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

[David Thibault]

I don't know why but it just brings a smile to my face knowing that there
are folks around the world in our embassies that troll the pct-l and learn
about interesting questions to ask the 2 to 5 visa applicants they might
get each year looking for visas.  If your reading this - cheers, good job,
and I hope you get the bug to hike one of these great American trails one
day yourself.

Day-Late





> 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.
>
> .
>