Visits To The Usa

[chokkie]

Hi, and I hope all ABers out there had a great Christmas.

We've just booked a holiday to the States (New York) for next October but can't remember whether or not we need a visa. When we visited California last autumn (2012) I remember that we had to complete a kind of form which was a sort of tourist visa. We're flying BA, and wondered if anyone knows whether we still need to get one of these forms done. When we did it last time, I think we completed the forms on line, through the auspices of BA.

Hope someone can help,

Many thanks - and good wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year ahead for all ABers.

And thanks, too, for all your invaluable help over the last 12 months - it's been much appreciated.


Chox.

[rockyracoon]

You'll all need to apply for one of these. They last two years I think so you might just squeeze in from your last one.

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

[jaynethepain]

You need an ESTA. We always fly with virgin and there is a link on their site to obtain an ESTA so there maybe one from the BA site too. Otherwise you can search on the internet for the site. I believe once you have one they last for 2 years. Here's the link from the Virgin Atlantic website for you to have a look at.

www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/getting-into-the-country/us-visa.html

[237SJ]

Have you got an ESTA? They are usually for multiple entry over two years you you might be on the threshold of it`s expiry. You`ll need to check the date.

[zebo]

Good advice above, make sure that you use the site given, there are some that charge.

[KARL]

Everyone needs a visa although nowadays they call it an ESTA clearance (presumably so as not to complicate reciprocal visa agreements) - except for those who have a valid old fashioned visa of some kind or a Green Card as they call it. You are well advised to beware of agencies who offer to do the application for you. At one point the intention was that the official USA government site would also charge, but I am unsure of how things are right now.

[dzug2]

The official US site now charges - $14 a go. $10 to apply and $4 for the ESTA if successful - or it might be the other way round.

You should be able to log on to it using your passport number/personal details to check when the one you had in 2012 expires. It need to be valid the day you arrive in the USA - not necessarily for the whole visit

[237SJ]

Karl - I think we have had this conversation before.. an ESTA is not a visa and an "old fashioned visa" is not a Green Card. You are confusing people.

[chokkie]

Hi folks, many thanks for this information, have bookmarked the site and will sort it out in the next week or so. I now remember that we did this when we visited last year,but we have both changed our passports since that trip, so will get them done again.

Much appreciate your help, cheers

Chox.