Do I really need to apply for a USA Visa? (UK Citizen)
 

Hello,

I'll be shipping my bike over to NY, riding across the states and exiting into Mexico. I'll be in the US for less than 2 months and won't be returning.

Do I really need a B2 Visitor Visa?

If not how do I prove that I will exit into Mexico as I will need proof of onward travel if I arrive on the visa wavier program.

If I do apply for a visa the DS160 form asks for a US contact! I don't know anyone or have had any contact with anyone in the US, can I just book a hotel room and use that???


Help!!


Thanks,

Nick.

For anyones future ref.


Yes you do.

Fill out a DS160 online.

Make an apt for an interview.

Go to interview and get your visa.


Says on the US Embassy site that you'll need to provide evidence of intent to leave the US. They didn't ask more for this or any other documents, but I suggest you take something.

Nick


Sent from a little keyboard using fat fingers......

You do have some options, including trusting your luck by attempting entry on a visa waiver--with or without an ongoing ticket. You can purchase an expensive, but fully refundable, ticket solely for purposes of entry. No one needs to know you're going to turn it in for a refund.

Or: it's easy enough to ship into Canada. You don't need an ongoing ticket if arriving at US land borders with your bike--they'll understand the whole point is to keep going.

However, no matter how you arrive and no matter what paperwork you carry, you always need to convince the man in the passport booth. Don't give them any reason to suspect you're planning to do other than spend a bit of time and a lot of money in the States. Be prepared with crucial details to back up your stated plan--family and a job waiting for you at home, plenty of funds for your trip, clarity (even if wholly imaginary) about where you're heading and why. Any immigration officer can refuse you entry for the flimsiest of reasons. Your job is to refrain from giving them an excuse.

This question gets asked frequently on the HUBB. A site search will help you get a sense of the limitless variability and endless options.

Hope that's helpful. Good luck.

Mark

Thanks Mark.

I had searched before posting but couldn't find anything conclusive.

I was at the US Embassy today and got my B2 visa.

So your saying that even though I have the visa I'll still get the 3rd degree from Mr. 'I'm more important than you' border control grunt?

Nick.

Sent from a little keyboard using fat fingers......

I said that? Nuh uh. I said you never know, so be properly prepared. Most people sail right through, but if you draw the wrong straw (or show an attitude to the officer) they can send you home.

Mark

Ok, thats cool.

Yes I know you need to watch what you say/do at customs.

Thanks for the info.


Nick.

Sent from a little keyboard using fat fingers......

Nick


Me and Bushman_UK shipped our bikes to Baltimore in 2011 and we flew to the States to meet them. When we arrived at immigration we just said that we were doing a motorbike trip around the States (Holiday) and were not staying longer than 3 months - we used our Visa waiver ESTA to enter the States without problem.


We did, however, have a return ticket to the UK even though we shipped our bikes from Seattle to Vladivostok and rode home.


Martin

Yep, When I shipped my bike to Newark in 2006 and flew out to meet her, my return flights were about 93 days apart, 90 days being the barrier for the visa waiver, so I had to visit the US Embassy in London, queue for hours, for a three minute 'interview'. You are right about the mild grilling at the borders. They are really worried that you will outstay your visit and become a financial burdon on the state. Tell that to the Mexicans.:scooter:

I had my visa interview yesterday. Yes lots of queuing, very quick interview and got the visa. Much easier than I thought.

I thought about booking a return flight and risking it but if there was a problem then I could end up on a flight back and my bike in JFK.... not good.

All sorted now.


Nick

Sent from a little keyboard using fat fingers......