Can I just go to the USA? (from the UK)

[Ethros]

So I've got two weeks off work coming up, and basically all my plans have totally gone to crap. So I almost feeling like just going off on vacation on my own to America.
I've done this before but not on such short notice.


I haven't been for a few years though and I wondered if it's changed at all. I know I'd need to apply for a Visa Waiver program, how long do you have to wait for that to be ok'd now? Any Brits on here been to America lately?



I'm just idly wondering so I can have my options open. Got a fare bit of money saved up tbh and nothing to spend it on.
Thanks.

 

[DimesDan]

Remember, if you're taking electrical items with you in hand luggage, they need to be fully charged or they'll take it away from you.

 

[MacLeod]

You have to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). There is a small charge, it's basically the same as the old paper form you used to fill onboard a plane(as part of the Visa Wavier Program) prior to entry into the USA .


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

Bear in mind all ESTA clearence does is permit you to board a plane to the USA, US Customs (like most customs) have final say on entry.

 

[Ethros]

^ Yeah remember doing that last time. Just wondered if there is a time limit on when you have do it before you go?
If I filled it in right now could I go as early as Friday let's say?

 

[MacLeod]

According to the website

Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel. Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

 

[Ethros]

^ Thanks. Don't think I will be tbh, I can afford it but I feel like I'll be wasting my money a bit if I don't have adequate time to plan what and where I want to do/go.
Thanks though, good to know for future reference.

 

[MacLeod]

If you are thinking of going to the States you might as well apply for an ESTA as it's valid for two years. So next time you get the urge you already have ESTA clearance.

 

[Captain Kathryn]

So I've got two weeks off work coming up, and basically all my plans have totally gone to crap. So I almost feeling like just going off on vacation on my own to America.
I've done this before but not on such short notice.


I haven't been for a few years though and I wondered if it's changed at all. I know I'd need to apply for a Visa Waiver program, how long do you have to wait for that to be ok'd now? Any Brits on here been to America lately?



I'm just idly wondering so I can have my options open. Got a fare bit of money saved up tbh and nothing to spend it on.
Thanks.

The USA and UK have a visa waiver for what would otherwise be a "vacation visa".

It says you only have to do that 72 hours before your trip so you have time:

All those travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme arriving by air or sea should provide details online at least 72 hours before travel. This is known as an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation or ESTA. If you don’t have an ESTA you’ll be refused travel to the USA. For more information, and to apply online, visit the official ESTA website.

http://www.worldtravelguide.net/united-states-america/passport-visa

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

 

[Pingfah]

ESTA and the Visa Waiver are two different things. ESTA is something anybody visiting America has to apply for in advance, Visa Waiver is something Brits are automatically signed up for, you just have to make a declaration on the plane journey.

What they are essentially saying there is that travelling under the Visa Waiver programme doesn't exempt you from applying for ESTA.

 

[JarodRussell]

You can't go to the USA. You need to get there by plane or by ship.

 

[propita]

C'mon over! Great exchange rate in your favor.

Where do you want to go?

 

[Relayer1]

You also need to be aware that it is full of Americans and guns.

 

[urbandefault]

Hell, you might as well just fly to Mexico and cross the border undocumented like everydamnbody else.

 

[JarodRussell]

You also need to be aware that it is full of Americans and guns.

True that.

 

[T'Girl]

Hell, you might as well just fly to Mexico and cross the border undocumented like everydamnbody else.

Beat me to it.

 

[Captain Kathryn]

You also need to be aware that it is full of Americans and guns.

Eh, my state has high regulation on guns. I have never seen a civilian with one.

The US is not only made up of the South lol.

 

[Velocity]

You also need to be aware that it is full of Americans and guns.

Eh, my state has high regulation on guns. I have never seen a civilian with one.

The US is not only made up of the South lol.

Or jerks like this person.