Visa regulations for UK visitor 2009?

Question

I have heard that I will need to apply for a Visa, on-line, if I want to visit the US next year. I have a full UK passport and in the past I have completed a green card on the plane. Can anyone tell me what this is all about. Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes you will need to get entry clearance before your visit to the USA next year in 2009.

Basically they will ask you a series of questions regarding your stay and what money you are bringing in.

Some people believe they are doing this to make it harder to get into the USA but the reality is that they are doing this so they don't have to employ so many border patrol agents.

I am not sure how this is going to affect the travel into the USA but I would suggest that you do it if you are planning the trip.

Also you need to make sure that you have a place to stay sorted out before you get into America atleast for one or two nights because if you are planning to get in they are going to ask you where you are staying.

Backpacking is going to be a bit more difficult *sigh*.

Answer 2

If you hold an UK passport and travelling after january the 12th you need to get approval for your trip at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ if you intend to travel under the visa waiver program for business or pleasure up to 90 days (is similar to the green card (I-94W) you fill out on an airplane - currently even if you did the ESTA you have to fill out the green card as well !)

This approval does not guarantee admission to the US. Final admission is determined by a US CBP officer.