Preparing for Alaska
International visitors to Alaska should be aware of the heightened security measures that have been put into place over the last few years.
Here are some things to be prepared for and to keep in mind before your arrival in The United States and Alaska.
International visitors will be fingerprinted and photographed at Customs. Additionally, non-U.S. citizens arriving via plane or cruises ships must agree to a background check. (Check the Homeland Security Web site for updated information). Passports are mandatory, but Visas are only required from visitors of certain countries.
Visas and passports are not required for American citizens for travel to Alaska.
Customs – What You Can Bring In and What You Can Take Out
Be sure to check updated Customs lists before you go.
Travel Insurance
In general, purchasing health insurance before you arrive in the United States is a good idea, as the United States does not offer free or low-cost medical care to its citizens or visitors.
Money
Like the rest of the United States , Alaska most common bills are the $1, $5, $10 and $20. Larger bills valued at $50 and $100 are readily available at banks but are not usually welcomed at small businesses.
Credit cards are not required but are almost a necessity in the U.S. if you plan to put down a deposit on things like rental cars or hotels.
Be sure to exchange your money before arriving in the United States, as there are no foreign currency exchange bureaus in Alaska.
