tours to usa from uk

Where are you flying from?

• London Heathrow
• Manchester International
• Inverness Airport
• Cardiff Airport
• Norwich Airport
• Humberside Airport
• London City Apt
• Belfast International
• Bristol Airport
• Teesside Airport

Fly direct from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic during our seasonal service.

From 27th October 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate daily flights to the Maldives.

Book your holiday today!

From 26th October 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate daily flights to Dubai.

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 4 direct flights, will operate until the 19th May 2024.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 28th October 2024.

Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Flights include a short touchdown in Barbados.

Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 29th March 2024. From the 2nd April, this service will reduce to Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Our seasonal service will recommence on the 29th October 2024, with flights operating on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 3 direct flights, will operate until the 11th May 2024. Flights will commence from 23 May 2024 - 24th October 2024 on Thursdays and include a short touchdown.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 29th October 2024.

Daily direct flights from London Gatwick to New York with our partner airline, Delta, operates between 10th April and 26th October 2024.

Our Virgin Atlantic service with direct flights, will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays until the 30th March 2024.

Our direct service will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the 2nd April 2024.

Our new direct, daily Virgin Atlantic service to Toronto commences 30th March 2025

1 room / 2 adults

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There must be 1 adult per child under two years of age travelling, please adjust your passenger number

To book online please select a maximum of 9 passengers, to book 10 adults or more please call 0344 557 3978

Please note: Drivers must be over the age of 21 to hire a car unless otherwise specified. Drivers between 21 and 24 years of age may be subject to additional costs.

Holidays in the USA

Float into an American Dream

Extra savings this bank holiday weekend - hurry, offer ends monday, book a new package holiday this weekend and save an additional  £25 per person on top of our sale prices. plus use the code  septsale  to save an extra  £100   per booking  when spending £3,500 or more..

Valid for travel before 30 Jun '25. T&Cs apply.

USA from  £666pp

The USA is a cultural powerhouse where everything is big and bold, from the buildings, to the smiles, to the food!

From the beautiful beaches of California, to the made-for-movie skylines of New York or Vegas, there really is something for every kind of traveller. Kids (both big and small) will love Florida's world-famous theme parks, while nature-lovers will be bowled over by canyons, sand dunes, rivers and mountain ranges. For a slice of true American culture, visit a laid-back jazz club in the Deep South, check out the iconic historical landmarks of DC or go see a baseball game in Boston.

The USA promises a range of truly unique and diverse experiences for everyone who visits, so wherever you go and whatever you do, you'll be sure to have a trip of a lifetime.

Which part of the USA is right for you...

Best for shopping...

• New York  has everything you need, from the glamour of 5th avenue to the premium outlets at Woodbury Common. Make sure you leave some space in your case!
• In Boston  there's no sales tax on clothing under $175, so you can get even more for your dollar

Best for family fun...

• From the magic of  Walt Disney World  Resort to the hair-raising 'coasters of Universal Orlando Resort,  Orlando  is full of fun to be had
• With tons of family magic at  Disneyland  Resort and world-class thrills at Knott’s Berry Farm®, LA is a great alternative for theme park thrills

Best for music...

• Austin  is known as the 'live music capital of the world', so you won't have a problem finding a bar in which to dance the night away
• In Las Vegas  there's plenty of resident performers, all on one street! From pool parties with big-name DJ's to evening concerts from some legends!

Best for beaches...

• West Coast is the best coast when it comes to sun, sea and sand, Visit  Los Angeles and hit up Santa Monica or Pismo Beach for a beach day
• Fly to  Tampa  and take the short drive to Clearwater or St Pete's beeach, both of which are in the top 25 beaches in the US!

Best for foodies...

• If you're a seafood lover then you will love  San Francisco . Enjoy clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf as you look out over the bay
• With Little Italy, Chinatown, and plenty more countries within a city, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food in  New York

Best for history...

• Atlanta  is home to Martin Luther King Junior’s birthplace, and the historic site will leave you fascinated 
• Home of the White House and an array of iconic memorials, Washington, DC  is a political and cultural powerhouse of the USA.

So where will it be...

Holidays in New York

Holidays in Las Vegas

Holidays in California

Holidays in Utah

Holidays in Bryce Canyon

Holidays in Arizona

Holidays in the Deep South

Holidays in New England

Holidays in Texas

Holidays in Hawaii

Holidays in Washington, DC

Holidays in Boston

Holidays in Chicago

Holidays in Seattle

Explore more in one trip.

Can't make your mind up on one place - then don't! It's a big, beautiful world – and we're here to help you see more of it. Our twin and multi-centre holidays make it easy to visit more than one place in a single trip. Experience several stunning destinations during your trip with our multi-destination holiday packages and get ready for a jam-packed adventure.

Or why not book a flydrive and take the highways and byways of the US at your own pace?!

Save £50 on your USA car hire

Use the code carpromo50.

Valid for 2024 departures. Book by 31 Oct '24. T&C's apply.

Best of the west

• 4 nights in  San Francisco
• 4 nights in  Las Vegas
• 4 nights in Los Angeles

From the Big Apple to Sin City

• 4 nights in  New York
• 4 nights in Las Vegas

Three cities in one

• 4 nights in New York
• 3 nights in Las Vegas
• 4 nights in San Francisco

See more multi-destination itineraries

Hotels in the USA

See our USA hotel special offers

The United States of Awesomeness: Highlights of the USA

A trip to the States is a big tick on the bucket list. From taking a road trip along the iconic Route 66 to catching the  sights in NYC  and taking in  Florida 's stunning Gold Coast, there are always new places to discover and experiences to be had.

Make treasured memories with the family at a thrill-fuelled theme park in  Orlando . Relax on a honeymoon to  Hawaii . Stay up all night in  Vegas . Whenever you decide to go, whoever you decide to travel with, take holidays to the USA at your own pace.

You’d be hard-pushed to visit every famous landmark in the USA in your lifetime – and we can guarantee that at least one of these breath-taking sights has made its way onto your must-see list.

Las Vegas Strip

Take in the famous casinos and theatres and stop by the Bellagio for a view of the world-famous fountains.

Grand Canyon

If you go to Las Vegas, you have to take in the natural wonder of the gigantic Grand Canyon. You can either rent a car or book yourself onto a helicopter tour.

Golden Gate Bridge

Opt to walk the 1.5-mile stretch rather than drive for the best views. If you’re trying to pack a lot in, rent bikes and cycle across.

Statue of Liberty

No trip to NYC is complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty. Either take the full tour, or book the Circle Line Cruise to get close for photo ops without leaving the boat.

The White House

When in Washington DC, the White House is a must-do. Tour tickets are difficult to obtain for non-US nationals, but you can get a good close-up from Pennsylvania Avenue.

Hollywood sign

The best place to see the famous Hollywood sign is to head to Griffith Park where there are plenty of hiking trails from the Observatory car park.

Holidays to America aren’t all about shopping in NYC and shows in Vegas – there are plenty more quirky attractions and buzzing cities to see off the usual tourist trail.

The Freedom Trail

Brush up on your knowledge of the American Revolution and take the Freedom Trail along 16 of Boston's most important historic sights.

Lady Bird Lake

Part of the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake is the perfect place to enjoy Austin's 300 days of sunshine. Hike, bike, paddle board or hop on a sunset cruise.

Napa Valley

Visit the USA's most famous wine region. Bask in the Californian sunshine, have a tour of a vineyard and, of course, sample a glass (or three) of delicious wine. 

As the largest alpine lake in North America, this expanse of blue that straddles the California and Nevada border is a sight to behold.

If your idea of the perfect break involves sun and sea air, holidays to the USA have plenty to offer with golden coastlines and white sand beaches.

The ultimate tropical beach destination. Head to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for snorkelling – the fish swim close to the shore, so there's plenty to see.

La Jolla Shores Park in a picturesque natural beauty spot ideal for hiking. Follow the Coastal Trail for views of the Pacific Coast. If you're lucky, you might spot some harbour seals.

With historic lighthouses and stunning vistas, Cape Cod joins the USA’s list of best seaside spots. Aside from top seafood and whale watching tours, ferry cruises to Martha's Vineyard and the dune-fringed beaches of Nantucket make for a top-notch coastal escape. 

Laguna Beach

As one of Orange County’s most stylish towns, Laguna Beach boasts one of the best beaches on the California coast.

The USA is home to a range of world-class skiing destinations, whether you're a seasoned pro or heading to the slopes for the first time. Teach your family the sport or master the art of après-ski with friends at one of these destinations:

Lake Tahoe hosts the stunning ski resorts of Heavenly and Squaw Valley. Stay at the luxurious Harrahs for breath-taking views of the lake at sunset.

New England

In New England, you can look forward to 1,845 kilometres of slopes: the ski resorts are served by 459 ski lifts. You will be sure to find your favourite!

Mammoth Mountain

If you want to tie in a visit to the slopes and the coast, try California's Mammoth Mountain where crystal clear lakes and bright blue skies frame the slopes.

Whether it’s exploring dramatic coastlines, being entertained on the Strip or dining at high altitude in one of the lesser-explored cities, our package holidays to America have something to offer everyone. Plan your trip today and book at one of our  USA hotels .

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Tours to the USA

From jazz and blues in the Deep South to whale-watching in Alaska, the United States has everything you want for a vacation. The beauty of the National Parks is off the scale - watch the sun set through Delicate Arch in Utah for an unforgettable experience.

Ways to explore USA

Discover our usa tours.

Take in all of the must-see sights, and discover roads less travelled on our USA small group tours . Join our Western USA Adventure Trip  to uncover the towering granite peaks and cascading waterfalls of Yosemite National Park. Follow your experienced tour leader through sizzling-hot Death Valley to find the bright lights of Las Vegas, and trace the Watchman’s Trail to discover its iconic pinnacle of red rock soaring into the sky of Zion National Park. Not sure which National Parks you'd like to visit? Find out more about these protected landscapes in our ultimate guide to US National Parks . Get away from tourist hot spots and trek into the abyss of the Grand Canyon on our USA walking trip . Or embark on an unforgettable USA wildlife tour to the pristine wilderness of Alaska to discover panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glistening rivers, turquoise glacial lakes and a whole host of wildlife including whale, grizzly bear, moose and caribou.

New to Explore? Check out our top questions answered about small group tours blog to find out more.

Our most popular tours in USA

Western usa national parks explorer.

Outdoor Alaska

Best of the American West

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From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

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Need some inspiration for your USA tour?

US National Parks – The Complete Guide

7 questions answered for your first small-group adventure holiday

First solo trip with Explore? Top 7 questions answered

7 questions answered about your first walking holiday

United States Tours & Holidays

With coastlines, forests, deserts and mountains, the United States is an explorer's paradise.

Magical moments are waiting around every corner in The States. From the rugged wilderness and glacial fjords in Alaska to the winding coastal highways in California , the wide array of national parks to the musical streets of New Orleans , this country is simply sprawling. So whether you're hiking, biking, toe-tapping or road-tripping, you can't go wrong exploring the USA the Intrepid way.

Our United States trips

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Georgia History Trail to Nashville

Utah Parks Circuit

Hiking in Yellowstone

Las Vegas to San Fran: Parks, Canyons, Valleys

Articles of United States

Best places to travel in March

Best places to travel in May

Best places to travel in June

Best places to travel in July

Best places to travel in September

Best places to travel in August

The 7 best places to go on a hot air balloon ride  

Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park to visit?

United States departures by month

Browse usa trips by region, browse usa trips by state, browse usa national park tours, united states at a glance, capital city.

Washington DC (population, 712,816)

331.9 million

English, Spanish (although the US has no official languages)

(GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about United States

Best time to visit united states.

Being such a large country, the weather in the US is different depending on which area you are in. Summer (June to August) is the peak travel season due to school holidays, but it can be uncomfortably hot in the desert areas and the south. 

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are generally considered to be the best times to visit, but the weather is still highly variable and these may be the wettest times in some parts of the country (such as the  Pacific Northwest ). Winter can be cold and snowy in the northern states, and many people head south in search of warmer temps.

Read more about the best time to visit the United States

Culture and customs

With immigration playing a major part in the development of America, today the country is made up of many different cultures. It’s no wonder modern America is rich with a variety of cultural traditions, cuisines, religions and festivals. Because of this, a large diversity of holidays are celebrated in America. Annual holidays like Independence Day and Thanksgiving are usually celebrated by all regardless of religion or political persuasion, and give people a chance to reconnect with family and friends around the dinner table or grill.  From sports to soul music, popular culture to philosophy, and fine art to folk art, the tastes and desires of Americans vary around the country. A love of sport unifies the nation - it doesn’t matter if you live in a city loft or out in the country, sports like ice hockey, basketball, baseball and football all attract a strong following. Many Native Americans live on reservations and fight to retain their traditions and preserve their heritage, although when visiting reservations don’t be surprised to see Native Americans wearing modern clothing. With much of the language and many of the customs lost over the years, Native Americans strive to live a life of deep spirituality and in connection with the earth, as their ancestors did for centuries.

Check out our range of experiences in the United States that amplify BIPOC cultures .

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring cheap eats or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

With a variety of international influences, try Creole cuisine in New Orleans, traditional Jewish fare like bagels and pastrami sandwiches in New York, and barbecue in Texas. America’s got everything, from burger joints to taco shacks, organic cafes to refined Michelin-starred restaurants.

Learn more about food in the USA

Geography and environment

From the lush everglades of Florida, through the red-hot deserts of Nevada to the urban jungles of New York and Philadelphia, the United States has many different environments and ecosystems within its boundaries. Sharing borders with Canada in the north and Mexico in the south, the United States has deserts, glaciers, freshwater lakes, rapid-filled rivers, mountain ranges, sprawling plains, forested national parks , beaches and bays.

The major national parks of America – Yellowstone, Zion, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Denali and Joshua Tree offer a glimpse into what much of America looked like before development. Lush vegetation, majestic mountains and sparkling lakes give deer, moose, bears, bison and many other species of wildlife a fertile home to live in. 

When travelling, you’re likely to see modern cities filled with traffic, skyscrapers and high-density housing, as well as sleepy towns, and Native American reservations. A complex network of highways connect the major cities, making overland travel a popular choice with visitors and locals alike. The great American road trip is still alive and well.

History and government

As one of the world’s most influential nations, major moments and events in American history ripple throughout the rest of the world. The American people are known for their resilience and irrepressible nature, and it is this spirit that allows them to continue to contribute to the world economically, scientifically and creatively.

In recent history, America has enjoyed the historic highs of the moon landings and the devastating lows of Hurricane Katrina. The world has seen American companies like Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and Starbucks change the face of the world. And people like Steven Spielberg, Lance Armstrong, Maya Angelou and Sidney Poitier create masterpieces, break records and win countless awards.

Top 10 must-see cities in the US

1. new york.

You can be anyone you want to be in NYC. Indulge your artistic side at MoMA, mingle with the Gordon Geckos on Wall Street, cheer like a pro at a Yankees game or kick back at a bar with a Manhattan and a new pair of Jimmy Choos.

2. San Francisco

San Francisco is made of sunshine, seafood and a whole lot of hills. This is the place to embrace your inner (or outer) bohemian. But it's not all 'flowers in your hair' and free thinking, be sure to take a ferry to Alcatraz and scoff down a clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf.

3. New Orleans

The Caribbean meets France and Africa in New Orleans. Music is everywhere, and so are the friendly faces. The city comes to life after dark so have an afternoon nap, get some comfortable shoes on and get ready to bar hop the night away.

4. Las Vegas

Hello Lady Luck! Days somehow disappear in the hedonistic blitz of colour, light, showgirls, casinos and offers too good to refuse. Try to escape the endless buffets to catch a real Las Vegas show; there's everything from death-defying acrobats to Elvis on offer.

The financial and political powerhouse of Chicago has been the home of two of the most influential people in the world - President Obama and Oprah. Famed for its distinctive architecture, booming performing arts scene and sports-mad locals, the 'Windy City' shouldn't be missed.

The air is warmer, the clothes smaller and the colours are somehow brighter in Miami. Jewish, Latin and Caribbean cultures blend to make a heady mix of great food, even better music and a nightlife filled with the spirit of fiesta. Hang out on perfect beaches, spot classic cars and gaze at the beautiful people as they strut their stuff.

7. Los Angeles

Search beyond the stardust of Hollywood and the excessive price tags of Rodeo Drive, to find the true essence of Los Angeles. Home to a melting pot of cultures, uber-cool restaurants, a hip art scene and the eclectic vibe of Venice Beach, LA is so hot right now!

The birthplace of grunge music and iconic super-companies like Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks, Seattle offers so much more than great coffee. Markets packed with fresh produce, a harbour perfect for boating, vibrant public art and a thriving live music scene combine to make Seattle a must-see city.

History comes alive in the heritage-filled streets of Memphis. Whether it's at Elvis Presley's Graceland, the lively blues clubs and restaurants of Beale Street or the moving Civil Rights Movement Museum, it could be said that the soul of America lives in Memphis.

One of America's oldest cities, Boston is evolving. Working class neighbourhoods are being gentrified, the industry is giving way to tech start-ups and modern architectural treasures sit alongside brown-stone buildings. Despite the change, get chatting to locals about the Red Sox and you'll soon find you're definitely in Boston.

It’s no wonder many people choose to do their clothes shopping in the United States. With iconic department stores offering a wide range of labels, and vintage/charity stores stocking American fashion classics like distressed denim jeans and leather cowboy boots, shopping in America is fun. Known for having great sales and even better customer service, it’s well worth leaving room in your backpack for a few extras. Please note that unlike in many other countries, tax isn’t included in the ticketed price. It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Festivals and events

Burning man festival.

This unique event held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada is based on the theme of radical self-expression. Festival-goers are expected to bring something to share with everyone, so trading is used as a form of currency. Expect to see art, music, nudity, body painting, tarot, dance and performance art before the ‘Burning Man’ statue is set alight, signifying the end of the festival.

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, marks the end of the Carnival season in New Orelans. Witness a chaotic collision of lively music, colourful costumes, masquerade masks, soul food and joyful 'krewes' at the parades, parties and masquerade balls in late February every year.

Tens of thousands of people flock to this iconic Californian music festival to see the hottest rock, electronica and folk acts from around the world. Art installations, camping and a karaoke lounge add to the fun.

Miami F1 Grand Prix 

Turn your excitement levels all the way up at the Miami Formula One Grand Prix. Watch the race from the stands, meet your favourite drivers, walk the iconic pit lane, have a couple of drinks in the newly created Hard Rock Beach Cafe, and so much more at this adrenaline-pumping, fun-filled event. 

Learn more about festivals in the USA

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips, and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from all major cities in the United States. The options below may be of interest:

Tours from Los Angeles to San Francisco  

Tours from New York to New Orleans

New Orleans to Atlanta Tours

Tours from Los Angeles

Tours from Las Vegas

Top USA travel highlights

1. venture to the wilds of alaska.

Alaska may be part of the USA, but it feels like another world. With stunning mountain ranges, eclectic wildlife, immense glaciers and an interesting history, this off-track destination is well worth the journey north. Whether you want to go hiking in Denali , snowshoe across Matanuska Glacier, kayak in Kenai Fjords or see the northern lights, adventure awaits.

Explore the Last Frontier on our 10 day Best of Alaska tour.

2. See San Francisco through local eyes

With vibrant, multi-cultural neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is a city you could spend weeks exploring. But to really get a feel for the place, you need to explore with a local. Sample the freshest seafood in Fisherman's Wharf, discover the North Beach and Little Italy districts, and dine at some of the locals' favourite spots for dinner.

Roam around Northern California and beyond on our 9 day San Francisco to Seattle trip.

3. Explore phenomenal national parks

From larger-than-life Yosemite to the great gaping chasms of the Grand Canyon , national parks in the States are big, bold and beautiful. Escape the hustle of everyday life and uncover the natural beauty, diverse wildlife and Native American history in the likes of Bryce Canyon, Zion and Yellowstone. Whether you want to hike or cycle, stay in comfy lodges or camp in the wilderness , US national parks offer something for all kinds of adventurers.

4. Track wolves in Yellowstone National Park

The world’s first national park positively brims with more hot springs, mud pots and geysers than you can possibly see in one trip. But one of the most memorable things you can do is rise before dawn to join a wolf-tracking excursion with a local guide. As well as learning about one of nature's most intriguing animals, if you're lucky, you may see multiple wolves playing together, eating, or looking after young cubs.

Try your hand at wolf tracking on our 6 day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Adventure or our Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Holiday .

5. Visit the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins… what legend hasn’t recorded here? Sun Studio in Memphis is one of the pinnacles for music lovers travelling in the States. It’s where rock and roll was born, and where soul music hit the big time via Stax Records. After checking out the studio, head to Beale Street to grab a drink and have a boogie in traditional blues clubs.

Scoot your boots on our 6 day Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans tour.

6. Take a Navajo jeep tour of Monument Valley

Learn about the cultural heritage and sacredness of Monument Valley from those who know it best. After a jeep adventure with a local Navajo guide, join the locals for an authentic Navajo dinner around a campfire and listen to traditional songs and stories passed down through the generations.

Discover the American West's most iconic landscapes on our 5 day Western USA National Parks Loop tour.

Further reading

United states travel faqs, do i need a visa to travel to united states.

It depends on where you’re from. Many countries now operate under the United States Visa Waiver Program, meaning a visa isn’t required for stays of up to 90 days for travel purposes. There are 40 participating countries, including the United Kingdom , Australia , New Zealand, Germany and Spain.

If you're eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you must obtain a letter of authorisation before you travel to the States. This can be obtained by submitting an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ( ESTA ).

If you’re a national from a non-participating country of the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for a non-immigrant visa. Please see the Department of State website for more information.

If you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on or after 1 March 2011, you are ineligible and must apply for a non-immigrant visa instead.

People from a participating country who are also citizens of Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan must also apply for a non-immigrant visa.

Last updated: 6 March 2024 

Is tipping customary in the US?

Tipping is very much a part of the culture in the United States. Tips are expected at restaurants, cafes and diners, as well as by taxi drivers, valet attendants, porters and hotel maids.

People working in the service industry generally receive low wages and therefore rely upon tips as a major source of income.

In general, leave 15 to 20% of the bill at places serving food and a few dollars to bartenders and hotel staff who provide a personal service like carrying bags or cleaning your room.

What is the internet access like in the US?

Internet access is excellent in the US, and internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my mobile phone while in the US?

Mobile phone coverage is excellent in most parts of the US although coverage may be patchy in remote, mountainous areas like national parks and canyons. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in the US?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in the US.

Can I drink the water in the US?

Drinking water from taps in the US is considered safe unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in the US?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores in the US. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in the US?

ATMs are common in the US, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

What kind of transport will I use in the United States?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. 

Be amazed by enormous glaciers and stunning, icy landscapes while travelling on a ferry in Alaska.

Use pedal power to see the best of Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Cycling is a great way to see the sights and be active at the same time.

Take in the sights while enjoying a ride on one of San Francisco’s icons – the streetcar .

What sort of accommodation will I stay in while travelling in the United States?

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible. 

When travelling with us in the US you may find yourself staying in a:

Spend a night sleeping in a hogan – a traditional Navajo structure made of logs, mud and stone and built with an open roof to view the sparkling night sky.

Reconnect with nature and enjoy staying in quaint log cabins throughout the country's beautiful national parks. Fall asleep to the rustling of trees and wake up to the sounds of birds.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip to the United States support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to the United States directly support our foundation partners, C ultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) and t he Grand Canyon Conservancy .

Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA)

Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance (CHEA) create inclusive, equitable opportunities for small Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) tourism businesses in the USA. Donations help CHEA provide access to industry-specific technical assistance, capacity building, and industry networks for small BIPOC travel and tourism businesses through their Diversity Tourism Academy (DTA). Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Find out more or make a donation

The Grand Canyon Conservancy

The Grand Canyon Conservancy is on a mission to protect the Grand Canyon National Park for future generations. With almost 6 million visitors to the park annually, the Grand Canyon Conservancy runs educational programs and immersive experiences that teach people about the park's cultural and environmental significance. Donations support trail restoration and maintenance, conservation and preservation of native vegetation and wildlife, and educational programs. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

What public holidays are celebrated in the US?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 16 Jan: Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
• Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
• 4 Jul: Independence Day
• First Monday in Sep: Labour Day
• 2nd Monday in Oct: Indigenous Peoples' Day
• 11 Nov: Veterans Day
• Fourth Thursday in Nov: Thanksgiving Day
• 25 Dec Christmas Day

Please note: United States public holidays may vary.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

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West Coast USA Escorted Tours & Guided Holidays

From the iconic cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle to the bright lights of Vegas and the breath-taking views of Yosemite National Park, a visit to the west coast USA is well worth your while on a Travelsphere escorted tour.

We’re delighted to have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.  Find out more >

Escorted Tours & Guided Holidays to West Coast USA

Discover west coast usa on a travelsphere escorted holiday.

Travel with us and we'll show you the must-see landmarks and attractions and help you sample the lifestyle, traditions and cuisine. Our experienced Holiday Directors will be there every step of the way, to ensure things run smoothly and to share with you fascinating insights no guide book could ever provide.

We'll take care of everything for you

• Return & internal flights included where applicable
• Experienced Holiday Director
• Included excursions
• Over 60 years operating tours
• ATOL protected and a member of ABTA

Best of the West

• Return flights
• 12 nights hotels of a great quality plus 1 night in flight
• 7 meals: 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner

The Grand Canyon had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember and when I saw it for the first time I was totally stunned! There are not enough words to describe that first view. I had a lump in my throat, I was covered in goosebumps and the tears ran down my cheeks. The canyon is so vast , the way that it is formed, the changing colours of the rocks, it was just gob-smacking! I will never forget that sight for as long as I live. Sarah Smith | Best of the West

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USA Singles Holidays & Solo Tours

USA Solo Holidays

Solo travel tours in the USA are an excellent way to experience the many delights of this diverse country. Some call America the ‘Land of Opportunity’, and Just You certainly offers that on its single holidays to the USA. However you see your time on Uncle Sam’s shores panning out, count on Just You to make it happen. From the nation’s strangest, most spectacular landmarks to its plethora of unique experiences (yellow cab rides in New York , literally all of Las Vegas, etc.), there’s always something ready to take your breath away. With so many cultures and traditions to be discovered here, your holiday to the USA promises to be unforgettable.

Just You has a wealth of hand-crafted single holidays to America that you’re sure to find appealing, whatever you’re into. Whether you’re a music fan looking to savour the smooth sounds of New Orleans jazz or you fancy yourself as a modern pioneer following in the footsteps of countless others in search of riches in the American West, we’ll have something that takes your fancy. In the USA, you’re sure to encounter many firsts, and Just You is determined to help you make the most of them. Enjoy your single holiday to the USA with us and cherish every moment in this beautiful, bountiful land.

We’re delighted to have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. 

Find out more >

Featured USA Solo Escorted Tour Holidays

National Parks, Mount Rushmore and Little Big Horn

On this thrilling holiday you'll explore the vast national parks, hear tales of the Wild West and visit the immense Grand Canyon.

• Return flights
• 15 nights in great quality hotels, 1 night in flight
• 17 included meals: 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

America's Western Wonders

This epic tour is full of incredible highlights as you visit iconic cities, explore the awesome Grand Canyon and drive along Route 66.

• 12 nights in great quality hotels, 1 night in flight
• 14 included meals: 12 breakfasts and 2 dinners

New York City

As you explore the city that never sleeps, from Times Square to the Statue of Liberty, New York will exceed all your expectations. And in between discovering all the major city landmarks, there's time for a little shopping spree in NYC's famous department stores.

• 3 nights in a great hotel, 1 night in flight
• 5 included meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Read all about it... The USA

American beauty.

America is full of incredible sights - its no wonder people visit time and time again. We take a look at some of the highlights you can uncover on a trip to the West Coast USA.

Memphis Happy Returns

In 2019, Memphis marked its 200th anniversary and travel writer, E.McCabe shares why every traveller needs to visit Tennessee.

Frequently asked questions about solo guided holidays in the United States

From touring the vast national parks to the city lights of NYC - Just You has a great selection of guided holidays in the US that will help you tick off the boxes of any bucket list! You can journey along the Pacific Coast Highway or along the infamous Route 66 to see American Western Wonders or learn about the history of this great land in our Great Eastern USA tour; delve into Americas Music Heritage travelling from Nashville to New Orleans or delight in the mesmerising sights of New England in the Fall . The tricky part is choosing which tour to take first!!

Flights from London take about 8 hours to the East Coast of America and just over 11 hours to reach Los Angeles on the West Coast

• Boston, New York and Atlanta (Eastern Standard Time) - 5 hours behind GMT.
• Chicago, Dallas and New Orleans (Central Standard Time) - 6 hours behind GMT.
• Phoenix and Rapid City (Mountain Standard Time) - 7 hours behind GMT.
• Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas (Pacific Standard Time) - 8 hours behind GMT.

Being a huge country, the climate in the US varies depending on where you are visiting - and on a guided tour, that can be far and wide! However, in general, you can expect cold winters and warm (sometimes very hot) summers. Notable exceptions include the west coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where the climate is cool, the deserts which are mild in winter and scorching in summer and of course Alaska which has an Arctic tundra climate. 

Whilst being famous for the origin of fast food, America actually has an impressive variety of dishes widely available. Whilst traditional cuisine has been influenced by European, Mexican and Asian food, many regions in America also have a specific regional cuisine - deeply rooted in ethnic heritages, for example Cajun and Southern cuisine.

Some of our "must try's" include

• Buffalo chicken wings
• Tater tots (grated potato mini-balls)
• Barbeque ribs
• Reuben Sandwich (corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut)

One things for sure - you won't go hungry !!

Destinations you might also like

Canada is one of the world’s most remarkable countries, and it’s easy to see why; with scenery that feels both endless and enchanting.

Home to geographic and cultural riches that take your breath away, the island nation of St. Lucia must be seen to be believed.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country of two halves where the lush landscapes in the north appeal to visitors’ sense of peace and tranquillity and much more dramatic scenery in the south makes for thrilling experiences.

USA Tours 2024/2025

If you're planning your next trip to the USA and want to see as much as you can while you're there, we've got just the thing. We've teamed up with Insight Vacations – which has an award-winning collection of escorted journeys, exploring everywhere from Alaska to California.. Each journey is led by a Travel Director and Local Experts, and includes immersive experiences that you wouldn't get as an independent traveller. Visit some of the most incredible national parks , explore New England to witness the stunning autumnal colours or follow in the footsteps of music icons on a tour of the Deep South . Take a guided holiday and we're sure you'll get a real flavour of the destination.

USA Escorted Tours

The Deep South

Save up to £500 per couple

From Nashville to New Orleans, this tour takes you on an exhilarating journey through America's Deep South, following in the footsteps of world-famous recording artists.

14 days from £3,049

Epic Wonders of the National Parks

Mount Rushmore, Wild West towns, Monument Valley, Yellowstone National Park, and the incredible Grand Canyon are just a small snippet of the many amazing places you'll see on this tour.

17 days from £3,299

Rocky Mountaineer Adventure and Great USA National Parks

At each step on this USA tour, you’ll be moved by the sheer beauty and power of the natural world. Step aboard luxurious Rocky Mountaineer in the USA to begin your journey of incredible landscapes on its brand-new route between Denver and Moab, carving through rugged canyons and chromatic deserts. 

13 days from £3,699 per person

Southern Sights and Sounds

One of our bestselling tours, this two-week itinerary puts the focus on the Deep South’s rich cultural heritage. As well as delving into the region’s Civil Rights history, we’ll uncover its musical roots as we visit Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans - the birthplaces of jazz, blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll. A real highlight is the evening we spend at the Grand Ole Opry, where legends and contemporaries of country, bluegrass, folk and gospel have performed since 1925.

14 days from £2,999pp

Feel the rhythm in America's Deep South

Lose yourself in the sounds of blues, country, rock 'n' roll and jazz in the vibrant cities of South America's Deep South. This deep-rooted musical heritage is just one facet of the region's rich history. New Orleans' French Quarter thrums with the sounds of live music. Visit now, as Memphis celebrates its 200th anniversary, and get swept up as it honours its past. 14 days from £2,434

Best of the West

​Take in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles and Las Vegas and marvel at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park. 14 days from £2,949

Hollywood • San Diego • Sedona • Grand Canyon • Williams • Las Vegas & Hoover Dam • Calico Silver Mining Town • Yosemite • San Francisco • Big Sur & 17 Mile Drive • Carmel & Monterey • Santa Barbara 16 days from £3,199pp

Alaskan Coastal Cruise

Discover the last frontier of soaring snow-dusted peaks, teal waterways inhabited by patient salmon hunting grizzlies, an endless blanket of spruce forests and a wealth of small-town hill dwellings on our sensational 8-day cruise. From £1,759pp | 9 day Escorted Tour

The Deep South - Mardi Gras Special Departure

Visit places graced by the likes of Johnny Cash, BB King and Elvis before enjoying the Mardi Gras parade. 14 days from £2,999

The Awe-Inspiring National Parks

Vast canyons, bizarre rock formations, rugged arches and sky-scraping spires all feature on this adventure through the American West. 14 excursions & visits • 7 meals • VIP door-to-door travel service • Titan tour manager • Return flights from Heathrow 18 days from £3,799pp

San Francisco & the Pacific Coast

As you journey from San Francisco, through Oregon and on to Seattle, take time to enjoy the local beer, wine and seafood.

12 days from £3,149

New England and Canada in the Fall

A fantastic opportunity to see the glorious fall foliage of New England, visit iconic cities and Niagara Falls - the sights don't get much better than this!

12 days from £2,999

Hawai’ian Islands Discovery

Say ‘aloha’ to the ultimate island getaway in Hawai’i - a true treasure trove of exotic wildlife, volcanic parks and spectacular landscapes. On our Hawai'i tours, you'll skip between the tropical gems of Maui, Big Island and Oahu for a healthy dose of island living. 

12 days from £3,999 per person

America's Historic East

From antebellum mansions and the White House, this tour delves into the beginnings of modern America.

14 days from £3,249

Discover New England

Save on 2023 departures

This tour is perfect for travellers who want to discover New England visiting all six states.

14 days from £3,299

Journey on the Mighty Mississippi

Experience the laid-back world of Mark Twain’s riverside America. Travelling by steamboat offers a wonderful new perspective from which to view the mighty Mississippi and its riverside inhabitants. Join us on America’s only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat - the American Queen - for a Mississippi cruise, as we sail from Memphis to New Orleans

16 days from  £5,199 per person

The Best of New England in the Fall

Autumn is the ideal time of year to visit New England. The air is crisp and cool, there’s pumpkin pie and apple cider in abundance, and the glorious fall foliage decorates the region in russet, ochre and gold. Travelling through five states, our New England tours take you to quaint mountain villages, college towns and coastal resorts. 13 days from  £3,299 per person

New York City

Discover all the iconic highlights of the 'city that never sleeps' on this non-stop short break to New York. 5 days from £1,649

Spirit of the West

Embark on city tours of Los Angeles and San Francisco • Visit the city of Flagstaff on the famous Route 66 and marvel at the sights of neon-lit Las Vegas • Discover the granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and towering sequoias of Yosemite • Admire the immensity, magnificence, and scale of the Grand Canyon • Experience the iconic Walk of Fame and Golden Gate Bridge From £2,129pp | 12 day Escorted Tour

Dixieland & Rhythms

The beautiful South comes alive on this wonderful vacation featuring locations that have played a role in the evolution of American music. This southern U.S. tour starts with two nights in Chicago, ends with two nights in New Orleans, includes two nights in Nashville and Memphis, and an overnight in St. Louis. Enjoy a sightseeing tour or an orientation tour in each of the cities. 10 days from  £1,241 per person

Southern Sounds

If you are a music fan—don’t miss this Southern Sounds tour! Begin with two overnights in New Orleans, where your expert Local Guide knows the sights and sounds of the Old World City. From New Orleans, travel to Indianola, Mississippi, the hometown of the legendary musician B.B. King, and visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center to learn about B.B King’s life and 60-plus year career.  8 days from  £1,160 per person

New York City, Niagara Falls & Washington DC

Historic sites, thrilling cities, and awe-inspiring scenery…these are the perfect words to describe this East Coast tour featuring New York City, Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. You’ll spend two nights each in New York City, Niagara Falls, and the Washington DC area, and an overnight in Philadelphia.

8 days from  £1,199 per person

The Lone Star State To The French Quarter

With its large size and diversity, Texas locals say, “Texas, it’s like a whole other country.” On this tour through the Lone Star State, you’ll discover its major cities—Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston—and some of its historic landmarks, museums, and must-see sights before crossing into Louisiana for time in Lafayette and New Orleans.

12 days from  £1,479 per person

Falling for New England

Changing leaves, wildlife, apple cider – the fall season is in full swing across the pond. And nowhere does autumn better than these north-eastern states. Traditional clapboard houses are decorated with autumnal wreaths, with displays of pumpkins and squash on front porches. Farmers take advantage of bumper fruit harvests, churning out deliciously sweet ciders, apple doughnuts and cranberry chutneys. Forests of beech and maple turn glorious shades of red, gold and orange – and if you look closely, you might spot a few wild local residents (squirrels, birdlife and perhaps even a moose or two). It’s a beautiful region to explore at this time of year – our ‘Best of New England in the Fall’ tour spotlights some of the prettiest parts. We’ll start and end in Boston, journeying in a loop that takes in Cape Cod, Mystic, Woodstock, the White Mountains and much more. Along the way, we’ll enjoy maple syrup tastings, visits to charming historic towns and, of course, plenty of stops to admire the fall foliage.

American Rhythms

Jazz in New Orleans. Rock ‘n’ roll in Memphis. Country in Nashville. For serious music lovers, a trip to America’s Deep South is practically a rite of passage. On our new tour here, we’ve wrapped up all the best bits of the Deep South into one fantastic itinerary, and included a couple of nights in Chicago – home to some of the best blues bars in the business – for good measure. You’ll tap your toes at the Grand Ole Opry, meet local songwriters, enjoy a private zydeco performance and much more. Music aside, we’ll also enjoy a pizza dinner in Chicago (home of the deep-dish), a Creole and Cajun lunch in the Big Easy and cocktail hour – a quintessentially Southern tradition – at a historic antebellum cottage in Natchez.

An American adventure

Back in 1989, our very first USA escorted tour was born – a 16-day trip we named ‘California and the Golden West’. Selling out 10 departures within the first two weeks of being on sale, it was immediately one of our bestsellers. Thirty years later, it’s still just as popular for its mix of iconic cities, natural wonders and coastal scenery (we’re one of the only companies that’ll take you along the famous stretch of Highway 1 at Big Sur).

Vast canyons, bizarre rock formations, rugged arches and sky-scraping spires – our 18-day adventure is a photographer’s dream. Travelling from Colorado through the wide open landscapes of Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota, we’ll cover eight spectacular national parks, including Yellowstone, Arches and Grand Canyon. We’re in the spiritual homelands of the Navajo and Cheyenne, so we’ll also gain an insight into Native American culture and tradition as our journey unfolds.

Spotlight on: Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville

As the name hints, ‘Southern Sights and Sounds’ puts the focus on the musical heritage of America’s Deep South. One of the highlights is country music capital Nashville, where we’ll spend two nights at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. The hotel itself is pretty special (there’s even a tropical indoor garden complete with 40-foot waterfalls and a full-blown river), but it’s the location that we really love. Just next door is the Grand Ole Opry – one of the most legendary live music venues in the world. Since 1925, artists have taken to its stage for toe-tapping performances of country, bluegrass and folk tunes. And on our second night in Nashville, we’ll be lucky enough to join them for an unforgettable evening.

If you’re looking for adventure, North America is the place to go. The US and Canada play host to some of the most diverse arrays of landscapes in the world; a land of magnificent forests, snow-topped mountains, bustling metropolises and breath-taking wide-open spaces. From the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains to the sounds of the Deep South and iconic cities of west coast America - you are guaranteed to have the holiday of a lifetime in North America.

From the vibrant cities and breath-taking National Parks to music heritage and antebellum mansions, let us show you the iconic sights and a few hidden gems too. All of our USA holidays include so many incredible experiences, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Unmissable US Adventures

With the chance to discover it's vibrant cities, magnificent national parks, history, music  heritage and delicious flavours, we can't wait to get travelling there again soon - will you join us?

An Autumnal Pilgrimage

You haven’t truly experienced autumn until you’ve experienced a New England autumn. Time your visit just right and you won’t know what’s more dazzling – the colours or the history…

American dreamin’

From a balmy spring break exploring the Deep South to a summertime holiday in California and an autumnal adventure to witness the incredible fall foliage of New England, the USA is an amazing destination to visit throughout the year! Take a guided holiday and you'll get a real flavour of the destination with our range of amazing experiences to iconic sites and hidden gems.

A holiday of a lifetime in North America

Looking to make up for the lost travel time over the last two years? If you’re keen for an adventure, North America is the place to go. The US and Canada play host to some of the most diverse arrays of landscapes in the world; a land of magnificent forests, snow-topped mountains, bustling metropolises and breath-taking wide-open spaces. From the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains to the sounds of the Deep South and iconic cities of west coast America - you are guaranteed to have the holiday of a lifetime in North America.

Discover the Best of North America

If you’re looking for adventure, North America is the place to go. Hosting one of the most diverse arrays of landscapes in the entire world; a land of forests, fields, deserts, metropolises and even the occasional oases, plus its legendary musical and cultural history, this continent delivers sights and sounds that you’ll cherish forever. Take a once in a lifetime trip on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer – just part of an epic trip from East to West Canada. Or you could travel up the Pacific Coast from San Francisco to Seattle taking in the delights of three states on your journey. Or, for the music fans amongst us, indulge in the sounds of the Deep South visiting Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans on an exhilarating tour of the region.

Book Your USA Escorted Tour Online Today

Yellowstone Rushmore and the Grand Canyon

16 day escorted tour.

Traversing seven US states and incorporating eight national parks, this epic adventure takes in some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and natural phenomena. From the colossal deep-sided gorge of the Grand Canyon and the ancient cliff-side dwellings carved into the Mesa Verde National Park to the spiritual homelands of the Native American ancestors and recognisable backdrops to countless films, this itinerary gives you the best of the West.

• Marvel at the famed Mount Rushmore before visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial
• Enjoy a tour of the Battle of Little Bighorn Site
• Embark on a full-day tour of the colourful Yellowstone, the original National Park
• Experience the colossal Grand Canyon
• Witness the extraordinary scenery and wildlife of Grand Teton's National Park
• Explore Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks
• Wonder at Las Vegas' neon lights

Depart on your scheduled flight to Denver with British Airways. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay. Urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure in Colorado's most populous municipality and with 300 days of sunshine, a thriving cultural scene and natural beauty the Mile High City makes for one of the world's most spectacular playgrounds.

Following breakfast, it's time to depart Denver and journey to Keystone. En-route the tour will make stops at both Cheyenne and the former military and fur-trading outpost of Fort Laramie, which surprisingly, was never surrounded by a wall as the projected plans were deemed too dear thereby remaining an open fort depending upon its location and garrison for protection.

Today begins with a visit to Mount Rushmore, where 18 metre-tall sculptures are carved into the granite rock of Presidents Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson. Completed between 1927-1941, this monument famously appears in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest and was built to attract tourists from all of the country. Next continue to the Crazy Horse Memorial, a mountain monument which has been a work in progress since 1948. It is being carved out of Thunderhead Mountain and will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding into the distance with his arm out-stretched illustrating the phrase 'My lands are where my dead lie buried', a tribute to the Native American people. This afternoon you'll tour Badlands National Park, whose rugged beauty draws visitors to admire the striking geological deposits that contain one of the world's richest fossil beds.

Today takes you to Buffalo nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Big Horn Mountains, with a stop en-route at Deadwood. Deadwood is an entire city registered as a National Historic Landmark that has been restored to its former historical glory and reminiscent of the iconic backdrops seen in Spaghetti Western films. Since the discovery of gold in 1874, it became a thriving commercial centre in the heart of the Black Hills that once drew legends and legions alike in search of their fortune. Stay overnight in Buffalo.

Depart Buffalo after breakfast and take a guided tour of the Battle of Little Bighorn, an armed engagement between Native American forces led by Chiefs Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, and the US Army, gallantly won by the former in order to protect their precious gold reserves. The tour continues to West Yellowstone, where you will spend the night.

Enjoy a full day tour of the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, the world's first ever national park. Full of colorful hot springs, spouting geysers, bubbling pools and mud pots, Yellowstone is a wonderland of incredible natural scenery - be sure to have your camera at the ready to catch the world-famous Old Ye Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 60 feet in the air. Explore mountains, forests and lakes and discover hundreds of species of mammals, birds fish and reptiles including bears, elk, moose and roaming buffalo. Retire to your hotel in West Yellowstone for your overnight stay. Please note: todays itinerary will be weather permitting in May and October, should the itinerary be affected, alternative arrangements will be made.

Following breakfast, drive onwards to Grand Teton National Park, a 1,300km reserve that boasts over two hundred miles of trails, pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains and extraordinary wildlife. Take in spectacular views before travelling to the valley town of Jackson Hole that was originally populated by indigenous tribes including the Shoshoni, Crow, Blackfoot and Bannock.

Breakfast & Lunch

Combining the amenities of a major metropolitan area with the friendliness of a quaint, mountain town, Salt Lake City is a beautiful vibrant destination perhaps better known as being the headquarters of the Mormon Church after Mormon forerunners fled persecution in Illinois and settled here over 150 years ago. Visit Logan Canyon, a canyon that runs through the Bear River Mountains where there'll be time to enjoy lunch al fresco (weather permitting) and admire the views through the valley that elevates to 2,400 metres.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a walking tour of the city, Led by your Travel Director. You will hear about the Mormon history, beliefs and the meaning of a temple to them. Continue on to the Capitol Building with time to explore inside the building, thought of as one of the best places in the city. You will then have time to explore Temple Square further at leisure. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore this wonderful city at your own pace.

Set out this morning on a scenic drive to Cortez, Colorado. Visit Arches National Park and discover a landscape of contrasting colours, landforms and textures. The park has over 2,000 natural sandstone arches in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks, all formed by the elements over millions of years - an incredible sight to behold. Spend the night in Cortez, a town that sits alongside the Trail of the Ancients Scenic and Historic Byway that circles through ancient Anasazi archeological, cultural and historic sites.

Today incorporates a tour of Mesa Verde National Park, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for 700 years in over 600 cliff dwellings carved into the rock face including the incredible Cliff Palace that has more than 200 rooms alone. Return to your hotel in Cortez for the evening.

After breakfast you will begin your journey to Tusayan, stoping en route at the Four Corners Monument, also known as Four Corners Tribal Park; the only unique landmark in the United States where four states intersect at one point - the corners of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet a granite and brass monument marking the location. You will have the opportunity to explore the visitor centre as well as enjoy a spot of shopping with stalls selling handmade jewellery, crafts and food. In the afternoon you have an opportunity to take an optional excursion with a narrated tour (at a fee) to Monument Valley, a red-sand desert area on the ArizonaUtah border known for its towering sandstone hills and a popular backdrop for Western films. Stay overnight in Tusayan, a gateway town to the Grand Canyon.

Depart for the Grand Canyon National Park. Overwhelming in scope and size and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this iconic natural treasure will leave you standing in awe and amazement at its sheer enormity and breathtaking beauty. The exposed rock at the base of the gorge dates back over two billion years thanks to the might Colorado river that weaves its way over 277 miles through the canyon. Continue to Bryce Canyon City where you will spend the night.

Distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos, odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the powerful forces of erosion, there is no place quite like Bryce Canyon. Marvel at its unique geology, consisting of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheatres carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah and feel the eerie atmosphere that the towering sorbet-coloured rock towers impose on walkers below. Return to your hotel in Bryce Canyon City for the evening.

Conclude your tour with a final journey to the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas. En-route visit the cream, pink and red sandstone cliffs and canyons within Zion National Park that when viewed from below provides an altogether different perspective than the Grand Canyon and the chance to spot one of the 900 different plant species not found anywhere else in Utah. Enjoy a frivolous evening amongst dramatic architecture, bright lights and kitsch entertainment on the world-famous Sunset Strip.

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK or continue on to your Las Vegas extension.

This tour can be booked by calling 0330 818 8907

Sorry we cannot book this tour online at the moment.

Accommodation

Extend Your Tour

Yellowstone Rushmore and the Grand Canyon with Las Vegas City Stay

Important information.

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

All UK passport holders must have a biometric e-passport and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you are expected to arrive back in the UK. Important note: if you do not have a bio-metric e-passport, you will be refused entry into the USA.

You will need to obtain an ESTA visa. This must be applied for at least 7 days before you are due to land in the USA. An ESTA can be applied for directly on the website of the Department of Homeland Security. The Fee for application is approximately $21.00 and payable via a Credit / Debit Card online. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

Alternatively we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be who will be able to arrange the ESTA visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When Calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or procedure, they will also advise you all of the information they will require in order to apply for the visa.

The US Government enforces a restriction on people who have travelled to Cuba since 2011. These travellers are no longer eligible to apply for the ESTA Visa Waiver program and need to apply for a US visitor's visa (B1/B2) via their nearest US Embassy. This ban includes transit, where you’re flying on to another country.

Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

It is strongly recommended that you check the latest health recommendations for travel to the USA with your GP at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Any medicines you may need during your journey should be packed in your hand luggage. We suggest it is worth taking a few first aid supplies such as travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic cream, aspirin etc. Because these products can be more expensive abroad and familiar brands are not always available. It is not advisable to drink the tap water.

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

The currency in America is the United States Dollar (USD). You will be able to change currency both before you travel and whilst you are away. You will also have access to ATMs during your tour where you can withdraw money in the local currency . Major Credit and Debit Cards are widely accepted.

As normal practice you may be asked for your Credit / Debit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.

You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £700- £900 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.

Tipping Tipping is very common practice in America. It is customary to tip your guides and driver. Please allow approx. 8-11 USD per person per day for the Tour Guide and 7-10 USD per person per day for the Driver. (All tips will be collected by your tour director on the last day) Tipping at restaurants, hotel staff etc. is discretionary.

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 30, and the maximum will be 45. If in the unlikely event there are less than 30 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

This is a fully escorted tour, you will be met on arrival in Denver and will be accompanied by a tour director throughout your stay ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Our standard transport for a USA Tour is an air-conditioned motorcoach with onboard facilities. Motorcoaches included on our USA tours are based on a capacity of 47-55 guests.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort, or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK.

In the USA, the Triple or Quad Room will be a double room with two queen size beds in the room. Most hotels don’t have additional space in the room to add any rollaway bed or sofa bed.

Breakfast (when Included) will be of a continental style, and at some hotels will be a “Grab & Go “ style. A Grab & Go will usually consist of Coffee / Juice and Bakery items. If you would like a full service hot breakfast, there are many locally eatery options outside of your hotel.

Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of local of dishes and flavours.

Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for.

Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.

It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed counties water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way as the UK. Bottled Water will be available to purchase at Shops, Hotels & Lodges.

On your arrival in Denver you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Destination America, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Destination America representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.

If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:

Destination America E-mail: [email protected]

Please find below the emergency contact details for Destination America: 24 hour Emergency number: 001 310-617-6635

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• Home Office

Irregular migration to the UK, year ending June 2024

Published 22 August 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/irregular-migration-to-the-uk-year-ending-june-2024/irregular-migration-to-the-uk-year-ending-june-2024

1. Introduction

This statistical release provides an overview of people who come to the UK irregularly. It includes those arriving on a small boat across the English Channel (a ‘small boat arrival’), along with some other groups arriving without prior lawful permission.

Some people may also enter the UK on regular routes and their status subsequently becomes irregular (for example, if they overstay their visa). Others may enter through an irregular method and remain undetected or will be detected some time after their arrival. Others may enter irregularly but obtain ‘regular’ status (for example, following an application for asylum).

The statistics presented here relate to the number of people detected on, or shortly after, arrival to the UK through various irregular methods of entry. They do not include all those who enter the UK through irregular methods, nor the number of irregular migrants currently present in the UK . It is not possible to know the exact number of people currently resident in the UK without permission, nor the total number of people who enter the UK irregularly.

Some people seek to enter the UK without valid permission but are prevented from reaching the UK border (for example, at the juxtaposed controls in France and Belgium, or further afield, if prevented from travelling). Prevented attempts are not reported in this release. Any counts of attempted entries may relate to multiple attempts by the same individual, and therefore will not relate to numbers of people.

Additional information is provided in the ‘ About the statistics ’ section and in the user guide .

2. Irregular arrivals

Not all arrivals will be detected and the proportion of arrivals detected will vary by method. Therefore, it is not advisable to directly compare recorded detections on different methods of entry. However, some broad trends can be observed.

In the year ending June 2024, there were 38,784 detected irregular arrivals, 26% fewer than in the year ending June 2023, and 81% of these arrived by small boats.

Small boats have been the predominant recorded method of entry for irregular arrivals since 2020, when detections on this method increased rapidly and detections on other methods declined (likely in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic making other methods of entry, such as air or ferry, less viable). Small boat arrivals are also the most visible of the irregular methods of entry, so the most likely to be recorded.

Small boat arrival numbers are subject to seasonal fluctuations due to changes in the weather, typically with peaks in warmer summer months (for example, quarter 3 (Q3), July to September, see figure 1). Comparisons of arrivals between the same months in different years may also be affected by differences in conditions. As a result, we do not make comparisons between shorter periods where arrival numbers are low and may fluctuate considerably.

Figure 1: Detections at the UK border, by method of entry, January 2018 to June 2024

Source: Irregular migration to the UK detailed dataset, year ending June 2024 - Irr_D01

2.1 Nationalities and demographics of arrivals

Since January 2018, 70% of people detected arriving irregularly have been adult males aged 18 and over.

Since 2018 just under one-fifth (19%) of detected irregular arrivals have been children aged 17 and under.

Financial, social, physical and geographical factors may influence the method of entry individuals use and the types of individuals detected arriving through each one. These factors may also change over time.

Around one-sixth (16%) of detected irregular arrivals in the year ending June 2024 were Afghans, who were in the top 5 for all 4 entry methods.

However, the number of Afghan small boat arrivals has decreased by 41% in the year ending June 2024 (figure 2).

Table 1: Top 5 nationalities detected arriving for each irregular method of entry, in the year ending June 2024 1,2

• The top nationalities are those with the highest number of detected irregular arrivals for each separate method of entry in the year ending June 2024.
• Excludes small boat arrivals labelled as ‘Not currently recorded’ in the detailed and summary tables that accompany this release, for whom information on nationality is not yet available.

Figure 2 (below) shows how the top 5 nationalities who were detected arriving by small boat in each of the last 3 years has varied. Iranian and Afghan nationals are the only nationalities who were in the top 5 for all 3 years. However, whilst Iranians were the top nationality in the year ending June 2022, Afghans were top in the year ending June 2024. Iraqi and Syrian nationals also continue to be regularly detected arriving by small boat.

Arrivals by Albanian nationals increased in the year ending June 2022 (3,221 arrivals), peaked in the year ending June 2023 (10,507 arrivals), but declined to only 755 small boat arrivals in the year ending June 2024. The substantial increase in Albanian small boat arrivals in 2022 in part influenced the signing of the agreement in December 2022 between the UK and Albania to deter and disrupt irregular migration and criminal networks.

Arrivals by Vietnamese nationals in January to June 2024 (2,248 arrivals) were more than 4 times higher than in the same period of 2023 (523 arrivals) and they were the most common nationality detected arriving by small boat in January to June 2024 (17% of total small boat arrivals). In April 2024, the UK signed an agreement with Vietnam to increase cooperation on dealing with irregular migration.

The top 5 nationalities are no longer as dominant as they were previously, and other countries (not in the top 5) accounted for 41% of arrivals in the year ending June 2024 (compared to only 26% in the previous year). Whilst there is some consistency in the nationalities most commonly arriving by small boats, new nationalities do emerge from time-to-time.

Figure 2: Top nationalities arriving by small boats, year ending June 2022, year ending June 2023, and year ending June 2024 1,2

• The top nationalities are those with the highest number of small boat arrivals in each of the last 3 years.
• Excludes arrivals where information on nationality was not recorded in the dataset.

3. How many people were detected arriving by small boats?

3.1. number of people arriving by small boat.

Statistics on small boats include individuals who were detected on arrival to the UK, detected in the Channel and subsequently brought to the UK, and those encountered in the UK who were suspected of having arrived on a small boat within the previous 72 hours. They do not include any people who arrived on larger vessels (such as a ferry), those who arrived in the UK undetected or those prevented from departing France or intercepted by French authorities and returned to France (see the ‘ user guide ’ for more details).

In the year ending June 2024, 31,493 people arrived by small boats, 29% fewer than in the year ending June 2023 (44,460).

However, data for the first 6 months of 2024 shows that the number of small boat arrivals from January to June 2024 was 18% higher than the same period in 2023 (figure 3).

Figure 3: Cumulative number of people arriving by small boats each month, January 2020 to June 2024

Source: Irregular migration to the UK summary tables, year ending June 2024 - Irr_02a

3.2. Number of boats and people per boat

The average number of people per boat has again increased, to 51 people per boat in the year ending June 2024 compared with an average of 44 people per boat in the year ending June 2023.

Figure 4: Number of small boats arriving and average number of people per boat, January 2018 to June 2024

In the year ending June 2024, 616 small boats arrived, 38% fewer than the 1,000 in the year ending June 2023. Although the number of people and boats arriving have decreased, the average number of people per boat has continued to increase (figure 4 and table 2).

Table 2: Average number of people per boat, year ending June 2019 to year ending June 2024

4. Asylum claims from small boat arrivals

The majority of small boat arrivals claim asylum, but small boat arrivals accounted for just under one-third of the total number of people claiming asylum in the UK in the year ending June 2024.

In the year ending June 2024, almost all arrivals (99%) had an asylum claim recorded either as a main applicant or dependant (as of 16 July 2024). However, almost all (96%) of the asylum applications from small boat arrivals made in the year ending June 2024 were still undecided at the end of June 2024. For all small boat asylum applications since 2018, 31% (33,224) are awaiting a decision.

The majority of the cases still awaiting a decision will relate to people who arrived on or after 28 June 2022, following actions taken to clear the pre- NABA (Nationality and Borders Act) backlog of older asylum applications and subsequent legal changes. Cases where the applicant arrived irregularly since 7 March 2023 fell under the criteria for the Illegal Migration Act. Since 20 July 2023, when the Illegal Migration Bill received royal assent, there have been no grants of asylum to anyone who arrived by small boat on or after this date. However, the Home Secretary has set out a change to the law to remove the retrospective application of the Illegal Migration Act. This will allow decision-makers to decide asylum claims from individuals who have arrived in the UK since 7 March 2023 that have been put on hold.

The asylum grant rate for small boat arrivals between 2018 and June 2024 was 71%.

Of the 105,966 asylum applications from small boat arrivals since 2018, 47% (49,912) had received a substantive decision (as of 16 July 2024). Of these, 35,398 had been granted asylum or some other protection status, and 14,514 were refused or not considered on third country grounds (a grant rate of 71%). A further 14,374 cases were withdrawn before an initial decision (either by the applicant, or by the Home Office following non-compliance). Such cases are not included in the grant rate calculations as they are not substantive decisions on the claim itself.

The number of small boat arrivals with an initial decision on their asylum claim as of June 2024 is subject to change in future publications as more individuals have their claims processed. The 2 asylum applications recorded as being granted to small boat arrivals who arrived in the year ending June 2024 were for children (aged 17 and under).

Table 3: Small boat arrivals applying for asylum and initial decision outcomes on their applications, by arrival date, January 2018 to June 2024 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Source: Irregular migration to the UK detailed dataset, year ending June 2024 - Irr_D02 and Irr_D03

• The time periods relate to the date of the small boat arrival, not the date of the asylum application or outcome.
• Applications awaiting a decision, withdrawn, which received an administrative outcome, and which received an initial decision are a count of applications, not people (meaning they exclude dependants).
• Applications granted includes grants of refugee status, humanitarian protection and other forms of leave.
• Grant rate is the percentage of applications that resulted in a grant of protection or some form of leave at initial decision, excluding withdrawn applications and applications which received an administrative outcome.
• Table 3 now includes a separate category for administrative outcomes (for example void applications). In previous releases, cases with administrative outcomes had been shown as “Awaiting initial decision” as they had not received a substantive decision or been withdrawn. This change has been applied to the full table, ensuring the figures are comparable throughout the time series.
• Total small boat arrivals in this section on asylum claims will differ slightly from the total small boat arrivals cited elsewhere in this publication due to differences in the dates on which data was extracted.
• Definitions of asylum case outcome types as well as detailed quarterly data on asylum applications and initial decisions, including age, sex, and nationality breakdowns, can be found in the asylum and resettlement datasets .

For more details on people applying for asylum, see the ‘How many people do we grant protection to?’ chapter of the Immigration system statistics quarterly release .

5. Potential victims of modern slavery

Modern slavery includes any form of human trafficking, slavery, servitude or forced labour. Potential victims of modern slavery in the UK are referred to the National Referral Mechanism ( NRM ). For more information on NRM referrals, see the ‘user guide’ . For statistics on all modern slavery referrals (not just those relating to people arriving by small boat), see the ‘National Referral Mechanism statistics’ .

5.1 Small boat arrivals with modern slavery referrals

A small proportion of small boat arrivals have been identified as potential victims of modern slavery.

Of the 125,474 small boat arrivals since 2018, 10% (12,635 people) were referred to the NRM .

The number of small boat arrivals in each year with NRM referrals is likely to increase, as people have more time to identify as a potential victim and be referred into the NRM .

5.2 Outcomes of small boat modern slavery referrals

Of the 3,132 conclusive grounds decisions issued since 2018, 52% were negative, meaning they were not deemed to be a victim of modern slavery.

Most small boat arrivals with NRM referrals have received a reasonable grounds decision, but not yet received a conclusive grounds decision (table 4). This is because most reasonable grounds decisions are issued within 5 days of the referral, but conclusive grounds decisions will take considerably longer. More recent periods naturally have a higher proportion awaiting a conclusive grounds decision, as less time has passed for a decision to be made.

Table 4: Outcomes of small boat modern slavery referrals, by arrival date, January 2018 to June 2024 1,2,3,4,5

Source: Irregular migration to the UK detailed dataset, year ending June 2024 - Irr_D04 and Irr_D05

• The time periods relate to the date of the small boat arrival, not the date of NRM referral or decision. NRM referrals can be made at any stage after arrival into the UK .
• Individuals referred to the NRM receive decisions on 2 grounds: reasonable grounds and conclusive grounds. Therefore, individuals will be counted in multiple groups shown in the table. For example, those who are awaiting, or have received, a conclusive grounds decision will have previously received a positive reasonable grounds decision. Some individuals who are awaiting reconsideration and some of those whose referrals have since been withdrawn / closed will also have previously received a positive reasonable grounds decision.
• Referrals withdrawn / closed includes some cases where contact with the individual has been lost. These may be reopened if the individual makes contact in future.
• Cases awaiting reconsideration includes both those awaiting a new reasonable grounds decision and those awaiting a new conclusive grounds decision.
• Total small boat arrivals in this section on NRM referrals will differ slightly from the total small boat arrivals cited elsewhere in this publication due to differences in the dates on which data was extracted.

6. Returns of small boat arrivals

The data presented below shows the number of enforced and voluntary returns of small boat arrivals. Returns figures, especially voluntary returns, are likely to be revised upwards as it can take time for the Home Office to become aware of these departures and for them to be recorded on the system.

Between 2018 and June 2024, there were 3,788 returns of small boat arrivals, or 3% of all small boat arrivals.

Numbers of returns are low relative to numbers of people arriving irregularly by small boat, because most of these people arriving irregularly claim asylum on arrival. Those claims must be processed appropriately before any steps can be taken to arrange a return.

In the year ending June 2024, there were 2,336 returns of small boat arrivals, 89% of whom were Albanian nationals. This follows the UK -Albania joint communique, signed on 13 December 2022 which aimed to address the high numbers of Albanians arriving to the UK irregularly.

Figure 5: Returns of small boat arrivals, by nationality, by return date, January 2018 to June 2024

Source: subset of data published in Irregular migration to the UK summary tables, year ending June 2024 - Irr_02e

For more information on returns, see the ‘ How many people are detained or returned? ’ chapter of the Immigration system statistics quarterly release .

7. About the statistics

The underlying casework systems on which this data is based are undergoing a process of change and therefore the published numbers may change in future quarters.

These statistics should not be used to infer the size of the irregular population in the UK , nor the total number of people entering the UK irregularly. For a number of reasons, it is not possible to know the exact size of the irregular population, or the number entering irregularly, and so we have not produced any official estimates for this number.

This is because:

• some people will successfully evade border controls and remain in the UK undetected
• some people may enter the UK on regular routes and their status subsequently becomes ‘irregular’ – for example, if they overstay a visa (it should be noted that there are a number of ways in which a person’s departure from the UK may legitimately not be recorded on the system)
• the data sources available count the number of recorded detections - in some instances the same person may be detected multiple times, either for the same method of entry or across different methods of entry (such individuals will be counted multiple times in the statistics)
• some people may enter the UK irregularly but obtain ‘regular’ status – for example, following a successful asylum application

Figures on detections may be affected by the levels of operational activity at the border and overseas, so should not be used to infer levels of irregular migration. Changes in detection could be a result of changes in operational activity as well as changes in the number of people attempting to enter the UK irregularly and recording practices.

Data on detections does not include those prevented from reaching the UK border (for example, those prevented from boarding transportation at their port of embarkation or where their concealment in a vehicle has been detected prior to arrival in the UK ).

For more information on the data in this release, please see the ‘user guide’ .

8. Data tables

Data referred to here can be found in the following tables:

• Irregular migration summary tables
• Detailed irregular migration datasets

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Iconic 70s rock band announce new UK tour dates to perform debut album in its entirety

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In response to overwhelming demand, members of the legendary punk band Sex Pistols , alongside Frank Carter, have announced four additional UK tour dates.

This follows a series of sold-out shows in London , where the group played the iconic Never Mind The Bollocks album in its entirety to support grassroots music venue, Bush Hall.

The collaboration between Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock, Paul Cook, Steve Jones , and Frank Carter first came to life during a special charity performance at Bush Hall in Shepherd’s Bush, west London.

The venue, which had been under threat due to financial struggles, was chosen as the site for this unique event after its owners revealed a need to raise £42,000 through crowdfunding to continue hosting live music.

The initial show on August 13 sold out quickly, prompting the band to add two more dates on August 14 and 15 due to immense demand.

Following the success of these performances and an ‘overwhelming response’ from fans, another date was scheduled at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on September 26. Tickets for this show sold out in just five minutes.

Now, the band has expanded their tour with four more dates across the UK. The tour will kick off in Nottingham on September 20, followed by performances in Birmingham (September 21), Glasgow (September 22), and Manchester (September 24). The tour will conclude with the previously announced show in London on September 26.

‘There was an overwhelming response on social media from fans asking to play different parts of the country,’ said Steve Jones. ‘So guess what? It will be done. We will be tighter than a rat’s arse by the time we get to Kentish Town.’

Matlock revealed earlier this year that he has not seen former  Sex Pistols  bandmate  Johnny Rotten  since 2008, and when asked about reconnecting, bluntly said: ‘He knows my number.’

In an interview with NME a few months ago, Frank Carter shared how the collaboration with the Sex Pistols members came about.

‘I first met Steve [Jones, guitarist] back in Los Angeles in 2007 and we had a long chat about punk rock and what it means to be kicking against the pricks,’ Carter recalled. Over the years, he eventually connected with the rest of the band, and when he received the call to join them for the Bush Hall gig, it was a moment he cherished.

Carter explained that Paul Cook, the band’s drummer, had long wanted to support Bush Hall. ;Obviously, the venue has had some troubles, and like all small venues, it’s been suffering. It hasn’t had the support that it needed,’ Carter said.

Sorry, this video isn't available any more.

The idea for the charity gig came from bassist Glen Matlock, who reached out to Carter with the proposal. Initially, Carter thought they would play a mix of songs from various bands, but when Matlock revealed they would be performing Never Mind The Bollocks in full, Carter was taken aback: “I thought: ‘Oh f***!’”

Carter has been vocal about the importance of supporting grassroots venues, especially in light of the ongoing struggles these spaces face. The year 2023 was marked as the “worst year for venue closures,” with 125 grassroots gig venues shutting down, resulting in the loss of 4,000 jobs and nearly 200,000 opportunities for musicians.

Carter emphasized the crucial role these venues play, not just for entertainment and nurturing new talent but also for maintaining strong communities.

With the announcement of these additional tour dates, fans across the UK will have the chance to experience this one-of-a-kind collaboration, while also supporting the vital cause of keeping grassroots music venues alive.

Tickets for the additional dates go on sale Friday, August 23, at 9 AM BST.

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Yes, you will need a 'visa' to visit Europe in 2025: What to know about ETIAS

Editor's Note

Come 2025, Americans and Brits will be required to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System and pay a small fee to visit Europe's Schengen Area.

Although sometimes referred to as a "visa," this is actually just an online application and preauthorization. It will be much easier and much less expensive to obtain than a traditional travel visa.

ETIAS is set to launch sometime around May 2025, though the launch date has been pushed back many times (most recently from 2024); it could be bumped again. In fact, the region has discussed instituting the program since 2016.

The new program will require travelers from countries outside Europe's Schengen Area to fill out an application before arrival and pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8) to enter any European Union or Schengen Area country.

Prior to ETIAS' launch, the EU will roll out its long-delayed "Entry/Exit System" on Nov. 10, 2024. The new program will apply to travelers to the Schengen Area and require them to provide fingerprint and facial biometric data.

The EES will not be in operation for visitors to Ireland and Cyprus; although those destinations are in the EU, they fall outside the Schengen Area.

What does this mean for future trips to Europe? Here's everything you need to know about the new ETIAS program.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a visa-waiver program similar to the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization used for European visitors in the U.S.

The form will act as a preauthorization system to allow travelers from 60 countries outside the Schengen Area , including the U.K. and the U.S., to enter the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a full visa.

ETIAS will cross-check visitor information with government databases and watchlists before issuing authorization to enter. The information collected will also be used in data tracking for business and tourism purposes.

"We need to know who is crossing our borders," Jean-Claude Juncker, former European Commission president, said last year. "This way, we will know who is traveling to Europe before they even get here."

Is ETIAS a visa?

ETIAS is not a traditional European visa and will only require a seemingly quick online application.

Travelers will fill out an online form with basic personal information, travel plans and history, then answer a few security questions. The authorities promise that most applicants will be approved within an hour. However, if your application is flagged, it could take up to four days.

Which countries will require ETIAS?

Quite a few nations will require ETIAS approval. They include full Schengen members that previously didn't require any authorization for Americans, such as Spain, France and Italy.

Also included are European Free Trade Association nations like Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Several future Schengen member nations, including Bulgaria and Cyprus, and smaller territories like Andorra and Monaco will also require ETIAS.

Here is the full list of countries that will require ETIAS:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

Do US and UK citizens need to apply for ETIAS?

American citizens (as well as those from the U.K. and the 62 other non-EU countries not currently required to apply for visas) will need ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for visits of up to 90 days. This includes transit passengers.

If you have applied separately for a visa to enter Europe, you will not need to complete the ETIAS application.

When will I need to apply for the ETIAS visa?

The ETIAS is widely expected to launch around May 2025. "Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries," the EU said.

However, the launch may not happen along this exact timeline and could even be staggered. The EU has said that the ETIAS launch will be followed by a transitional period of around six months. Within this period, travelers should apply for the visa; it's unlikely you will be refused entry to a country during your travels as long as you also fulfill other entry conditions.

These conditions include having a passport issued no more than 10 years before the date you enter the EU and with a validity of at least three months on the day you depart from the EU.

How much will ETIAS cost?

ETIAS will cost 7 euros (about $8) for a three-year permit that allows "third-country nationals" to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Only visitors between 18 and 70 years old will need to pay the application fee, but travelers of all ages will need ETIAS authorization to enter.

How do you apply for ETIAS?

Before traveling, you must access the ETIAS online application to input passport information, name, date and place of birth, email address, phone number, and a credit or debit card to submit the payment fee.

You'll also need to provide your destination and answer a few background and profile questions. The ETIAS website indicates the form should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Travelers will be asked to provide details of health, education and criminal convictions.

Here is what you'll be required to fill out, according to the visa information website :

• Identifying information (including your first name, last name, last name at birth, date of birth and place of birth).
• Information regarding your citizenship.
• Email and phone number.
• Education and work experience.
• First EU country you intend to visit.
• Background and eligibility questions about your medical condition, travel to war countries or places where you were deported or rejected, as well as criminal records.
• For minors, the legal guardian must apply for ETIAS.
• For family members of EU citizens from other countries, you must submit proof of relationship, residence card and other background information.

How long will the approval process take?

Approval for most applicants should take a matter of minutes. However, if an item is flagged in the application, a manual review will occur. The applicant can correct the improper information or appeal a denial decision. It's recommended to apply for the ETIAS well before your travel date — especially during its initial rollout when processes are getting ironed out.

How long does ETIAS last, and will you need to apply for each Europe trip?

Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for up to three years and can be used on multiple trips. You won't be required to apply for a new ETIAS each time you travel to Europe unless it's been more than three years since your last visit.

After three years have passed, you will be required to apply for a new ETIAS.

Is there a renewal process?

When your ETIAS is coming up to its expiration date, you should receive an email to the address you registered during your application.

You can apply for a new ETIAS authorization up to 120 days before the expiration of your current ETIAS.

How will your personal data be stored?

The European Commission has attempted to soften privacy fears by insisting that ETIAS is not a visa and includes a far less intrusive application process.

"There is no need to go to a consulate to make an application, no biometric data is collected and significantly less information is gathered than during a visa application procedure," the European Commission said .

Bottom line

Fortunately, Americans and Brits planning to visit Europe don't need to take any immediate action. Still, they should be aware that ETIAS is due to launch next year.

Be prepared to go through one more step and pay one more fee in the travel process as part of the ETIAS implementation sometime in 2025. Stay tuned to TPG for further developments related to this program.

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• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
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Ed Sheeran joins Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium: Follow live updates from London

LONDON — Welcome to the live blog for the Eras Tour in London!

Taylor Swift returns to the stage for the final stop on the European leg of the Eras Tour after a suspected terror plot was thwarted in Vienna. Security measures are tight at Wembley Stadium. Fans with floor tickets were not allowed to camp overnight in the hopes of getting a spot closer to the stage, and Swifties can no longer "Taylor-gate" outside of the stadium if they don't have tickets.

As the Taylor Swift reporter for the USA TODAY Network, I’ll be your host for the evening keeping you updated on all the happenings from inside Wembley Stadium. Since taking the Taylor Swift reporter job in November, I’ve watched the show 69 times in person or on grainy livestreams (equivalent to 230 hours or nine and a half days). Follow along for updates as we go on a little adventure spanning 18 years of music.

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Confetti falls to the floor

And that’s a wrap on Thursday night in Wembley. Swift has four more shows in London. “The Alchemy” is ushering fans out as cleanups begin. Many fans are scurrying to pick up colorful confetti representing Swift’s various eras. 

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The credits for the cast and crew are projecting on the back screen.

During year one, the background song was “You’re On Your Own Kid” from “Midnights.”

Will Swift make an announcement before her two-month break and return to North America? 

We will be covering the highlights over the next few days.

Karma is the guy on the...

We are in the final song of the night.

Swift wore the glistening sky-blue T-shirt during “Anti-Hero,” the dark blue one-piece during "Midnight Rain" and is now grooving in the magenta fur coat to wrap up night one in Wembley Stadium.

She has sang "Karma (Travis' Version)" 13 times for the 13 shows he's attended as her boyfriend where she swaps out "Karma is the guy on the screen" with "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs." And while she will sing the former tonight, the audience will most likely scream the latter.

Ed Sheeran joins Eras Tour stage

Swift welcomed special guest Ed Sheeran to join her onstage for a mashup of their songs "Everything Has Changed" and "End Game" on acoustic guitar. The British singer-songwriter appeared on the original album recordings of the songs that appeared on "Red (Taylor's Version)" and "Reputation," respectively.

For the surprise set, the singer had something up her sleeveless blue dress. She began strumming her guitar singing “Everything Has Changed” from “Red (Taylor’s Version).”

The audience gasped. Some Swifties whispered, “Is Ed here?”

The song is a duet between Swift and her longtime friend Ed Sheeran.

“I just feel like something’s missing,” Swift said, and the decibel level in the stadium rocketed off the charts. “Good thing Ed Sheeran is here.”

He appeared on the center platform.

After harmonizing, the two mashed in “End Game,” another duet they sing on Swift’s sixth album “Reputation.” They finished with Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.”

The crowd belted the song.

As they both strummed at the end, they gave each other a big hug and raised their guitars in the air. Swift kissed the top of Ed Sheeran’s head and then ruffled his red locks.

“This is my best friend, he is like a second brother to me,” Swift said, mentioning Sheeran is on tour and probably tired. She asked the crowd to make some noise and the noise felt like it might break the sound barrier.

The shock that surged through the stadium with Ed Sheeran as a surprise guest couldn’t be matched but Swift delivered a sweet mashup on the piano between “King of My Heart” from “Reputation” and “The Alchemy” from “The Tortured Poets Department.” The watches glowed bright green.Where’s the trophy? That was an epic surprise set for night one in Wembley!

For a complete list of every surprise song and mashup, click here.

Here comes the 'Tayoomba'

She was tame, she was gentle. But now Swift is on the Roomba-esque machine. The maddening and shiny contraption allows her to belt high notes while chasing her dancers.

During the last few shows in Germany and Warsaw, Poland, Swift added a shriek after the second-to-last line, "So who's afraid of little old me?" She did it again in London on Thursday.

A cool effect that always gets fans excited is the final filtered shot on the back screen where Swift looks like a dead-eyed glowing soul. She always tilts her head to the side. She told Post Malone in her "Fortnight" behind-the-scenes video, "Nothing says crazy like a slight tilt to the head."

Wembley screams 'LON-DON' during 'Blank Space' chant

When Swift performed "Blank Space," one of her most famous songs and one of Travis Kelce's favorites, the crowd played its part. Between lines of the bridge, stadiums shout the names of their city while Swift sings, "Boys only want love if it's torture." This ritual started during Swift's stint in Sydney, Australia, because of the 1989 World Tour movie shot there in 2015. During the song, Swift grabbed an iron golf club and struck a metal pole sticking out of the stage: boom, boom. She paused and did it again: boom, boom. But this time sang "Syd-ney." You can read more about the chant here .

Wait for the signal and I'll meet you after dawn

The lightning in the stadium sounded and Swift sauntered to meet her dancers dressed in green cloaks at the back of the stage. Holding glass, light-up orbs they recited the "Willow" chant. This is when fans blow up balloons and use cell phone lights to make them glow.

The Wembley Stadium listed balloons as one of the items not allowed inside, but a few hundred fans made orbs anyway.

In Amsterdam, three Swifties started the "Willow" trend. You can check out their story here .

Wembley gives Swift 3-minute standing ovation

When she pulled her inner ears out after "Champagne Problems," the audience lost it. She smiled and clutched her hands to her chest.

“If any of us — me, the dancers or the band — have a bad day again, we are going to replay that little memory in our minds,” she said to the crowd. 

Swift gets emotional during 'Folkmore' era

After finishing "Cardigan," Swift addressed the crowd.

"I just have to be honest with you guys now that I’ve calmed down a little bit," she said. "The first time I saw this crowd when I came out from backstage ... my whole mind went blank."

She described the feeling as a "love system overload."

"I can't believe that 92,000 people are being this loving and caring and generous to us all at once," she said. "It's just wonderful what you do for us. ... All of us are going to miss it so much when we don't get to do it anymore. Feelings and emotions that I didn’t think about before talking about in front of 92,000 people."

Eras Tour outfits

On Thursday, Swift wore the following:

• Her blue and pink "Lover" bodysuit
• Her silver blazer for "The Man"
• Her black and silver "Fearless" dress
• Her "A lot going on at the moment" T-shirt for "Red"
• Her purple cupcake dress for "Speak Now"
• Her classic "Reputation" bodysuit
• Her green dress for "Folkmore"
• Her green and pink top and skirt for "1989"
• Her "Who's afraid of little old me? You should be" gown for "The Tortured Poets Department"
• The black two-piece with a gold jacket for "I Can Do It with a Broken Heart"
• Her blue dress for the acoustic set
• Her sky-blue T-shirt for "Anti-Hero"
• Her chevron bodysuit for "Midnight Rain"
• Finally, Swift closed the show in her magenta fur coat

If you happen to have 10 minutes to spare...

Swift’s dancers exit the stage following “I Knew You Were Trouble” as Swift slings her guitar over her shoulder and heads to center stage alone. The Eras Tour's guitar hangs in anticipation of playing Swift's heartbreaking ballad from the “Red” era.

If not for the rerecording of her fourth era, Swifties may have never heard “All Too Well (10-Minute Version).” The singer stated in an interview that the original song had been edited down to five minutes. Fans implored her to release the lengthier version and she did as a vault song to “Red (Taylor’s Version).” The song skyrocketed on the charts, unseating “American Pie” by Don McLean as the longest No. 1 hit in Billboard’s Hot 100 chart history.

“We were lucky enough to play Wembley stadium back in June, were any of you there?” she asked Thursday to get a loud cheer response. “Thanks for coming back, you guys.”She asks if anyone is new. An even louder roar erupts.

Swift has performed the 10 minute and 13 second song 127 times. In total, that’s 1,298 minutes or 22 hours. At the end, white confetti will fall to the ground to represent snow referenced in the heartbreak anthem.

What did Kam say?

A fan-favorite for livestreamers is to log on and see what dancer Kameron Saunders is going to say during the bridge of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together."

When Swift performed 53 shows across America, he said “Like Ever” as a response to Swift saying, “So he calls me up and he’s like, ‘I still love you,' and I mean this is exhausting, like we are never getting back together.” But for her international shows he mixed up the expression catering it to the culture and language of each international city.

On Thursday in London, Saunders said, “Are you mad?”

For a complete list of Saunders' sayings, click here .

The coveted '22' hat

Taylor Swift emerged for her “Red” era in her "A Lot Going On at the Moment" shirt. Swift has six custom-made shirts including: “We are never getting back together like ever,” “Who’s Taylor Swift anyway? Ew,” “This is not Taylor’s Version,” “I bet you think about me” and “I knew U were trouble.”

Different than her other tours, there are no meet-and-greets or secret fan rooms, so the closest a mere mortal can get to the superstar is being the one chosen as the “22" hat recipient. Swift’s team makes the selection moments before the concert begins and usually invites that person to the VIP tent area. At the conclusion of the “Fearless” era, her team will bring the lucky fan down to the end of the catwalk.

Swift autographs the brim of the black fedora designed by milliner Gladys Tamez. 

“I’ve been like so, so humble and so grateful to do this,” Tamez said in April, “because I’ve worked with her team for a long time and then to have this moment, I was excited.”

Tonight Swift has chosen the 127th member of the exclusive "22" fedora club .

To learn more about how "22" hat recipients are chosen, click here .

Idris Elba attends Eras Tour

Actor Idris Elba attended Thursday's show. It's only appropriate since he iconically introduced "London Boy" on the "Lover" album. Before the beat drops he says, "We can go drivin' in, on my scooter / Uh, you know, just 'round London."

During Swift's June residency at Wembley, an abundance of A listers attended including Prince William and two of his children,  Sir Paul McCartney,  Jon Bon Jovi, Hugh Grant, Cate Blanchett, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, Kylie Kelce and Swift's parents Scott and Andrea.

The last European shows of the Eras Tour

"What an absolute honor and what a delight and a thrill it is to say these words to you: London, welcome to the Eras Tour!" Swift told Wembley Stadium. “I stand here on this stage knowing that I’m about to play the first show of the last stop of the European leg of the Eras Tour, and the way that you’ve chosen to welcome us, 92,000 of you and screaming the words. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.” 

Swift thanked her opening acts, starting with Sofia Isella.

“It’s crazy to me that it’s coming to an end,” Swift says of touring Europe with her opening act Paramore. 

The show begins

Oh hi! Taylor Swift returns to the stage to perform her “Lover set.” This is the singer’s first appearance since her team canceled three shows in Vienna because of a thwarted terrorist plot. She glimmers in her blue and pink bodysuit.

The 34-year-old has five “Lover” bodysuit variations: tangerine, gold and blue, purple, pink, and blue and pink.

“Well fancy meeting you here at Wembley Stadium," she says, pointing to the restricted view section and tracing the arena. The 92,000 fans let out an ear-shattering roar.“OK well that was amazing. I’m really feeling like immediately that has gone to my head. You’ve got me feeling really, really powerful," she says as she puts on a silver jacket before singing "The Man."

Cue the Eras Tour overture

The backdrop screen to the Eras Tour just shifted to a countdown clock starting at 2:24. Leslie Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” fills the stadium.

When the tour first started in March of 2023, fans were surprised Swift began her set with “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince,” but the opener makes sense due to the lines “it’s been a long time coming” and “it’s you and me, that’s my whole world." Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Swift had to cancel her Loverfest stadium show in 2021 and hadn’t toured since the Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018. 

After her first football stadium concert series and before the start of the Eras Tour, she released four new eras: “Lover,” “Folklore,” “Evermore” and “Midnights.” For the Eras Tour, she combined her 10 eras into a three-plus-hour show.

When Swift released “The Tortured Poets Department” in April — under the veil of secrecy — she and her dancers flew a little over a week early to Paris to rehearse an updated show. The crowd lost it when they saw the new version on May 9.

If you’re following along, here is the order of the eras in the overture:

• “It's fearless”
• “Big reputation”
• “And they said ’Speak Now’”
• “Into folklore”
• “My name is Taylor, and I was born in 1989”
• “Straight from the tortured poets department”
• “Cause loving him was red”
• “Meet me at midnight”

Standby: We're 'In Ha Mood'

The Ice Spice beat dropped. Swifties are trained to run back from the bathroom or concession stands as soon as they hear "In Ha Mood" begin playing. It means Taylor Swift will appear in about 10 minutes. 

The dancers and band will make their way to the stage. Taylor Swift is hidden in a “cleaning cart” at the end of the cast walking up the ramp. Her cart is being pushed by production workers who will stop the cart right before a set of stairs that take Swift to the main platform. 

“Applause” by Lady Gaga will play next. As the song blares across an anxious and excited audience, dancers will put pink and ombre parachute flaps on their backs and line up behind the main stage door.

Taylor Swift's massive set list of 46 songs

The crowd eagerly awaited the start of the show as the "Bejeweled" behind-the-scenes video played indicating Swift was about to embark on a three-plus-hour show era-by-era. Here is her 46-song setlist:

• Lover: "Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince," "Cruel Summer," "The Man," "You Need to Calm Down" and "Lover"
• Fearless: "Fearless," "You Belong With Me" and "Love Story"
• Red: "22," "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," "I Knew You Were Trouble" and "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)"
• Speak Now: "Enchanted"
• Reputation: "...Ready For It?" "Delicate," "Don't Blame Me" and "Look What You Made Me Do"
• Folkmore (Folklore and Evermore combined set): "Cardigan," "Betty," "Champagne Problems," "August," "Illicit Affairs," "My Tears Ricochet," "Marjorie" and "Willow"
• 1989: "Style," "Blank Space," "Shake it Off," "Wildest Dreams" and "Bad Blood"
• The Tortured Poets Department: "But Daddy I Love Him," "So High School," "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me," "Down Bad," "Fortnight," "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" and "I Can Do It with a Broken Heart"
• Acoustic guitar mashup and acoustic piano mashup
• Midnights: "Lavender Haze," "Anti-Hero," "Midnight Rain," "Vigilante S---," "Bejeweled," "Mastermind" and "Karma"

Paramore set list

“Oh yeah London! It’s good to be back with you," Hayley Williams boomed into the mic. "Oh how we’ve missed you. We can never get enough London. Ever!”“It’s an honor and a privilege to be here. Never in our entire world did we ever think we’d play at Wembley Stadium so thank you for making this possible.”Their set list included:

• “Hard Times” with Blondie mashup of “Heart of Glass”
• “Burning Down the House”
• “Still Into You”
• “Forgiveness”
• “Caught in the Middle”
• “The Only Exception”
• “Misery Business”
• “Ain’t It Fun”
• “This Is Why”

The rousing opening act energized Wembley as Williams lay on the ground in the center spotlight and belted the end of “Ain’t It Fun.” London was overcast, with the open-roofed arena sitting at 73 degrees. The floor was packed with every inch covered by Swifties and the rest of the stadium filled to 60%. Swift will take the stage in about 30 minutes.

'Ain't it fun' that Paramore is here?

Hayley Williams, Taylor York and Zac Farro have been the opening act for Taylor Swift on the European leg of the  Eras Tour . The trio have dazzled for 43 shows across Europe. They will wrap their involvement on Tuesday and make their way back to Nashville, Tennessee, where they're based.

Right before leaving for Paris in May, Paramore was dubbed the Global Ambassadors for Record Store Day, a title Swift held in 2022. They surprised fans at Grimey's record store in Nashville.

Swift's final opening act for the remaining North America shows will be Gracie Abrams.

Is Travis Kelce coming back to Eras Tour?

It's not likely Swift's boyfriend will be at the shows in England. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has his final training camp practice on Thursday before the Chiefs' preseason home game on Saturday against the Detroit Lions. Although Swift could make the following preseason home game on Aug. 22 as the Chiefs take on the Chicago Bears.

Who could forget Travis Kelce breaking the internet the last time Swift performed in Wembley by appearing on stage to carry her after her symbolic crash to the ground from "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived." He attempted to revive her alongside backup dancers Jan Ravnik and Kameron Saunders so she could sing, "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart."

Sofia Isella set list

“This is the most insane view I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” opening act Sofia Isella told Wembley Stadium.

Her set list included:

• “Cacao and Cocaine”
• “Everybody Supports Women”
• “Unattractive”
• “I Looked the Future in the Eyes, It's Mine”

Isella played six songs in her 25-minute set.

Sofia Isella takes the stage

Similar to inviting three artists to open before Paramore in June, Swift has invited five singers to share the stage in Wembley Stadium. Up first is Sofia Isella , a 19-year-old classically trained violinist, songwriter, producer and singer. The rising star was born in Beverly Hills, California, but lives in Australia.

When Swift let the cat out of the bag on Aug. 5, Isella shared a message on Instagram: "Someone I’ve never met has changed my life even more than she already has just through her writing alone. Your fearlessness in continuing to push yourself and win again and again is the most joyful thing to watch, Taylor. Thank you."

The acts that will open the rest of the Wembley dates are:

• Friday: Holly Humberstone
• Saturday: Suki Waterhouse
• Monday: Maisie Peters
• Tuesday: Raye

Doors are open

It's official. Wembley Stadium has just opened the doors to allow VIP guests into the arena. The general admission sections will open in about thirty minutes. Thousands of Swifties are pouring in.

Lining up at 4 a.m.

Amy Willow of Brighton, United Kingdom, rode up on the overnight train with her two best friends hoping to get in line for Thursday night's Eras Tour show. The early morning wake up call landing her at Wembley Stadium at 4 a.m. was a good call. She ended up being first in line.

"I was like, 'Oh my God, there's going to be like a queue of a hundred people,'" she says four hours before general admission doors open. "Crickets, literal crickets. There was no one here. It was amazing."

Wembley Stadium tells fans without a ticket: Don't come

The stadium that seats 89,000 fans told anyone without an Eras Tour ticket not to come. Additional ticket checks have been added around the stadium and fans will need to show proof of passes before entering the general vicinity.

Wembley Stadium's website  also implemented stricter security measures including no overnight camping and no  "Taylor-gating,"  where devoted fans without tickets congregate outside of a stadium to listen to the live concert and engage in dancing and friendship bracelet trading. The stadium is not allowing anyone to stand outside any entrance or on the Olympics Steps at the front. Non-ticketholders will be "moved on."

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Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .