The Seattle skyline with Mount Rainier behind

Seattle

A working waterfront, a market that never became a museum and a volcano on the skyline.

Photo: Unknown (See source)

Currency
USD
Emergency number
911
Police, Ambulance, Fire
Advisory level
High degree of caution
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (SafeTravel)
Language
English
Local transport
Light rail & ferry
Train from the airport to downtown
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Severe Thunderstorm Warning — Muscatine, IA; Scott, IA; Rock Island, IL

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued August 12 at 7:11AM CDT until August 12 at 7:15AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Flash Flood Warning — Decatur, IN; Jennings, IN; Shelby, IN

Flash Flood Warning issued August 12 at 8:11AM EDT until August 12 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN

Severe Thunderstorm Warning — Auglaize, OH; Mercer, OH; Shelby, OH

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued August 12 at 8:07AM EDT until August 12 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH

Good to know

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. The US State Department has more information on visas…

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country…

The US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited clearance at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check…

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Exercise increased caution in United States of America.

Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: Natural disasters and climate section – added information on Spokane County fires.

The Link light rail runs from the airport to downtown in around 40 minutes for a few dollars, and it beats a taxi in rush hour.

The Bainbridge Island ferry is the cheapest harbour cruise in the city. Walk on as a foot passenger and ride back.

Pike Place Market is busiest between 11am and 2pm. Come at nine and the fishmongers still have time to talk to you.

Washington has no state income tax but high sales tax, so the price on a menu is not the price you pay.

Local knowledge

Contributed by guides, operators and creators on the ground. Community advice, kept separate from official sources.

Ride the ferry at golden hour

Walk onto the 6pm Bainbridge sailing. You get the skyline, the Olympics and Rainier for the price of a bus ticket.

Local guidePuget Sound Walks

Book an experience

Verified operators in Seattle, booked direct through KLNK.

Frequently asked questions

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (SafeTravel) currently states: “United States of America: Exercise increased caution” (advisory level 2 of 4). Always check the original advisory before travelling.

Currency: USD. Languages: English. Capital: Washington, D.C..

Sources and freshness

Travel information last reviewed 12 August 2026. Compiled from U.S. Department of State, IATA Timatic, Open-Meteo and datakyte Travel Intelligence. Always confirm entry rules and safety guidance with official government sources before you travel.

Advisories, entry rules and alerts apply to United States as a whole.

Aggregated from official sources. Content is never rewritten — always display the publisher, publication time and original source link.

Photography: Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source).