VISA Waiver program US: possible or not
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Northampton UK
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I flew from Arizona to Vancouver BC in January, but being chicken left the plane at Bellingham and got a rental car. Returning to the US, the border guard queried the Colorado plates on the rental car and asked where I'd got it. When I said 'Bellingham' he got really curious about how I'd got there and a 15 min conversation about private flying ensued. To cap it all he said "why didn't I just fly into Canada illegally?".
After this, I went to the CBP office at Bellingham and asked them what the position really is. They didn't know and we had a long discussion about the pros and cons. It seemed they wouldn't normally quibble about somone turning up in these circumstances, but I was referred to a specialist officer who was out that day. I still have his phone number but never followed it up.
So I think the answer is, get a prior agreement from CBP at the port of entry or don't do it. They are perfectly approachable people although they may not say what you want to hear.
After this, I went to the CBP office at Bellingham and asked them what the position really is. They didn't know and we had a long discussion about the pros and cons. It seemed they wouldn't normally quibble about somone turning up in these circumstances, but I was referred to a specialist officer who was out that day. I still have his phone number but never followed it up.
So I think the answer is, get a prior agreement from CBP at the port of entry or don't do it. They are perfectly approachable people although they may not say what you want to hear.
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: LONDON
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My first ever visit to the US was by driving from Vancouver to Seattle, no thought of incorrect visa and no probs getting in/out.
Did the Bahama's trip a few years ago and again no probs with visa's, the only potential problem for anyone wanting to take a US registered aircraft outside US territory is the "Tax" problem on the aircraft.
I flew with Dean Aviation" from Tamiami and they only had two C172's that were allowed to leave/enter the US, and then we had to climb to 3000+ to get a unique transponder code before crossing the "ADIZ" or be met then by a US interceptor.
Did the Bahama's trip a few years ago and again no probs with visa's, the only potential problem for anyone wanting to take a US registered aircraft outside US territory is the "Tax" problem on the aircraft.
I flew with Dean Aviation" from Tamiami and they only had two C172's that were allowed to leave/enter the US, and then we had to climb to 3000+ to get a unique transponder code before crossing the "ADIZ" or be met then by a US interceptor.
Join Date: May 2015
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hi,
i called us customs yesterday. leaving and entering the us on a private plane like an excursion is possible if:
- you have entered the us before on a major air carrier using the Visa Waiver Programme
- you stay within the 90 day rule
all other restrictions and rules apply i.e. eAPIS and Aircraft regulations
i called us customs yesterday. leaving and entering the us on a private plane like an excursion is possible if:
- you have entered the us before on a major air carrier using the Visa Waiver Programme
- you stay within the 90 day rule
all other restrictions and rules apply i.e. eAPIS and Aircraft regulations
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SAYE
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+1 with B2N2 and flat6!
Next time, suggest calling AOPA (or NBAA), they have the correct information as they deal with these issues all the time. Whereas an Embassy or even the CBP might not convey the correct information.
Next time, suggest calling AOPA (or NBAA), they have the correct information as they deal with these issues all the time. Whereas an Embassy or even the CBP might not convey the correct information.
