Visa for holiday in USA?

BennyC · 20 Sep 2011 at 11:21

The girlfriend and I are off to Florida (Tampa) for a week at the beginning of December. The rest of her family are flying out the following day and we are staying in a family friend's, who is also coming with, holiday home.

Colleagues at work have reminded me about sorting out a visa. I'm a little confused as different sources are saying fairly generic things.

I was under the impression if the visit was less than 3 months a Visa isn't required. There seems to be a a few different types (B1, B2) and something called an ESTA and also being part of a Visa Waiver Program Country.

Could anybody clued up on the subject or having been recently to the states advise what preparation is required to avoid winning the cavity search lottery and being sent packing the same day we arrive!

Thanks,

BennyC

Edit: I've also been informed of new 'micro-chipped passports' that are preferred by the U.S. but not essential?

BennyC · 20 Sep 2011 at 11:39

Thanks for the replies.

cm1179 said:
you won't need a visa. there will be a short form you will have to fill out (you'll be given it about an hour before landing, probably less) that you give to passport control and it goes from there.

This is what the Mrs has just said, that they do it on the plane on the way over. I'll bookmark this thread and see what B.A. recommend.

BennyC · 20 Sep 2011 at 13:06

Found this which as you all say requires ESTA & API:

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/usawaiver/public/en_gb

Visitors travelling to the US and Puerto Rico must have:

a valid passport

and

have either a valid visa or an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to allow you to travel under the Visa Waiver Programme or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

and

supply us with Advance Passenger Information (API) at least 72 hours before travel.