Do i need a visa to go to hollywood in 2009?

Ian M on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 5:58 am 



The rules were changed on 12 January this year. Since then you need an ESTA (Electron System For Travel Authorisation). This must be applied for at least 3 days before you intend to travel. This effectively replaces the old Visa Waiver Programme.

You can apply on line at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

This gives you permission to visit for up to 90 days as a tourist. It does not give you permission to work or study.

Ian M

GPapenburg on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 6:37 am 



The Visa Waiver Program is still in place. What has changed effective January 2009 is the fact that you have to provide the same data which you had to fill in the green form last year online on the website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security prior to travel. The Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) should be applied for at least three days prior to travel. You may also apply for it in advance by leaving flight data and address blank, which you may add using the update function before travel. The travel authorization remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first. You will receive a message that your travel under the Visa Waiver Program has been approved. It is planned to omit the form I-94W (green form) after a transition period, the visa waiver program will continue.
The “Authorization Approved” message clearly states that it does not guarantee admission to the United States; a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port of entry will have the final determination whether and how long you may stay in the United States.

Source(s):
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/esta_advisory.ctt/esta_advisory.pdf

chuckles951 on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 7:16 am 



It depends. What country are you from?

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