US not very serious visa question

bouicca21

Reading the thread on convictions and ESTA made me wonder ...

When I first went to the US some 40 years ago, long before EStA, I was granted a life long tourist visa. I still have it in an old passport. People on that thread about convictions talk of getting a visa instead of an ESTA. Does that imply that my old visa is still valid? I wonder what sort of consternation I'd produce if I actually tried to use it ...

bluenoseam

bouicca21 wrote: »

Reading the thread on convictions and ESTA made me wonder ...

When I first went to the US some 40 years ago, long before EStA, I was granted a life long tourist visa. I still have it in an old passport. People on that thread about convictions talk of getting a visa instead of an ESTA. Does that imply that my old visa is still valid? I wonder what sort of consternation I'd produce if I actually tried to use it ...

Not much in the way of consternation, but potential for them turning round and saying "you are not allowed entry to the United States" and papping you on the first plane back here.

agrinnall

I doubt if any tourist visa in an expired passport is valid.

dsab

agrinnall wrote: »

I doubt if any tourist visa in an expired passport is valid.

I am not sure about this specific one, but a valid Visa in an expired Passport remains valid, at least for the US.

My wife had a 10 year US Visa in an expired passport, and just took it together with the new valid passport. And that was perfectly fine, is even confirmed on the Embassies website.

EssexExile

In the good old days we had lifelong US visas. We used to have to carry the old passport with the stamp in as well as the current passport. The trouble is I can't find those old passports now! Still, the price of an Esta negligible compared to all the other costs so not a problem.

eDicky

dsab wrote: »

I am not sure about this specific one, but a valid Visa in an expired Passport remains valid, at least for the US.

It's true of long-term visas in general, their period of validity is not affected by passport expiry. I know people who regularly carry their old passports that contain valid visas, including for the UK.

In the 'old days' a renewed British passport would be delivered bound together with the old one if it contained valid visas, rather a hefty tome!

The OP could email the embassy givng the visa reference number, date etc, to see if 'life-long' really means valid for life - it would be interesting to see what they say...

Double_V

I have never been to USA. But we are thinking to go and see some old friends in NY.
So do we need visa on British passports ? How well in advance do we need to apply ?

PeacefulWaters

Double_V wrote: »

I have never been to USA. But we are thinking to go and see some old friends in NY.
So do we need visa on British passports ? How well in advance do we need to apply ?

You should apply online for an ESTA. $14 each. Only use the official web site. Don't pay an intermediary. This gives you the right to travel to the USA.

If that's declined you need a visa.

I'd suggest you make your ESTA application at least three months before planned departure to ensure you can get an embassy appointment.