RE: Visas

--- On Thu, 3/29/12, lady bebba <ladybebba@hotmail.com> wrote:
 
Have the requirements got stricter recently, Ellen? I took around 20 sixth formers to New York a few ears ago (2008?) and I don't remember online forms. I do remember the immigration form though....Imagine the scene if you will....on the plane with 20 tired and excited 17-18 year olds....
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I think it was around 2010 when you had to go to this website and apply for the visa waiver programme if you're a citizen of one of the applicable countries, such as the UK.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/
As it says there... "International visitors to the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program countries are now required to apply for travel authorization online."

So you have to tell the US you're coming now. Before, you just bought tickets and boarded the plane.

Here's the fact sheet.
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/esta_2010_fact_sheets/fact_sheet_esta.ctt/fact_sheet_esta.pdf

If you they give you travel authorisation, it's good for two years. After that, you have to re-apply. If they turn you down, you have to apply for an actual visa. They say you should apply as far in advance as possible. There is a $4 processing fee and a $14 authorisation fee.
Back to Jenny U:

'Right....the answers to these questions are no, no, yes, no and no respectively....Gavin, this means you!'
 
'Miss, what's moral turpitude?'
 
'Just say no. Gavin, have you just said that you have entered the US with the intention of assasinating the president? (I wonder how many thay catch like that?)'
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That must have been fun! Not! :(

Ellen