Can an ordinary Indian tourist use ESTA instead?

Not on the basis of Indian nationality. India is not in the Visa Waiver Program list; check actual passport, status and visa route.

Is visa validity the admitted stay?

No. Admission and authorised stay are separate. Follow the actual admission record or stamp.

Which plug and voltage?

Type A/B, 120V 60Hz. Check each device input; an adapter does not change voltage.

USA travel essentials for parents

Documents

Visitor visa for the actual passport State Department describes tourism under B-2 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visas. Check actual passport, purpose and existing status. Follow official instructions, not a promised approval timeline. No fee, appointment or approval guarantee. Checked 24 October 2026. Essential
Indian nationality is not ESTA eligibility India is not in the State Department Visa Waiver Program participating-country list. An ordinary Indian tourist should not buy ESTA on the basis of Indian nationality. Another nationality or existing immigration status needs its own check, not a blanket claim about every Indian-origin traveller. Essential
Admission and authorised stay are separate A visa permits travel to seek admission, not guaranteed entry. CBP decides admission and authorised stay. Read the actual admission record or stamp and follow the recorded departure date, not visa expiry. Keep itinerary, return plan, accommodation and relevant supporting documents offline. Essential

Clothes and footwear

Route-specific layers and shoes Brand USA describes large regional and seasonal differences. Our choice is reliable shoes and adaptable layers, with a different plan for southern summer and mountain winter. Check each stop and local forecast rather than treat a multi-state route as one climate. Essential

Personal and health needs

Health preparation and insurance Read current health advice and discuss individual needs with a qualified clinician. Check insurance for age, existing conditions, planned activities, treatment and evacuation. FCDO says US medical treatment is expensive. Check medicine/customs rules rather than assume prescriptions transfer. No medicine, dose or fitness decision prescribed. Essential

Electronics

Type A/B and 120V input IEC lists 120V, 60Hz, type A/B. A shape adapter does not convert voltage for a 230V-only Indian appliance. Read every device input label and ask the supplier about essential powered equipment. A borrowed adapter does not make every device safe. Essential
Carrier compatibility and roaming plan Brand USA advises checking compatibility with the carrier and warns overseas data can be costly. Compare current Indian roaming with a local prepaid option: actual coverage, hotspot use, activation and validity. Old network-technology wording is not a current compatibility guarantee. Save maps and organiser details offline. No tariff or coverage promise. Essential

Money

US dollars, cards and service tips Currency is USD; Brand USA describes wide card acceptance. Its trade FAQ suggests 15-20% for a sit-down meal and notes possible automatic gratuity for larger parties. This is guidance, not a national legal fee. Read the actual bill before adding a tip. Our choice is a separately stored backup card and some USD cash. No live rate or daily budget. Essential

For parents and children

Walking distances and seated alternatives Ask actual walking distance, stairs, lift and drop-off access before choosing rooms or excursions. Our choice for parents is a seated alternative to a long outdoor visit and enough transfer recovery time. Editorial comfort advice, not a step-free access assessment. Essential

USA travel essentials for parents

Packing checklist

Documents

Clothes and footwear

Personal and health needs

Electronics

Money

For parents and children

Money and forex (USD)

Cash and cards

ATMs and fees

Backup plan

SIM / eSIM

Installing vs activating

Backup connectivity

Trips to USA

Quick questions

Sources

Packing checklist

Documents

Clothes and footwear

Personal and health needs

Electronics

Money

For parents and children

Money and forex (USD)

Cash and cards

ATMs and fees

Backup plan

SIM / eSIM

Installing vs activating

Backup connectivity

Trips to USA

More for your trip

Quick questions

Sources