Do we need visas for Florida? TIA

[mckenzie]

That's it really. We're going for christmas and for some reason it has just occured to me that we might need visa. I should know as we went to the US a few years ago but my brain is completely empty today for some reason so i'd be very grateful for some Mumsnet wisdom. Many thanks.

If you don't have a shady past, you shoudl be able to go to the USA on the Visa Waiver Program.

thansk squeakypop. Is that what DH was talking about perhaps? He said we will get a visa when we get there???

You fill in a form on the plane and then they normally take your fingerpints/photo when you arrive at immigration. If you're a british citizen and have no convictions/not a terrorist (I love that question - like you're going to admit to if you are!) then it's very straight forward.

I think you now have to provide all your personal details and info on where you're staying before you fly now though? Your airline should be able to advise....

what porto said.

Visa waiver means that you should really have a visa according to their laws, but they decide to waive it.

When I first went to the USA in 1983, I had to go to the Embassy to get an actual visa. Now that is not necessary. You can travel visa free, although when you do so, you give up lots of rights.

What this means is that you just show up at immigration in Miami, or wherever, and they will accept you there and then.

Visa waiver means that you should really have a visa according to their laws, but they decide to waive it.

When I first went to the USA in 1983, I had to go to the Embassy to get an actual visa. Now that is not necessary. You can travel visa free, although when you do so, you give up lots of rights.

What this means is that you just show up at immigration in Miami, or wherever, and they will accept you there and then.

As PFP says, you have to tell them before you get on the plane where you are spendng your first night in the USA. If you are booked on a package holiday, no problem. If you are an independent traveller, it is easy enough to book a 'Motel 6', or whatever, before you go.

You don't need a visa in your passport unless you have been previously arrested and or charged with a criminal offense.

You will be given the visa waiver forms at check in to complete (do complete these forms ahead of time and certainly not whilst standing in line at US immigration. You must complete these forms with care - you're not allowed to cross out a mistake on these forms. You will need to then complete another form if that happens).

All adults will be fingerprinted and photographed on arrival into the US. Your children will also need forms completed - if they are under 14 you need to complete and sign the forms on their behalf (if either child is over 14 they can sign their own form).

If you have booked the flights direct with the airline you will need to complete the API(advance passenger information) form via the airline's website. This is separate from the Visa Waiver form scheme and asks for details liek date of birth, passport number etc. This information is required by the Americans for every pax flying to the US.

thanks everyone for the clarification.

From Jan 09 it will be compulsory to obtain a visa on-line before visiting the US. Before then it is voluntary or you can continue to use the present Green I-94 Immigration form. The new visa lasts for 2 years and can be updated for changes in flight, accommodation, etc. information.

See esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Have done the voluntary on line visa for the whole family.Does anyone know whether i still have to fill in the visa waiver form on the aeroplane as well,i would imagine not? Dd1s passport has only 5 months left to run from the date we get back i am assuming this is ok for usa. They accepted her passport details online for the visa thing which i assume is a good thing?

You are correct; you won't have a visa waiver form to complete as well.

I wish we were going back there.

where are you staying?

Thanks Attila