Holiday to the USA

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Discussion

sam.r

Original Poster:

2,362 posts

229 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
Just a quick one,

When travelling to the US now do we need to get Visa's in advance? Or can we still fill the form out on the plane?

Am looking on a US tourist site and its all a bit confusing...

Whats the deal as i'm hearing conflicting stories...

JMGS4

8,741 posts

271 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
AFAIK the online registration started for all on 12th January 09! or go to your nearest US embassy...

bull996

1,442 posts

210 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
Need to do the on line visa thing at least a few days before. It then lasts 2 years (I think).

bull996

1,442 posts

210 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
By the way, you are better doing it more in advance, as if you are rejected (eg a minor offence years ago)it will give you time to get an appt at the Emabassy in London.

Graham

16,368 posts

285 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
going in may. So i did the online visa thing a few weeks ago... very straight forward..

G

sam.r

Original Poster:

2,362 posts

229 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
Graham said:
going in may. So i did the online visa thing a few weeks ago... very straight forward..

G
Have you got a link?

Am going on Wednesday, is that too late for online?

Mosman

778 posts

206 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
You're cutting it a bit fine.

Apparently sometimes the OK comes back immediately sometimes it takes longer. Better visit the website below ASAP....

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

ETA: The website is the same as the visa waiver you fill in on the plane (but now you have to submit it in advance).

Edited by Mosman on Monday 9th February 10:18


Edited by Mosman on Monday 9th February 10:18

sam.r

Original Poster:

2,362 posts

229 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
Hmmm, dont have passport with me till tonight.

What happens if it doesnt come back in time? Any other options?


bull996

1,442 posts

210 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
Well you cant fly if it dosent come back on time.

bull996

1,442 posts

210 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
sam.r said:
Hmmm, dont have passport with me till tonight.

What happens if it doesnt come back in time? Any other options?
if its at home, I would suggest you go and get it. You may well be too late already. Sorry.

sam.r

Original Poster:

2,362 posts

229 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
Thats great! frown

Will try and get out of the office and get it...

They say it takes 72hours anyone filled one out recently? Any chance of getting in sooner?


Also my GF only has 5 months left on passport so its getting a new one tomorrow....(must have 6 months I think)

Would there be any propblems as she has to put the old passport number down now as she will not get the new one till tomorrow?

Thanks for you advice...

TrevorH

1,359 posts

285 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
6 months minimum remaining on a passport is not a requirement for the USA now as there's some agreement between the UK and the USA.
I applied for a couple two weeks ago and got the OK for each within a few miinutes.

Have a look at the US Embassy site - the FAQ section covers all your questions.

Blib

44,309 posts

198 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
I filled it in last week and got a reply instantaneously.

Daytona 500 here I come!

woohoo

sam.r

Original Poster:

2,362 posts

229 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
TrevorH said:
6 months minimum remaining on a passport is not a requirement for the USA now as there's some agreement between the UK and the USA.
I applied for a couple two weeks ago and got the OK for each within a few miinutes.

Have a look at the US Embassy site - the FAQ section covers all your questions.
Eh - the embassay told me I need 6 months???

Will have a look at the FAQ's thanks!

sam.r

Original Poster:

2,362 posts

229 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
TrevorH said:
6 months minimum remaining on a passport is not a requirement for the USA now as there's some agreement between the UK and the USA.
I applied for a couple two weeks ago and got the OK for each within a few miinutes.

Have a look at the US Embassy site - the FAQ section covers all your questions.
Have you got a link to that info?


TrevorH

1,359 posts

285 months

Monday 9th February 2009
quotequote all
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/dhs/esta_info.html


'Countries with agreements with the United States to extend passport validity for an additional six months
If you are a passport holder from anyone of the following countries, the requirement that your passport be valid for six months beyond your date of departure from the U.S. is waived.'

Quoted from http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/sixm...