✈️ First Step to America: Visa, Flight, and First Impressions (2025 Guide)

tarih:

✈️ First Step to America: Visa, Flight, and First Impressions (2025 Guide)

Planning a trip to the United States of America is an exciting adventure, but it requires solid preparation. In this post, I’ll walk you through the US visa process, the best airlines to choose, how to deal with jet lag and culture shock, and what to expect on your first day in the USA.

This is your essential starter guide for entering the United States in 2025!

🛂 US Visa Process 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide

If you're visiting the U.S. for tourism or business, you’ll need a B1/B2 visa.

Application Steps:

  1. Fill out the DS-160 form online at https://ceac.state.gov.

  2. Schedule an appointment at https://ais.usvisa-info.com.

  3. Pay the visa fee – currently $185 (as of 2025).

  4. Attend your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (Istanbul or Ankara).

  5. After fingerprints and a short interview, your passport is returned via courier within 5–10 business days.

📌 Tip: Be honest and complete with your documents to reduce the risk of rejection.

✈️ Best Airlines to the U.S. from Turkey

If you're flying from Istanbul, here are top airline options:

  • Turkish Airlines (THY): Direct flights to New York, Miami, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

  • Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Air France: Great for comfort with layovers

  • United, Delta, American Airlines: Ideal for connecting flights within the U.S.

📌 Travel Hack: Choose a morning arrival to help reduce the effects of jet lag.

🕰️ Jet Lag and First Day Culture Shock

The time difference between Turkey and the U.S. ranges from 7 to 10 hours, depending on your destination. That can seriously confuse your biological clock.

Beat Jet Lag By:

  • Getting outside and soaking up sunlight on your arrival day

  • Avoiding heavy meals and caffeine

  • Staying awake until at least 9 PM local time

First Culture Shocks to Expect:

  • Personal space is highly respected

  • Tipping is expected: usually 15–20%

  • Small talk and casual greetings are very common

🚖 Getting from the Airport to the City

✈️ JFK or Newark (NYC):

  • AirTrain + Subway (budget-friendly)

  • Yellow Taxi: Fixed rate (~$70)

✈️ LAX (Los Angeles):

  • FlyAway Bus to downtown

  • Uber and Lyft widely available

✈️ O’Hare (Chicago):

  • Direct CTA Blue Line subway to downtown

📌 Reminder: Always ask for estimated costs before taking a taxi, and check if luggage fees apply.

Planning your first trip to the U.S.? This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get a U.S. visa in 2025, best airlines to choose, how to beat jet lag, and tips for your first day in America.

USA visa 2025, first time in America, how to go to the USA, US travel tips, New York airport transfer, jet lag advice, culture shock in the USA