What is required for my English friend to come to the US to visit me this Christmas?

Question

My English friend and I would really like for him to come to the US this Christmas. We have planned that they would stay in my house (my parents own it, we're 18.) What are the required documents/steps that we need to go through to get them into the country, here with me? =]

Has anyone else gone through this?

Answer 1

Basically, he needs a passport and airline ticket, and some money! Provided he qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program (has never been arrested anywhere, or deported from the US, and has an air ticket home) he can fill in the I-94 visa waiver form on the plane (or he can file the details online the day before, to let the TSA know he's coming - this will be compulsory from January 2009).

Good idea to play around on airline websites, and booking the tickets early - LHR to LAX adult return can be had at that time of year for a bit less than £600/$1200 on British Airways, provided you choose your travel dates carefully (specifically, don't travel on Saturday!). Make sure he knows your address so he can tell the Immigration people at LAX where he's going to stay (LAX immigration are noted for being among the worlds' nastiest).

Answer 2

All he needs is his British/Euro passport.  If he doesn't have one he should apply now as it may take up to 3 months to get one.

It is a simple process.

Answer 3

You need to contact the British consulate  to see if they

need a visa for your area and also go to www.finnair.com or cheap tickets.com to get rates from Heathrow Airport to your area. Basically all International flights come through JFK and they will probaly have to connect to another flight once they get to New York to come to you.

Answer 4

All he needs is a valid UK passport and a plane ticket.  Have fun.  

I just have to add that the third answer on here is completely incorrect.  ALL international flights do NOT go through JFK and you never need a visa to visit the US from the UK (unless you fall into some very esoteric categories) if you will be staying for less than 90 days.  Don't let people confuse you :)