Geography and Travel

Geography and Maps

• An Outline of American Geography
  Links to information on regional landscapes of the United States.

• Geography: From Sea to Shining Sea
  The geography of the United States from the U.S. Department of State.

• Travel and Geography: The Regions of the United States        
  Information on the different regions across the United States.

• U.S. Map with Links to State Maps                                           
  State maps, a picture of the state flag and a short description of the state, from the National Geographic Atlas of the World.                                                     
  

Places to Go

• U.S. National Park Service
  Information on the National Park Service, which cares for cultural and recreational sites across the United States.

• Designation of National Park System Units                           
  Information on the terms used to refer to elements of the U.S. National Park System.

• World Heritage Sites in the United States                                 
  A list of the World Heritage Sites in the U.S. 

• U.S. Botanic Garden
  Discusses the botanic garden, its location, history and upcoming events.

Visa Information for Travelers
Visas requirements change quickly. Go to http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/visapolicy/index.html for the most up-to-date information.

• See You in the USA
  "See You in the USA" makes clear that the United States wholeheartedly welcomes foreign visitors who desire to study, conduct business, or simply see the sights in its very diverse 50 states. The journal begins with an explanation of border-crossing procedures and terms, followed by first-person articles of what is it like to be an American official - a consular officer and a customs and border protection officer - on the other side of the window, trying to determine who is a legitimate short-term traveler.
  
  
• What is a Visa?
  A visa indicates that your application has been reviewed by a U.S. consular officer at an American embassy and that the officer has determined you’re eligible to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose.
  
  
• Current Visa Processing Situation                                   
  Information on new procedures for visa processing.
  
  
• Suspension of Travel Without Visa and ITI Programs
  Information on the special international in-transit programs being suspended.
  
  
• Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
  The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
  
  
• Temporary Visitors to the U.S.                                     
  Information on the special processing requirements that are now required for nonimmigrant visa applicants. 
  
  
• Visa Denials
  To be refused a visa causes great disappointment and sometimes embarrassment.  Here is what you can do to prepare for a visa reapplication.
  
  
• FAQs About Requirements for International Travelers
  Information on what food an individual can bring into the U.S.
  

• Obtaining a Visa
  Links to the steps to be completed in order to obtain a student visa.
  
  
• Obtaining a U.S. Visa: A Step-by-Step Outline of Today's U.S. Visa Application Procedures
  A step-by-step outline of U.S. visa application procedures, published by the Department of State.
  
  
• US-VISIT Program
  A brief explanation of the new security procedures for arrivals and departures in the U.S. for travelers requiring visas to visit the U.S.
  
  
• Visa Types for Temporary Visitors
  A selection of various visitor and nonimmigrant visas and how to renew them.
  
  
• Border Crossing Card (BCC)
  Information on the Border Crossing Card and Border Biometrics Program.
  
  
• Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas
  Information regarding the Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas.
  
  
• Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
  Information on the Visa Waiver Program.
  
  
• Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure
  Information on business and pleasure aspect of Visitor Visas.
  
  
• Coming to America – Getting Your Visitors Visa
  Information on acquiring your Visitor Visa.
  
  
• Visa Application Forms
  List of visa application forms.
  
  
• Nonimmigrant Visa Photo Requirements
  Requirements for these photos.
  
  
• Fees for Visa Services
  A chart that lists fees for visa applications and other types of processing fees collected by the Department of State. Current as of February 2007.
  
  
• Duration & Extension of Stay in the U.S. - How the Visa Expiration Date is Different
  An explanation of the difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time you have permission to remain in the United States.
  
  
• Exclusion from Automatic Re-Entry with Valid Form I-94
  Information on the Exclusion from Automatic Re-Entry with Valid Form I-94.
  
  
• Exchange Visitor (J) Visas
  Tips for U.S. Visas: Exchange Visitors.
  
  
• Student Visas
  Information on student Visas.
  
  
• Legal Requirements for F-1 Foreign Students in Public Schools
  Information on Legal Requirements for Foreign Students in U.S. Public Schools.
  
  
• What Consuls Look For - Student Visas
  An overview of what consular officers look for from a student visa applicant.
  
  
• Visa Types for Immigrants
  Several links to information about Immigrant Visas.
  
  
• Visa News
  Links to the Visa News Bulletin.