Visiting the US

[Stringent]

I have a full UK Passport, do I need a VISA to go to the US (New York)? Will be my first time there.

[Howard]

No. How long for?

[Stringent]

1 week. Anywhere recommended to stay? (not the Bronx! )

[Saracen]

No, you don't. Probably.

You'd be covered by the Visa Waiver Program, so you fill in a form on the plane and that's that.

But there are exceptions to eligibility for that. Mainly, it covers short-term leisure and business visits (90 days or less, IIRC). But there are a few other criteria. You need a machine-readable passport, there are some restrictions on how you arrive/depart, and there's a fair few types of reason for the visit that aren't covered, but for most UK (and a number of other countries) visitors, the VWP covers you.

See the Visa Waiver Program

[Howard]

Yeah for the most part as a tourist you'll be fine. I didn't have any problems when I went in July, anyway

[Gerrard]

Excuse my ignorance, but are you over 21? I remember that was a factor for hotels the last time a US thread was made that I didn't realise (I'm an old fart, so doesn't bother me anyway ).

[Saracen]

Excuse my ignorance, but are you over 21? I remember that was a factor for hotels the last time a US thread was made that I didn't realise (I'm an old fart, so doesn't bother me anyway ).

Assuming his profile data is correct, yes he is. 29.

[Stringent]

Shhhhhhh

I'm 21 and a bit.

Anyone have any good hotels to stay in? Where is the best shopping areas, I am practically going out with nothing.

[Funkstar]

Where is the best shopping areas, I am practically going out with nothing.

Head for Macy's, Empire State Building, Madison Square Gardens and time Square kind of area. There is loads concentrated in that area.

Also go to B&H Photo Video which isn't far from that lot. It is the most awesomest photography store in the world (IMHO) even if you aren't planning on buying anything, it is worth a visit to look at all the toys (consumer right up to very profesional gear), the very jewish staff and the amazing conveyor belt system delivering picked items to the checkouts and pickup points.

[Howard]

Walmart have ridiculously cheap and decent clothing. I bought loads of shirts and jeans etc

[Jay]

I went to Vegas last year for 8 days. No visa needed, you just fill out a form on the plane.

buy buy buy buy everything you need or want while you are there. Take as little as possible with you.... thats all I can say.

[Lucio]

Didn't they just change the rules recently so that you have to fill in that form 72 hours before you arrive??

[finlay666]

Didn't they just change the rules recently so that you have to fill in that form 72 hours before you arrive??

Having just got back from San Francisco..(well on Saturday afternoon)..no

All I had to do was fill out 2 forms on the plane, one was a green one they take part of and staple the other bit to your passport (they take it back when you go) the other is a white one

One is a Visa waiver, the other....a customs declaration I think

You will have your passport scanned, photo and fingerprints taken too when you arrive in the USA normally as a security measure.

Places to go....Macy's (11% discount if you show them your passport when you get to the till, at least that was what I got lol), DSW (discount shoe warehouse www.dsw.com , I got 2 pairs of decent trainers for £40 there, no discount though) other than that Virgin are pretty big over there, I didn't do much shopping as I was over with work, but did enough lol

Oh, for electronics you could try www.frys.com , shop has a cowboy theme though....

It will also be worth finding out how much the tax is there, states vary by how much they charge, and the price on the item is rarely what you pay at the till lol (CA was up to 8.5% so it makes a fairly big difference)


Oh....and buy sleeping tablets when you get there, you'll need them when you get back (really messes up your body clock)

[Stewart]

I have a full UK Passport, do I need a VISA to go to the US (New York)?

VISA, Master Card, anything really. Strangely they don't accept American Express though.

[Stringent]

VISA, Master Card, anything really. Strangely they don't accept American Express though.

It took you that long Stewart?

[Stewart]

I'm still drinking my morning cuppa, I'm only working at half speed.

Is the Hugh Laurie in your avatar btw?