Is a visa required to enter the US?

augusto

I wanted to check if I need a visa or anything before flying to the US. I recall that UK citizens didn't need a visa to enter the US and it was granted on arrival. Has this changed? or did I imagine it?

I'm flying via the US to Ecuador in a few days (I'm quite sure I don't need a visa for this as I'll be on transit), but I was planning to stay for a couple of weeks in the US on the way back. Do I need to rush to the US embassy in Ecuador to get a visa? (I hope not!)

NoodleDoodleMan

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements

You'll need an ESTA for transit.

Make sure you only apply via the official US government website.

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

eskbanker

There's a visa waiver scheme, ESTA, that allows you to enter the USA without a visa, but you definitely need one or the other, even if just transiting....

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

debsy42

You need an ESTA, you can't fly to the US from the UK without one. You won't even be allowed to board the plane without a valid ESTA

Hurry up and get it done urgently https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Not sure about Ecuador to US though

Read my thread about what happened last year when we were at Heathrow ready to depart to Orlando https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6449105/esta-cautionary-tale#latest

NoodleDoodleMan

"Not sure about Ecuador to US though"

Presumably the ESTA will be valid for that flight as well as the temporary transit ?

eskbanker

NoodleDoodleMan said:

"Not sure about Ecuador to US though"

Presumably the ESTA will be valid for that flight as well as the temporary transit ?

Indeed, a valid ESTA allows two years worth of entry into the USA and isn't associated with a specific flight.

400ixl

As stated you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver) as a minimum, even for just transiting by air. If you don't qualify for an ESTA you need a visa which you would have no chance of getting in days.

augusto

Thanks a million folks! Wow, I'm usually very, very careful with visa requirements. This was a last moment trip and I was confident visas were granted on arrival on the US.

daveyjp

There is no such thing as 'transit' in the US.   All arrivals need the correct paperwork whether staying for a month or a couple of hours between flights,

On-the-coast

Do it now.  It’s not unusual for cpb to take 24hrs to confirm your esta application.  I applied an hour ago and travel Friday

jackieblack

Also, be aware that an ESTA only allows you to fly to the USA, it doesn’t guarantee you entry when you arrive. Of course, the vast majority are permitted entry but it’s not guaranteed.