Visas & entry
Nevada follows U.S. federal entry rules. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries—including most EU states, the UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and New Zealand—can generally visit for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA and e-passport; others typically need a B-2/B1-B2 visa. Canadians and Bermudians generally do not need a nonimmigrant tourist visa, but all travelers should verify current eligibility and travel-history restrictions with U.S. State Department/CBP sources.
Getting in
- Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas: The main gateway for Southern Nevada and the practical choice for most international arrivals, Las Vegas stays and Mojave road trips.
- Reno–Tahoe International Airport, Reno: The sensible airport for Reno, Lake Tahoe and northern Nevada; domestic connections are broad, but international service is limited.
- Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City, Utah: Often the cleaner airport approach for Great Basin National Park and eastern Nevada, despite being outside the state.
Getting around
Rent a car for anything beyond Las Vegas or central Reno/Tahoe: Nevada’s distances are long, public transport misses most places worth visiting, and the best parts are reached by road. In winter, use a snow-capable vehicle and check Tahoe-pass and Great Basin conditions before setting out. Amtrak’s California Zephyr reaches Reno, Sparks, Winnemucca and Elko, but it is a niche scenic option, not a solution for Las Vegas, Tahoe, Valley of Fire or Great Basin.
Money
The currency is the U.S. dollar. Cards and contactless payment work almost everywhere in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for tips, gambling and rural stops; budget for Las Vegas resort fees, tax, parking and service charges. Tipping is expected: 15–20% for table service, plus separate tips for hotel staff, valets, drivers and guides.
Book before you land
Sphere performances, major Las Vegas residencies and headline shows · Popular Las Vegas nightclubs and dayclubs · Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive timed entry (October 1–May 31, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) · Lehman Caves ranger-led tours at Great Basin National Park · Burning Man tickets and required vehicle pass · Great Basin National Park and Valley of Fire campsites
- Start Southern Nevada hikes at dawn in warm months; by mid-morning, heat at Red Rock or Valley of Fire can be dangerous.
- Never let the fuel tank run low outside the metro areas; fill up in every substantial town and carry plenty of water.
- Winter Tahoe driving can involve chain controls, road closures and long delays—build flexibility into the itinerary.
- Las Vegas hotel headline rates can be misleading once resort fees, parking, taxes and service charges are added.
- Burning Man is a ticketed, self-reliant participatory event, not a festival you can casually visit from Reno.
- Great Basin is genuinely remote: services are sparse, altitude matters and weather can turn quickly even in summer.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this region.