you should arrive for your flight. You can see historical security wait time data for your airport by clicking here.
Where can I find conversion tables for sizes, such as shoes and clothing?
Women's Shoe Size Conversion, Men's Shoe Size Conversion, Clothing sizes Conversion can be found at Online Conversion. You can select a size in one category, the others will change to match.
Where can I find a list of frequently asked questions regarding leisure and outdoor activities?
You can find a list of leisure and outdoor activities frequently asked questions in the USAGov's website at:Travel, Transportation and Recreation.
Where can I get more information and assistance on traveling with children?
You can find a list of Kids Fun Activities frequently asked questions in the KidsGov's website at: Fun Activities for Kids. New York State provides information on Travel Fun for kids.
Where can I find a map of the U.S.?
Several online map sites are available: Google Maps; MapQuest.com; and Yahoo! Maps.
I want to access travel and tourism Web sites for the 50 states.
Yes. The state and territorial tourism websites provide ideas for your vacations, meetings and more on the Travel and Tourism Sites for the 50 States and U.S. Territories
How much is the postage for sending letters and cards within the U.S.?
See Rates and Fees, United States Postal Service.
How can I find hospitals in Tacoma, Washington?
There are 15 hospitals in Tacoma including Tacoma General Hospital
For more information on hospitals, see American Hospital Association's Medline Plus. It contains information on over 6,000 hospitals in the U.S., including driving directions. You can search by City, State and Hospital Specialty.
How do I find information about Amtrak train schedules and the North America Rail Pass?
Contact your local travel agent or visit Amtrak on the Internet. You can find Rail Resources at Directory of Passenger Rail Industry.
How far is it from San Francisco to New York?
It is 2582 miles (4156 km). For more see city distance calculation.
Where can I find information about flight delays?
Air Traffic Control System Command Center, FAA, provides you Flight Delay Information. The status information provided on this site indicates general airport conditions; it is not flight-specific. Check with your airline to determine if your flight is affected.Information on wait times at security checkpoints.
Where can I find storm, flood and fire warnings?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides information on hurricanes, tornados, winter storms and floods at their National Warning Area.
What's the weather like where I'm going?
The websites of the CNN Weather Forecast , a 24 hour cable channel, and the national newspaper USA Today are among a number of websites providing current weather reports and 5 day forecasts for U.S. cities.
How do I convert units of measure, such as feet and inches or Fahrenheit degrees?
Online Conversion converts just about anything to anything else. Over 5,000 units, and 50,000 conversions.
What are the special considerations for traveling with children?
Every person, regardless of age, must undergo screening to proceed beyond the security checkpoint. Even babies must be individually screened. You will not be asked to do anything that will separate you from your child or children. For further information, refer to the traveling with Children.
I'd like to find tourist information on Puerto Rico.
See the Puerto Rico Tourist Information.
Where can I get more information or assistance on road and train travel?
You can find a list of Road and Train Travel frequently asked questions in the USAGov's website at:Road and Train Travel.
How can I find airport terminal information?
You can find information on airport directory, U.S. major airports, ground transportation to and from any airport at QuickAid.com
Is there comprehensive access information for disabled travelers?
Disability Travel and Recreation Resources has useful information on "Travel Planning", "Destinations", " Transportation", "Air Travel", "Especially for Children", "Books to Buy!" and more.
Is there support information for traveling with children with disabilities?
Especially for Children has various information on camps for children with various disabilities.
How can I get tickets to a cultural or sports event?
Check with your local ticket office (some do offer international ticket sales), or contact one of the ticket offices found on Yahoo!: Tickets, such as Ticketmaster.
What's the current exchange rate?
Currency Converter converts currency between 164 different countries.
I need to have my prescription medicine sent to me in the U.S. What should I do?
As a general rule, the FDA does not allow prescription medications to be mailed to the U.S. However, if you are here temporarily and need to be sent your prescription medication, there are a couple of things you should do.Ask your physician to write a letter explaining that you are under their care, and that they have prescribed the drugs for your use. The letter should also explain the circumstances for sending the drugs to you, including that you are a citizen of (whatever) country, that you are temporarily in the U.S. (for travel, study, etc.) and have either run out of your medications, lost them, etc. The letter should accompany the package and be addressed to Customs Officer or Broker. We strongly recommend that it be in English.
How do I find information about Greyhound bus schedules, tickets & fares?
Visit the Greyhound web site or your local travel agent.

Sightseeing

Where can I find information on the Statue of Liberty?
You can find information at the National Park Service site.
When are the cherry blossoms in bloom in Washington?
It varies year to year. The National Park Service provides information on the cherry blossoms in Washington.
I want to explore America's extraordinary historic places.
You can find a list of Historic Places frequently asked questions in the FirstGov's website at:Historic Places and Preservation.
Where can I find information on museums?
To search museums, go to Google Art Museum Directory.

Baggage

Should I lock my luggage?
In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked then TSA will simply open and screen the baggage.
However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open your checked baggage through other means, then the locks may have to be broken.
TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
Will TSA relock my bag if it is opened for screening?
TSA's highly trained screeners will take great care to secure your bag if they need to open it for screening. If your bag has a TSA recognized locking mechanism, and TSA opens your locked bag, they will re-lock the bag after the screening process.
Can I carry liquids, gels or aerosols on an airplane?
Pack liquids, gels and aerosols in your checked baggage. For a short trip use the 3-1-1 for carry-ons: 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag holding 3 ounces or smaller containers of liquids or gels. Each traveler is limited to 1 clear plastic bag of liquids. Learn More
Are there any exceptions to airline security rules for carry-on bags?
There are some exceptions to TSA�fs 3-1-1 for liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on. You are permitted to have baby formula, breast milk or baby food while traveling with a small child. Liquid and gel medications and other liquids (to include water, juice or liquid nutrients) for diabetic or other medical needs are permitted in quantities greater than 3 ounces. Remember that these items need to be separately presented to the Security Officer for inspection. Learn More
What I should do when I am traveling with special items?
If traveling with a firearm, remember that it must be unloaded, stored in a locked hard-sided case and declared to your airline. Contact your airline to ensure you are following all appropriate procedures. Learn more
How I should protect undeveloped photographic film when going through airport security?
Protect your memories. Place all undeveloped film in your carry-on bag as checked baggage screening equipment may damage it. Learn more
Should I lock my luggage?
If you lock your checked bag please use a TSA-accepted lock in case TSA needs to search your bag. Learn more
Should I wrap my gifts that I take or send to the U.S?
Leave your holiday gifts unwrapped until you reach your destination. If TSA needs to inspect an item it will unwrap the package, which is a hassle for the traveler and slows down the screening process for others.
How I should pack my suitcase when traveling to the United States?
Protect your belongings by making sure not to over pack your bag. Closing overstuffed bags can be difficult and may result in that checked bag being delayed.
How can I pack metalic items before taking a trip?
Arrive at the checkpoint prepared. Remember that you will need to remove your outer coat, blazer or bulky sweater and place it in the bin for X-ray screening. Wearing clothing easily removed and not containing metal will help move you through the process quickly. Learn more

Rules and Regulations

How do I obtain a driver's license in the U.S.?
You need to contact a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office first. In general, you are required to take a written test and a road test before obtaining a driver's license. You can find information at your local DMV For a complete list of requirements for obtaining a driver's license see Getting a Driver's License.
What items may I carry aboard a plane?
The Transportation Security Administration regulates what can and cannot be carried aboard an airline. Please see a list of prohibited items.
Are alcoholic beverages permitted in carry-on luggage?
Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and 150 proof rum, are prohibited from carry-on and checked luggage. Up to 5 liters of alcohol with alcoholic content between 24% and 70% are allowed per person as carry-on or checked luggage if packaged in a sealable bottle or flask. Alcoholic beverages with less than 24% alcoholic content are not subject to hazardous materials regulations.
Check with your airline for any further restrictions.
Can I bring alcohol into the U.S. for my personal use or as a gift?
Generally, one liter per person may be entered into the U.S. duty-free by travelers who are 21 or older. Additional quantities may be entered, although they will be subject to duty and IRS taxes. Duty is generally 3% of value and the IRS excise tax is generally between 21-31 cents per 750 ml bottle of wine, 67 cents/champaign, and $2.14/hard liquor.
Can I bring in food as a traveler (fruit, cheese, meat etc.)?
Many fruits and vegetables are either prohibited from entering the United States or require an import permit (for commercial importers) or a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin. Every fruit or vegetable must be declared to a CBP Officer.
How can I find out about duty rates?
The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) provides duty rates for virtually every item that exists. The HTS is a reference manual that is the size of an unabridged dictionary.
Please see the Tariff Information Center.
Traveling with monetary instruments, currency, checks etc. - Do I have to pay duty?
Customs does not collect duty on currency. However, travelers leaving or entering the U.S. are required to report monetary instruments (i.e. currency or checks) valued at $10,000 or more on a "Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments" form FinCEN 105. You can obtain the form in advance and download it from here FinCEN 105, or a CBP officer can give it to you upon your departure or return to the U.S. Failure to declare currency in amounts of over $10,000 can result in its seizure.Information on the FinCEN 105 is provided to the IRS, and they determine whether or not the importation of monies constitutes income subject to taxation. The requirement to import currency on a FinCEN 105 does not apply to imports of gold bullion.
Will my service dog have to be screened at the airport?
If you have a service animal, you are encouraged to inform the TSO that the animal accompanying you is a service animal and not a pet. This will provide you with an opportunity to move to the front of the screening line since the TSO may need to spend more time with you. For additional information, refer to the TSA Web site for additional information on traveling with Service Animals.
Do I have to remove my shoes when going through airport security?
All footwear must be removed for X-ray screening. Wearing footwear that can be easily removed helps speed the screening process. Learn more
I heard the period of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. will be changed in 2007. When does it begin and end?
In 2005, President Bush signed into law a new energy policy bill that would extend Daylight Saving Time by 4 weeks beginning in 2007. It begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November beginning in 2007. The following NASA website lists the Daylight Saving dates from 2001 to 2012.

Traveling with Pets

What are the requirements for bringing a dog into the U.S.?
Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the United States. This requirement does not apply, however, to puppies less than three months of age.
What are the requirements for bringing a cat into the U.S.?
As a general rule, there are no restrictions on bringing domestic cats into the U.S. There are no vaccination requirements for cats, although cats arriving in Hawaii or Guam are subject to that state's/territory's quarantine requirements. While a rabies certificate is not required for entry into the U.S., domestic cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined by an inspector at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense. If you are bringing your cat to the U.S. on an airplane, you should check with the airline about their requirements for transporting animals. Many airlines require a certificate of health from a veterinarian.
Where can I find a directory of pet-friendly lodgings and accommodations?
Yahoo! Travel Pets has a list of lodging directory of pet-friendly accommodations, searchable database of hotels, motels, inns, and B&Bs that accept pets and their owners. Also emergency information and tips on traveling with pets can be found at Yahoo! Travel Pets.

Sightseeing

How can I access a disability hotline?
The U.S. Department of Transportation has established a toll-free hotline to assist travelers with disabilities. The hotline provides general information about the rights of air travelers with disabilities and responds to requests for printed consumer information. It also assists air travelers with time-sensitive disability-related issues that need to be addressed in real time. Click here about this disability hotline.