Canada one more question

[smocky]

To go over Stateside do we need a visa and from where and approx how much.

Thanks

[237SJ]

Do you have a UK passport? If so, you don`t need a visa, just an ESTA

[smocky]

Hi 237SJYes we have a UK Passport, What is and how do you obtain an ESTA

[Buenchico]

The same rules apply for UK citizens entering the USA from Canada as for entering directly on a flight from the UK

If you've never been arrested, or convicted of a criminal offence, you can travel visa-free, using an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which you can obtain online here:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

If you don't qualify for visa-free travel you'll have to go through the considerable hassle of applying for a visa (which involves attending an interview at the US embassy):
http://london.usembas...nimmigrant-visas.html
'Routine' applications can take several weeks (because of the need to wait for an interview appointment). However, if you've ever been convicted of an offence of 'moral turpitude' the US Embassy has no alternative other than to refuse your application in the first instance. (The US Immigration and Nationality Act places an automatic life-long bar on anyone with a relevant conviction from entering the USA unless they were only convicted of one offence, while still a minor, and 5 years has passed). The application could then be treated as one for a 'waiver of permanent ineligibility' but you're already too late for travel in July, since you need to allow at least 5 months for such an application. (The longest wait I've seen reported here on AB, was from someone who waited 14 months before being refused a 'waiver of ineligibility' after committing two offences of driving without insurance).

If you qualify for visa-free travel, getting into the USA is relatively easy. If you've been convicted of assaulting someone (which does not normally count as 'moral turpitude') you might still get in after a b

[Buenchico]

. . bit of hassle. But if you've been caught nicking a Mars bar (which does count as moral turpitude) you won't be able to visit the USA in July.

Chris

[237SJ]

You have to google the website (sorry I don`t know the website address as I have US visas so I haven`t had to use it). There is a charge which I think is about £14 and it gives you unlimited entry into the US for 2 years. Make sure you get the official US ESTA website. If you get to a website that wants to charge you, avoid it.

[smocky]

Sounds like there will be no problem for us getting an ESTA. Thanks Buenchico and 237SJ

[Buenchico]

Thanks for your reply.

237SJ is wise to warn you about the fake (or 'agency') websites which try to profit from getting you to use a totally unnecessary service. However you won't now find ANY free sites because the US authorities have started charging for ESTAs:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10899968

My first link above is the correct one. (It's where you get to if you follow the links from the US embassy website. It also use a '.gov' web address; such addresses are only available to official US government agencies).

Chris

[dzug2]

If you enter the US from Canada by land you don't need an ESTA - instead you pay $US6 a head at the border for an old style visa waiver. (In fact if you have an ESTA you'll still get charged the $6.)

If you enter by air the yes you need the ESTA. You will go through US immigration and customs at the Canadian airport.