UK citizen travelling to the US for 1st time

[Derek1975]

It's my understanding that I don't need to apply for a visa or anything before I go as I am going for a short holiday, is this correct?

I also intend to fly to Canada and back while I am over there, will there be any issues with re-entering the US so soon? I am slightly concerned as my flight back to the UK departs 3 hours after the Canada flight arrives so I can't afford to be held up by customs for too long.

Thanks

[jno]

if you don't have a visa you do need to apply for a travel permit online, which costs I think £16.

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

These are valid for two years, so there should be no problem with Canada.. Three hours is indeed rather tight, even though Canada's nto far away.

[jno]

sorry, seems to be $14. Advice here:

http://www.moneysavin...el/esta-usa-visa#beat

[Derek1975]

Thanks jno, just to clarify I would arrive at Newark from Canada 3 hours before departing for the UK. This would be plenty of time in Europe, but perhaps I should get an earlier flight from Canada...I just don't fancy hanging around an airport for 6 hours before the long haul home!

[dzug2]

You will go through US customs/immigration in Toronto before departing for Newark so you will effectively be arriving on a domestic flight.

Collecting your baggage and checking in are what will take the time.

[jno]

in theory, three hours is plenty, though I don't know whether they'd keep you in a transit lounge or whether you'd have to go out through customs and immigration, pick up your baggage, then go back through and check in all over again. It might depend on whether it was all one booking on one airline.

But if they're two separate bookings, and the earlier flight was delayed, and you had to formally enter the USA and leave again, you might be rushed. You could check with the airline(s) or your travel agent what current practice is.

[jno]

ah, dzug has answered half my query.

[Derek1975]

thanks for help guys