Hi Vince,

Thank you for the information. The limited time of an ESTA is the reason why Iw ould aply for a Visa but I hear all kind of stories.
One last question, maybe you can confirm this, is it correct that the duration of the Visa is given when you enter the country and not of front (if so this is a bit hard to plan your trip upfront).

David

Hi David

The visa is valid for 10 years from date of issue. I have a B1/B2. I think that when I arrive the border security person will ask me how long I want to stay. They may also ask for proof of income to support your stay for that time. I think that if you meet all the criteria it should not be a problem. I also believe that the visa is extendable. I told them 6 months in the embassy.

Once the embassy approves your application for a visa you should be okay. The embassy in Amsterdam did ask me for proof of income, but didn't want to see copies of my bank account. They also check you out for criminal activity

Make sure that you have no stamps from countries that are enemies (axes of evil thing) of the states in your passport

Because I am entering Canada from a land border I don't need a Canadian ESTA. But in your case, shipping to Canada, check out what you need & if it is multiple entry...... up to Alaska & back down again.

Where are you exiting the states??? Mexico?? or shipping back to Belgium?? If you are shipping back out to Belgium then being able to show the security the ticket should be enough.

Yes I know that it's nerve wrecking trying to sort this out. The embassy in Amsterdam don't have just an info counter, it's all online. Does the USA Belgium one have an info counter with a real person??? or a tel. number?? If so get in contact with them.

Make sure that you have all the criteria & can prove it. Dave, just take a deep breath, jump in, swim but go with the flow ....

If I can help anymore let me know....

Vince

Hi Vince,

I have done some more reading and you are correct. Six months for the visum.
First we planned to ship to Canada but now we would like to ship to the states and drive via Canada towards Alaska and back. Will see...
I did find a tel number for Belgium but this was only to plan the interview. First step now will be to make the shippment more or less concrete. I'm still trying to find a contact number, if I could manage to have somebody on the phone I will be more than happy to share my information.
This is part of the trip I suppose

Keep you updated

Hi Dave,

By the way .... firstly just seen that you are new on the HUB .

I agree with you, get your shipment sorted out first, also your travel budget. Then apply for the visa.

Try looking for travel blogs from other Belgiums and ask them their experience. One blog that I was following was this one:

Wanderingsouls.be - Nomad Lifestyle

Mail them & ask for their experience on the US border.

There are or where a couple of Dutch & Belgium travelers on the HUB but they seem to be quiet at the moment, but if you see any blogs just get in contact & ask them.

Yep once everything comes together & you are on the road this stress time will be all part of the fun particularly when you meet some other travelers & are chilling & ......

I will be flying the bike to Anchorage using an English company, "motor freight" Begin point is London Heathrow. Exiting the states via Mexico..... love tacos

Have Fun ..... Vince

Hi Vince,

Did already some travel in Europe and Morocco but I had this plan already longer in my mind but it is time that this dream beomes reality. I already found some very good information on this forum. I have also contacted Mototfreight but it is a bit difficult to plan a trip if you don't know how long you can stay, 3 of 6 months or less. Things are becoming more clear with the day. Preparation is always the fun part of the trip. Thanks for all the help and information.



David

I'm Dutch and living in Calgary, AB, Canada now. Let me know how/if I can help, PM me.

US situation is not straightforward becuae they calculate time as including time spent in either Mexico or Canada as well as in the usa for calculating the 180 days or 90 days.
So enter the usa on a B1B2 visa and spend 3 months in the lower 48, then cross to Canada and spend 3 months there, then if you want to cross to Alaska or return to lower 48, you may well be refused entry and then have to fly out somwhere and return to reset the clock.

__________________
Tony
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I will contact you next year ;-). Now everything is bit down due to the holidays.
Thank you for your reply.