How to Prepare for International Travel to Boston
Boston is a welcoming, well-connected city for international travelers, boasting a major airport close to downtown, walkable neighborhoods, convenient public transit, and all sorts of visitor resources. If you’re jet-setting into Boston from an international destination, this guide covers the essentials, including documentation, airport arrival, currency, weather, transportation, accessibility, and even local customs!
For extra planning support, you can always get the scoop by checking out Meet Boston’s Getting Here guide.
Before You Travel: Entry & Identification Requirements
Before booking final travel, review the latest United States entry requirements for your country of citizenship. Many international visitors need a Nonimmigrant Visa for tourism, business, study, or work, while eligible travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries may be able to visit for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA instead of a Visa. The U.S. Department of State recommends using its official resources to confirm the correct Visa category and application process.
Travelers entering the United States should also confirm passport validity rules before departure. Some visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, while citizens of certain countries are exempt from that six-month rule and only need a passport valid for the length of their visit.
Arriving at Boston Logan International Airport
Boston Logan International Airport is one of the easiest major U.S. airports to navigate because it sits close to the city center. Logan is about two miles from downtown Boston, with more than 40 airlines serving over 100 domestic and international destinations.
Terminal E serves most international arrivals for customs processing, and each terminal includes ticketing, baggage claim, and ground transportation facilities. Signs will direct you to taxis, rideshares, MBTA connections, Logan Express, rental cars, and airport shuttles.
Consulates & International Assistance
Visitors should confirm hours, services, and appointment requirements directly with the appropriate office, as consular services can often change.
Foreign consulates: Austria, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Venezuela, United Kingdom, Switzerland, South Korea
Honorary consulates: Bolivia, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey
Additional representation: Taiwan
Practical Information for International Travelers
Time Zone: Boston is in the Eastern Time Zone and observes Daylight Saving Time, with clocks moving ahead in March and back in November.
Currency Exchange: Most businesses accept major credit cards; however, currency exchange is available at Boston Logan International Airport, local banks, and select currency exchange locations.
Data Roaming: If here from abroad, remember to check with your mobile provider or consider purchasing a temporary U.S. phone plan, eSIM, or international roaming option.
Health & Medical Information
The U.S. healthcare system is private, and medical care can be pricey for visitors without insurance. As such, international travelers should consider purchasing travel health insurance before arriving in Boston and review what their policy covers, including emergency care, urgent care visits, prescriptions, and trip-related medical support.
In a medical emergency, dial 911 for an ambulance, fire department, or police assistance.
Weather in Boston
Boston has four distinct seasons, so packing for your trip depends on when you visit.
-
Winter: Can be chilly and cold, with occasional snow and icy conditions. Warm layers, gloves, and reliable shoes are highly encouraged for when the temperature drops.
-
Summer: Temperatures remain warm and can sometimes feel humid. Sunscreen, a hat, and cool, comfortable clothes will be your best friends.
-
Spring + Fall: Both are mild but known to shift from warm to chilly, so smart layering is always useful, especially if you plan to walk, take public transit, or spend time near the harbor.
Before you fly into town, visit our handy weather guide for more information and check our Packing Tips blog.
Language Support & Translation Services
The following partners can find local support for interpretation, translation, ASL, equipment, accessibility needs, and more:
Getting Around Boston
Boston is compact by U.S. city standards, and many visitors use a mix of walking, public transit, taxis, and rideshare.
The MBTA connects neighborhoods across the city, and its trip-planning tool can help visitors map routes across subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry options.
The Silver Line runs from Logan Airport terminals to South Station, with connections to the Red Line, Commuter Rail, and the Seaport. Travelers can also use Blue Line airport shuttles, taxis, rideshares, Logan Express, ferries, and water taxis.
For more information, check out our Getting Around page.
Driving & Parking
Most visitors can explore Boston without renting a car, especially if you’re staying near downtown, Back Bay, the Seaport, Cambridge, or a major venue. However, if you do rent a car, confirm age requirements, insurance options, license rules, and credit card policies directly with the rental company before booking.
Boston’s streets can be narrow and busy, with one-way roads, compact intersections, and resident-only parking in some areas, so plan your route (and parking) before you drive! You’ll find metered street parking and garages throughout the city, though rates, time limits, and availability vary.
Please note that Massachusetts requires drivers to use mobile electronic devices in hands-free mode, including when stopped at traffic lights.
Accessibility & Safety
Boston offers all sorts of accessible attractions, transportation options, visitor services, and cultural experiences across the city. Meet Boston’s accessibility resources are great for obtaining the most current information about entrances, seating, transportation, and special accommodations.
Boston’s Diverse Cultures & Neighborhoods
Boston’s international character is visible across its neighborhoods, restaurants, museums, campuses, festivals, and public spaces.
Explore historic Chinatown, Caribbean and Latin American foodways in Jamaica Plain and East Boston, Irish heritage in South Boston and Dorchester, and the creative and academic communities across Cambridge, Roxbury, and Allston.
Use Meet Boston’s neighborhood and cultural guides to plan a trip that moves beyond the typical landmarks. Start with our planning resources, then build an itinerary around the places, events, restaurants, and local experiences that make Boston one of the most diverse cities in the country!
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Boston?
Many international visitors need a nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries may be eligible to visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business with an approved ESTA instead of a visa.
Please note that some U.S. visa applicants are also asked to provide social media identifiers as part of the application process, so travelers should review official requirements before applying.
What documents do I need when arriving in the U.S.?
Most international visitors should carry a valid passport, visa, or ESTA approval if required, travel itinerary, lodging information, and any supporting documents related to the purpose of travel.
Travelers should make sure their passport is valid for the required period and has at least two blank pages for entry stamps. At the border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may ask questions about your trip and, on rare occasions, may inspect electronic devices such as phones, laptops, or cameras during the entry process.
What is the legal drinking and gambling age in Boston?
The legal drinking and gambling age is 21. Visitors should carry a valid photo ID, such as a passport, when entering bars, restaurants, casinos, or age-restricted venues.
What are Boston’s currency and tipping expectations?
The local currency is the U.S. dollar. Tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, taxis, rideshares, hotels, and personal services. A typical tip is 15–20%. Hotel doormen, valet attendants, bellhops, housekeeping staff, and concierges are usually tipped based on the service provided. Concierges may receive a larger tip for help with reservations, special arrangements, or more involved requests.
Do I need an adapter or converter for electronics?
The United States uses Type A and Type B plugs and a standard voltage of 120V. Many phones, laptops, and camera chargers are dual voltage, but travelers should check device labels before plugging in. Some appliances may require both a plug adapter and a voltage converter.
Do I need an international mobile phone plan while visiting Boston?
Check with your mobile carrier before traveling. Many visitors use international roaming, a temporary U.S. SIM card, or an eSIM. Free Wi-Fi is also available at many hotels, cafes, museums, and public spaces.
Is Boston safe for solo travelers?
Boston is a major city and generally regarded as safe, but solo travelers should still use standard urban precautions: stay aware of their surroundings, secure valuables, plan late-night transportation in advance, and stick to well-lit routes.
How do I call emergency services?
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in Boston and across the United States.
Is Boston safe?
Boston is widely visited by domestic and international travelers each year. As in any large city, safety can vary by area, time of day, and other circumstances. When in doubt, use common-sense precautions and ask hotel staff or visitor resources for neighborhood-specific guidance.
Boston welcomes visitors of all world cultures - please see our list of multilingual tour operators, below.
