These are certainly roadtrip questions, and come up regularly.
First allow me to say that the US Consulate/Embassy are the most frustrating and arrogant folk to have to deal with. They will not answer the phone, do not respond to emails - when you can get an email address - and as you found out, do not answer questions put by mail. Neither will they allow you to visit the consulate unless you have an application in for a visa. You have to go through a web of security to get inside the door. There is no way around it.
All I can say is thank goodness, when you get to the US you will find the people much more friendly and obliging.
So here is what they expect you to do. Pay for all the expenses associated with the visa, and go for the interview - a fair expense from Perth. If the visa is refused, none of that money will be refunded. They expect you NOT to apply if you are not eligible and claim all the info is on the website.... which you and I know, it is not.
As for the answers to your specific questions:
1. This ambiguity is frustrating, but get your tickets when you are comfortable with it, and make sure you can change or cancel them. There is nothing on the website to say how long you have after applying for the visa waiver before you use it. If I recall correctly, you need to say when you will be travelling, despite the fact that they tell you not to purchase your tickets.
2. The B1/B2 visa is issued under special circumstances, which are all listed on the website. Many have been told that they cannot get it for tourism purposes only. It is normally granted for specific reasons, which includes visiting with family. But not for tourism.
[If by now you are beginning to feel not particularly welcome, I'll understand.]
3. From experience I can tell you that your clock will start ticking when you go through border control. That is, when your pasports are stamped and you have to hand in the 'arrivals' card.
In a previous post on your trip planning thread, I mentioned for you to see if you can find out from the cruise company, when that is. It could be when you go ashore in Juneau, or in Skagway, or in Whittier. I would also ask if you choose not to leave the ship at any of those places, will it be when you arrive in Seattle. (Mind you, it would be a pity not to go ashore, but if you want more time for your roadtrip, that could be a way to have it.) You would still see the spectacular views of the inside passage from the ship.
Bottom line is..... Stop looking for ways to get more time. It will only cause lots of frustrations. Start saving for, and planning your next trip.
Lifey
Another question to ask the cruise company.
Katherine,
Your trip came up in conversation recently, which raised another question you might like to ask of the cruise ship company.
There is a good chance, that if the cruise ship company is a US company, that your passport will be stamped the moment you board. Not sure why I had not thought of that, but I'd add it to questions you should ask.
Not sure why this trip comes up from time to time. Maybe it is because I do not have a trip of my own to think about for this year. Just can't get out of roadtrip mode.
Lifey
The way things used to be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
2016USAHoliday
The B1/B2 VISA is apparently like jumping through hoops and not the easiest to get even after forking out lots of money, so it looks like we will have to cut our holiday short :(
Yes, it is a strange system. Though I have to say I never applied for a B1/B2 visa. I was not even aware of it. It was in 2004, when you still applied by mail for the 90 day visa. I attached a letter, asking if it was possible to stay a little longer, now that I had a grandson in the US. When my passport returned by mail, I found I had a five year visa, which allowed me to stay for six months per entry, without limitation on the frequency of entry.
So I feel for those who have to do all this via the web without being able to directly communicate with staff.
Lifey
Resource page on USA Visas
Jumping into this old thread to post a resource. Normally, I don't like to link to commercial sites that are off-topic or used to sell products, but Roseanna Wheeler compiled information about USA Travel Visas and so I am posting here as a possible resource on this topic.
In her words:
Quote:
We believe this is the most comprehensive page on the Internet about U.S. Visas. It covers everything from different Visa types, how to fill out the applications, and photo requirements, to what do about lost or stolen visas, expiration dates, and as much important information as we could find to help travelers.
We are updating it regularly to keep it as current. By sharing this knowledge, patients can get to U.S. hospitals, workers can get legal entry into the U.S., tourists can properly visit, refugees can make it into the U.S. and families can be re-united.
It does not clarify the most frequently raised issue.
Have only just caught up with this seven month old post.
After reading the complete page to which it links, I realised it does not clarify the situation for those who wish to travel to other North American destinations, once their visa to visit the united states expires. In fact it does not even make mention of that possibility. Most people who are coming for a holiday, know which visa they need, and where to get it, though the subtleties of the many different visas may escape them.
I was looking for clarification of the issue raised most frequently on forum, that of visiting other North American destinations after the usa visa has expired. With this in mind, I contacted the organisation via their live chat, and drew this to their attention. Here is the chat transcript (edited to delete irrelavancies):-
Quote:
Visitor
Your interesting and comprehensive page on visas to enter the united states, does not address a problem most often raised on the RTA forum.The issue of visiting Canada or Mexico or other places in North America AFTER the 90 days 0r 180 days of the visa have expired.
Austin
I will be with you in one moment after I review your question.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, I will alert our website team to this issue.
Visitor
It needs to be made clear how long one visa will allow a stay in NORTH AMERICA. As it is the understanding is that after the time in the united states the visa holder MUST leave the continent.
Many travellers come and plan to spend three months in the usa, and THEN some time in Canada or Mexico or Cuba or where ever in North America.
At present the understanding is that all travel in North America needs to take place BEFORE entering the united states.
Please clarify!
Austin
I will bring this information to the attention of our team that maintains the site! Thank you for bringing this up!
Visitor
How can I save this chat?
Austin
I can email it to you if you would like?
Visitor
Please do. Thank you.
I will post any response I get.
Lifey
I am not surprised.... they don't know.
Half a year later, and still no response from the above organisation. Guess they do not even know it is an issue.
I have written to the Embassy in Canberra, and stated the same questions. If/when I get a response, I will post it. Hope they are not impacted by the US govt. shutdown.
Lifey
