Atlanta Georgia, USA Travel Guide
Citizens of 40 countries can travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for tourism or business, for stays up to 90 days. An approved ESTA is a prerequisite for these travelers. Apply online through the official ESTA website several days prior to your travel date.
Citizens from non-VWP countries obtain a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa. Apply at an U.S. Embassy or consulate in your home country. This process includes completing an online form (DS-160), attending an interview, and paying a fee. Initiate this process well in advance, as interview wait times lengthen.
ESTA applications incur a $21.00 USD fee. Visa application fees fluctuate by type; B-1/B-2 visas typically cost $185 USD.
Upon arrival at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducts inspection. This includes passport presentation, fingerprints, and a photograph. Officers may inquire about your travel purpose, duration, and accommodation. Answer accurately and briefly.
Atlanta options suit various travel styles, from budget-focused explorers to luxury seekers. The United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency.
$70 - $150 USD per day
Hostels, budget motels, or shared Airbnb rooms ($40-$80). Street food, fast food, groceries ($20-$40). Public transit (MARTA) and walking ($5-$10). Free parks, self-guided tours, affordable museums ($5-$20).
Higher prices during peak seasons. Limited dining variety. Some attractions incur fees.
$150 - $350 USD per day
Mid-range hotels or private Airbnb apartments ($100-$200). Casual restaurants, some nicer sit-down meals ($50-$100). Mix of public transit, occasional ride-sharing or taxi use ($15-$40). Multiple paid attractions, guided tours ($30-$80).
Peak season prices apply. Dining expenses add up quickly with drinks.
$350+ USD per day
Luxury hotels, boutique hotels, high-end vacation rentals ($250+). Fine dining, upscale restaurants ($100+). Taxis, frequent ride-sharing, private car services ($50+). Premium experiences, private tours, exclusive events ($100+).
Premium experience costs accumulate rapidly. Availability for exclusive events can be limited.
Accommodation prices: Hostel bed: $40-$60. Budget hotel/motel: $80-$120. Mid-range hotel: $120-$250. Luxury hotel: $250-$600+. Meal costs: Street food/fast casual: $8-$15. Casual dining/lunch: $15-$30. Mid-range dinner (per person, without drinks): $30-$60. Fine dining (per person, without drinks): $70-$150+.
Transportation: MARTA single fare: $2.50. MARTA unlimited pass (24 hours): $9.00. Taxi/Ride-share (short trip): $10-$25. Airport to Downtown (MARTA): $2.50. Airport to Downtown (Taxi/Ride-share): $30-$45+. Attraction admission (adult): Georgia Aquarium: $45-$55. World of Coca-Cola: $19-$22. High Museum of Art: $16.50. Atlanta Botanical Garden: $27-$30. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park: Free.
15-20% of the bill for good service.
15-20% of the fare.
$2-$5 per night, left visibly.
$1-$2 per bag.
10-20% of the tour cost, or $5-$20 per person for shorter tours.
No specific vaccinations are mandatory for U.S. Entry, unless arriving from a country with a declared disease outbreak. Routine vaccinations should be current: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP), Varicella (Chickenpox), Polio, and the seasonal Flu shot.
Atlanta summers are hot and humid. To avert heat-related illness, drink plenty of water. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Seek shade and air conditioning often. Limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours (mid-day). Carry a Reusable water bottle.
Call 911 immediately for police, fire, or medical emergencies. This number connects you to dispatchers who send services.
Travel insurance is strongly suggested. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. U.S. Healthcare costs are high for those without insurance.
