A trip to the States is always an experience. Unfortunately with today's ultra-cautious border controls, getting into the country can be quite an experience too. Make sure you’'ve dotted all the "Is" and crossed all the "Ts" with Imagine's top five tips for getting into the States with the minimum disruption.

1. Waiver or not.

At present tourists from 27 countries can enter the US on the Visa Waiver Program – VWP. Make sure your nation's on the list; otherwise you'll need to apply for a visa from your local US Embassy. Click here for VWP requirements: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html. When you're airborne you'll be asked to complete a waiver form - take it seriously. If you don't fill it in correctly your passage will be slowed down and you could be refused entry.

2. Know where you're staying

When you check-in you'll be asked where you're staying in the States. It's quite simple, have an address for your first night or it's no Land of the Free for you.

3. Get your Passport in Order.

If you're entering the US on the VWP your passport must be machine-readable to enter - if it's got a barcode, you're ok. If not, get one before you travel. Also remember, children, of any age, need their own passport.

4. And now for the Science Bit.

These days all visitors to the US have to give two fingerprints and have their picture taken at passport control. There are no exceptions, so don't kick up a fuss about having a bad hair day or feeling like a criminal having your fingerprints taken. For all too obvious reasons, better safe than sorry.

5. Patience is Golden.

Whilst it is understandable why queues can be long to pass passport control, it's still very irksome especially after a long flight. So bring a book. But if you're bored, don't start trying out your new digital camera or calling home - strictly a no-no, and you don't want your trip to be over before you even get out of the airport.

For more information log onto: http://travel.state.gov/ or your local US Embassy's site.