For International Visitors - Chicago with Kids - page 273

Appendix A:
For International Visitors
W hether it's your first visit or your 10th, a trip to the United States may
require an additional degree of planning. This chapter will provide you with
essential information, helpful tips, and advice for the more common problems
that some visitors encounter.
1 Preparing for Your Trip
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Check at any U.S. embassy or consulate for current information and require-
ments. You can also obtain a visa application and other information online at
the U.S. State Department 's website, at www.travel.state.gov .
VISAS The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program allowing citi-
zens of certain countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up
to 90 days. At press time these included Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the
United Kingdom. Citizens of these countries need only a valid passport and a
round-trip air or cruise ticket in their possession upon arrival. If they first enter
the United States, they may also visit Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and/or the
Caribbean islands and return to the United States without a visa. Further infor-
mation is available from any U.S. embassy or consulate. Canadian citizens may
enter the United States without visas; they need only proof of residence.
Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least
6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the United States, and (2)
a tourist visa, which may be obtained without charge from any U.S. consulate.
To obtain a visa, the traveler must submit a completed application form
(either in person or by mail) with a 1 1 ⁄ 2 -inch-square photo, and must demon-
strate binding ties to a residence abroad. Usually you can obtain a visa at once
or within 24 hours, but it may take longer during the summer rush from June
through August. If you cannot go in person, contact the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate for directions on applying by mail. Your travel agent or airline office
may also be able to provide you with visa applications and instructions. The
U.S. consulate or embassy that issues your visa will determine whether you will
be issued a multiple- or single-entry visa and any restrictions regarding the
length of your stay.
British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information by calling the U.S.
Embassy Visa Information Line ( & 0891/200-290 ) or by visiting the Consular
Section of the American Embassy London's website at www.usembassy.org.uk.
Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the Embassy of
the USA Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Dublin 4, Ireland ( & 353/1-668-8777; or by
checking the Consular Section of the website at http://dublin.usembassy.gov.