[pct-l] visas for hikers coming from the UK

[Tracy Fisher]

A while ago there was an email thread for non-Americans coming to do the trek and asking about visas.  While I can't speak for countries other than the UK I can finally give some feedback and advice to anyone in this situation, as my Scottish partner was successful in getting her visa yesterday from the London US Embassy. 

In a nut shell: 

The visa most people will need is called the non-immigrant B-2 visa which allows a person to stay in the US as a tourist for up to 6 months from the moment they step into the US.  For most tourist activities Brits come in on the tourist visa waiver program which allows them to stay in the US up to 3 month. So, if they want to stay longer then will need the B-2 visa.  Unlike the Visa Waiver,  the advantage of the B-2 visa is that they can extend the visa for up to another 6 months once in the US.  Note: when applying for the B-2 visa you will need to ask for a multiple entry addition to it so that you can go into Canada and back into the US if you need to.  

This visa will require a 15 minute interview where you should be prepared. What was interesting about the interview were the questions that were asked.  The immigration officer obviously knew about the PCT as he asked specifics that only someone researching the hike would know, for example what boots will you be wearing (answer being that most people don't wear boots but instead shoes like trail runners). In fact, it was the answer to this question where the officer looked at her, smiled and said "your application is approved". 

Anyway, it's a bit nerve racking especially because for the past 6 months this hike has been almost an obsession with us and we would have been heartbroken if our visa application had been denied.