What visa do I need for Vegas?

[ATV]

Hi guys,

I'm attending a training seminar and have read somewhere that the normal USA visit visa waiver program only applies for "business or pleasure" visits and does not cover training programmes.

Is this true and should I just keep quiet about the training aspect of my visit and just say I'm in town to gamble for a week.

Also can anyone tell me how the visa application process works and roughly how long it will take?

Thanks guys

[esuuv]

Whats the training program for? if its just a week and its for work then i'd say you'll qualify on the VWP - maybe best to call the embassy to check - its a little more reliable than PH!!

As far as wait times - according to

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.h... - 3 days in London at the moment.

[sneijder]

I deal with groups of blokes going to Vegas on conferences all the time, everyone of them travels on an ESTA, and I assume some of them will take the podium.

[uk_vette]

You will need the ESTAS, pre approval for flight

Easy on line, costs about £12 from your debit or credit card.
Lasts 2 years.

'vette

[XJSJohn]

VISA, AMEX, MASTERCARD, DINERS i think they take them all actually

[ATV]

Thanks guys, I'm pretty certain I'll be ok with the VWP and the online ETSA check but I'll check with work tomorrow.

BTW are there any direct flights going from the Northern airports like Newcastle or Manchester? I checked justheflight and confusingly they said Delta goes direct but when I went on the Delta site they specified a stop in Atalanta.

The company paying for my business class flight so I can choose any route/airline but would like the best, most comfortable journey possible.

Thanks for any tips guys.

[XJSJohn]

ATV said:

BTW are there any direct flights going from the Northern airports like Newcastle or Manchester? I checked justheflight and confusingly they said Delta goes direct but when I went on the Delta site they specified a stop in Atalanta.

no idea but www.Skyscanner.net will show you routes from direct downwards fery clearly

[Tonto]

Think BMI fly direct.

[fizz47]

I thought Virgin had started a route direct from Manchester?

[aeropilot]

fizz47 said:

I thought Virgin had started a route direct from Manchester?

Not just yet.

They are commencing a twice weekly service direct Manchester-Las Vegas from 3rd April 2011.

[Ynox]

Direct flights from UK -> Vegas are Virgin (stag party special - st old planes and full (edit- full, not pull) of pissed up people) from Gatwick or BA from LHR.

I'd go BA. Club World is a good product.

I also rate United's business class product. Service isn't the best but the 'new' lie flat seat is awesome. Would need to connect though.

Edited by Ynox on Monday 10th January 12:34

[KenBlocksPants]

Ynox said:

Direct flights from UK -> Vegas are Virgin (stag party special - st old planes and full (edit- full, not pull) of pissed up people) from Gatwick or BA from LHR.

I'd go BA. Club World is a good product.

I also rate United's business class product. Service isn't the best but the 'new' lie flat seat is awesome. Would need to connect though.

Edited by Ynox on Monday 10th January 12:34

+1 Avoid Virgin, for for BA as posh as your company i willing to pay for

[Puggit]

Tonto said:

Think BMI fly direct.

Early victim of the recession. bmi don't fly transatlantic any more

[Puggit]

KenBlocksPants said:

Ynox said:

Direct flights from UK -> Vegas are Virgin (stag party special - st old planes and full (edit- full, not pull) of pissed up people) from Gatwick or BA from LHR.

I'd go BA. Club World is a good product.

I also rate United's business class product. Service isn't the best but the 'new' lie flat seat is awesome. Would need to connect though.

Edited by Ynox on Monday 10th January 12:34

+1 Avoid Virgin, for for BA as posh as your company i willing to pay for

Normally I wouldn't recommend BA over Virgin, but this is definitely the occasion to agree with others.

[Conian]

If 'what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas' then it's surely the worst place in the world for a seminar or conference.

So Bob, what did you learn at the conference?
...I'm really not at liberty to say Geoff.

[5potTurbo]

Conian said:

If 'what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas' then it's surely the worst place in the world for a seminar or conference.

So Bob, what did you learn at the conference?
...I'm really not at liberty to say Geoff.