Travelling to Las Vegas for the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership season kick off?
The better prepared you are, the safer and more enjoyable your travel will be. Check out our key tips below on what you need to know before you travel to the USA.
Stay informed
Travelling overseas for a major event may require extra precautions. Incidents of crime are more common in the US than in Australia. Tourists can be targeted for pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
Avoid unsafe areas and monitor local media for updates. Remain aware and take particular care when moving through unfamiliar and/or potentially unsafe areas, particularly at night. If things go wrong, call 911 and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Read and subscribe to the travel advice for the United States of America.
- Use our checklist of the travel basics to make sure you don't forget anything.
- Read our general advice on travelling for a major event.
Get travel insurance
Medical costs in the US can be very expensive and you may have to pay before you get treated.
Make sure you get travel insurance that covers you adequately, including for any activities you may do while you’re in the US (e.g. diving, extreme sports). Keep your travel insurer’s 24-hour helpline number handy if something goes wrong.
Make sure you understand the fine print, especially exclusions around alcohol and drugs. Read our advice about choosing the right travel insurance.
Check your passport
It is good practice to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
If you are an Australian citizen travelling to the US on your Australian passport, you only need your passport valid for your intended period of stay.
Visit the US Government website for more information on US passport validity requirements.
Check your entry requirements for the US
US entry requirements are strict, and authorities may stop you from entering if you don’t meet their entry requirements. The Australian Government can’t assist you if you are refused entry by US border authorities.
Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), most Australian citizens can travel to the US for 90 days or less without a visa. You’ll need to:
- be a citizen or national of a VWP designated country (Australia is!)
- demonstrate the purpose of your trip is to enter the US temporarily for business or pleasure
- apply for and obtain a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
- have a valid passport.
- If you don’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to check which visa applies to you.
Check the latest US entry requirements on the US State Department website.
Know the local laws
When travelling overseas, you’re subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards.
In Nevada, the legal age for drinking alcohol and gambling is 21. You may be asked for ID. Purchasing alcohol for someone under 21 is illegal.
Casino restrictions vary in Las Vegas. If you’re under 21 you may be able to walk through the gaming area, remain on the gaming floor (but not play) or not enter the gaming space at all. Check with individual casinos for rules of entry.
Medical and recreational use of marijuana is legal in Nevada for adults aged 21 and over. There are strict rules around buying and using it. It’s illegal to use marijuana products in public, including hotel rooms and vehicles. Make sure you understand the laws.
Federal and state laws for drug-related offences vary, including laws related to the recreational and medical use of marijuana. Remember that drug use may have an impact on your travel insurance validity.
Some medications may be considered illegal or controlled substances, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. Check before you travel, read advice on travelling to the US with medication from the US Government.
Some US states may let you drive using your Australian driver’s licence, but others will require you to get an International Driving Permit. Check with the Nevada DMV before you drive.
Assistance while you’re in Las Vegas
If you’re in a life-threatening situation or need immediate assistance, call 911 for Police, Medical or Fire and Rescue.
Keep your travel insurer’s 24-hour helpline number handy if something goes wrong.
There are limits to how and when the Australian Government can help you overseas. Read this information in conjunction with the Consular Services Charter.
If you, or someone you know, needs consular assistance, call the Australian Consulate in Los Angeles on
- (310) 229 2300
or the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Australia:
- overseas: +61 2 6261 3305
- Australia: 1300 555 135