Visa Waiver Programme

[HW iaintwoeyes]

British citizens travelling to the USA on holiday or short business qualify for the visa waiver programme and do not have to apply for a visa.

If you are travelling on a machine-readable passport with six months' validity and have never been convicted of any crime, you can to stay for up to three months.


For further details on who is eligible under the visa waiver programme have a look at the USA Embassy's website.

http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html

[chiefengineer]

Further to Iantwoeyes post, here is a bit more useful info.

There are two different forms you need to complete. A green Visa Wavier form, per person, and a white Customs Declaration, per family.

You are normally given these to complete when you check in for your flight. Tip1: Fill them in before you get on the plane. Tip2: Have a pen handy to do it with. It's easier to complete them on a proper table, sat at a proper chair, than at 37,000 feet - trust me!

Tip3: Part of the info they want is the address of where you're staying, so have that to hand as well (e.g. Hotel name & Address, etc).

If you make any mistakes at all, ask for another form. They are really picky at US Imigration.

Jeremy

[big H]

if you have any convictions , say eg for assault , does that bar you from entering America ?

[HW iaintwoeyes]

Sorry had to have a slight smile at your question "Big H"!!

From what I understand, it doesn't stop that person getting in, but they will have to apply for a visa as they will not be eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme.

[big henry]

what if you dont declare any arrest or conviction. can they find out?

[justine parker]

we're off to FLorida in August so thanks for the info

Can you now take Pens through as we had to hand them in at check in last year ?

[jackieblack]

Arrived home yesterday from Florida (sob sob).

We weren't specifically asked whether we had any pens. We were asked about 'sharp objects', it didn't occur to me that pens might count.