Seeing the world is an amazing opportunity that you should take advantage of while you can. If you’re looking to get out of the UK for a bit, but want to go somewhere similar, then travelling to the USA might be the place for you. While the UK and USA share cultural similarities due to them both being highly westernized regions, there are a great deal of differences within the entertainment district and shopping districts that will make for an incredible experience. Unfortunately, things like entertainment and shopping centers are not the only differences between the UK and the US. Whenever you travel to a new country, you must be aware of the laws that are in place in the new country. No one wants to be sightseeing only to find out that they’ve broken several laws. The excuse of ‘I didn’t know’, won’t help you either as you watch your trip become one of the biggest nightmares of your life. Educate yourself on the major differences in law between the two regions so that when you go over, your only concern will be how much fun you are going to have on a given day.
Here are several laws to consider when travelling from the UK to the USA.Bring the
Proper Paperwork
The first step towards travelling to the USA is ensuring that you have the proper paperwork. The American border can be a tough one to cross and they are not lenient in any way if your paperwork does not add up or you do not have it. Make sure that you have a valid passport and that you have stated your reason for coming to the country. Try not to appear nervous, because at any point they can simply deny your entry and there is nothing that you will be able to do about it. Remaining calm and collected will erase any suspicions they might have about you, and when you show them that all of your paperwork is in order, you will be one step closer to your dream vacation. Don’t let your vacation get derailed before you have even stepped foot in the country. Laws to cross the border are constantly changing and being revised due to the political environment around the world, so make sure that you read up on the laws and familiarize yourself with them to make an entry as smooth as possible.
Jaywalking is Illegal
You might be used to being able to cross the road whenever you like as long as the way is clear. It is not the case in the US and you can be fined if you are caught doing this. While this might be an annoyance, there is no greater annoyance than finding out that you have to pay a fine for crossing the street. Look for an area where you can cross such as a crosswalk or a traffic light. It might add to your time spent walking, but it will save you money in the long run. While it is very rare to get a jaywalking ticket, do not dismiss the idea and think you can do whatever you want. All it takes is a police officer having a bad day, or seeing you blatantly disregard the law, to hit you with a fine. Remember that in the US you are not entitled to walk wherever you want, whenever you want.
Roles of Lawyers
While lawyers in both regions are quite similar, there are several small nuances to consider when travelling over the to the United States. For instance, in a libel case in the UK, it is on the defendant and their lawyer to prove what they said was true, while in the US, it is up to your lawyer to prove what you said was false. It is strongly recommended that if for some reason there is a legal concern while you are travelling, that you hire a lawyer in the country to represent you, as they will understand the laws better than you can. How do you go about finding a good lawyer? It can be very daunting to find a good legal service; however, most reputable lawyers will have a ConsultWebs can be easily found online through their advertising. A lawyer who takes the time to get their name out there and known is generally a good choice to represent you. Take a look at their web design and see if they fit your needs. Don’t risk a major case away from your country alone, get legal help if you need to.
Travelling should not become a time when you get concerned with laws and regulations. Research beforehand so there is never a time when you are spent wondering if what you are doing is illegal or not. Bring in the proper paperwork, avoid jaywalking, and don’t be afraid to call in a lawyer or employ their services if it gets to it. Where do you plan to travel in the USA?
