we are off to the usa in september 2006, the point is we have the up- to -date british passports, but our travel agent who may i add is no help, said to contact the american embassy, so we did, but still we haven't got anywhere, time is running out and we have know idea what to do or who to contact. the last time i went you just filled in the boarding visa (on the green card) and arrived, but its now all changed, someone please could you shed some light on this problem, we are being to wish we had gone to the south of france.
2006-07-26 05:28:26 · 12 answers · asked by tara 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
ok - if your going for less than 3 monthes - then u will fill in the green boarding card - HOWEVER as from october 2004/5 you must also have a passport that is machine readable for this green boarding card to be valid. before that time it was optional. so say you got your passport in 1996 or 1997 - ur passports will be useless- it depends when you got them.
Contact passport and consular office - and get an emergency appointment - u can have new passports very quickly - if your willing to pay for them. and at this time of year - i wouldnt recommend going through the standard delivery service route - as it will be delayed - pay a little more and u'll get peace of mind.
2006-07-26 05:38:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Currently, many British citizens travelling on a valid, individual machine readable passport, with a return or onward ticket, and who are staying for less than 90 days, qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. There are conditions, so please review the information concerning visa free travel on the American Embassy London Non immigrant Visas Services Home Page.
You really need visa so contact the US embassy on phone before to go because you need appointment to go in the embassy for interview for visa . Sooner possible if you want to go in September ! Could last a few weeks especially is summer and everybody is going in holiday .
2006-07-26 05:40:22 · answer #2 · answered by Viviana DanielaD 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are UK citizens, with no criminal records etc. and your passports are "machine readable" then you fill in the cards provided by the airline.
If your passports are not machine readable, or there is any other reason why you may not be allowed into the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme, you need to apply for a visa. The US Embassy in London has a website with lots of good information on this. See: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html
2006-07-26 05:38:34 · answer #3 · answered by Neil 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have been trying to find out the same thing and got nowhere. I worked for British Airways and I have known people be sent back on a return flight. If there are ANY criminal convictions I believe you will be refused entry, my boyfriend and I are toying with the idea but he was in trouble with the police years ago; I think there must be an international database which throws this up straight away. Get some sort of written permission from the U.S embassy, word on the phone is no good and don't be too economical with the truth. Believe me they will know everything within minutes. It makes you realise how lax this country is, we will let anyone in. America is VERY different. Good luck and it would be nice to know the outcome.
2006-07-27 03:10:01 · answer #4 · answered by reggie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents were in America in November and they didn't require any visas. I'd email the American Embassy, especially if anyone in the family has a criminal conviction (even for something as petty as speeding) to double check that everything is fine. I don't think they have yet to enforce the law that you need a visa unless you have a biometric passport.
I've checked out the Foreign Office website and there is nothing to suggest you need a visa (http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618385531) but I'd definitely email the Embassy (or if you live close-by, pay them a visit) as they are very, very strict in the States at the moment.
Also, if you're travelling with small kids, be sure to carry plenty of snacks and juice to keep them busy in the line at customs as it's said to be horrendous.
2006-07-26 05:34:18 · answer #5 · answered by starchilde5 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the above answer are confused. And this period of changeover from machine-readable to biometric passport requirements IS confusing. Here - sorry to make you work so hard - is the real scoop:
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
Believe me, when I have to try to explain this to people, I wish I'd gone to the south of France, too.
2006-07-26 07:46:57 · answer #6 · answered by dognhorsemom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
is the passport was issued in the last 2 years it is biometric {so they run the passport though the machine,there letters and numbers under your picture}then you dont need a visa,we went 2 month ago,
2006-07-26 05:34:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't even need a criminal record to need a visa. If you have been arrested at any time, whether you were released without charge or not, you need a visa.
Check with the embassy.
2006-07-26 05:43:37 · answer #8 · answered by Trish D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure you still dont need any type of visa for upto 90 days. Anyway what type of travel agent is it that does'nt know the laws of the country he is selling tickets to.
2006-07-26 05:33:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as far as i'm aware you don't need a visa for USA any longer....only a full 10yr british passport....the children and any babies need their own also. Try going in on the net and type in visa requirements for entry to usa.
2006-07-26 05:34:52 · answer #10 · answered by luvaduck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋