Hi guys, in a bit of a panic and need some advice. I'm visiting the US in July and have just applied for an ESTA and been refused, although my wife got hers fine when she applied later.

As I have a UK passport but am working in Switzerland do I have to now apply through the US embassy in Bern for a Visa and how long does this usually take ?

I will be flying out from the UK though - hope that doesnt make a difference ?

Thanks for your help in advance

Regards, CM

I've got a friend who works for the US embassy in Germany. I asked the same question before I applied for mine (as I have a slight tan and a goatee and therefore assumed they wouldn't let me in). Apparently it's not the be all and end all if you don't get it.

Will PM you after I speak to him

http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/esta.aspx

The answer to your question is down the bottom - enquire to the USA embassy.

The ESTA is a computer procedure, something about your application probably had a glitch, or they didn't like a number or something equally mundane...

By any chance is your passport close to expiry ? - that might do it...or you typed something in that doesn't match the paperwork...

Thanks my passport doesnt expire till July 10, not sure if thats what they regard as close.

I'll book an appointment with the embassy I think.

FYI - if you reside in Swissieland but you are a UK citizen, you can work with either embassy / consulate on a potential visa application.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/tra...cle2093092.ece

In Australia we are always recommended to travel on a passport that has at least 6 months left...

http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/...uirements.aspx

"Passport is valid for at least 90 days from date of entry into the United States."

Also, you may have trouble going to the UK too, as I think you need 6 months on your passport.

Basically you need to renew your passport.. now!

re passport: i suspect he means july 2010 perhaps?

Ah yes, sorry my bad

no need for that. (c; now that i read it again i think you might be right.

OP?

Sorry I did mean July 2010, I've booked my appointment anyways with the US embassy which only leaves me 6 working days between appointment and leaving for the US !

Has anyone had a similar appointment before and how long does it usually take ?

This is what I have gathered from the website:

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/WebHel...20application?

==What should I do if I am not approved for a travel authorization?== If you receive a Travel Not Authorized response to your travel authorization application, but wish to continue with your travel plans, please visit the United States Department of State Web site at www.travel.state.gov for additional information about applying for a visa. The denial of a travel authorization only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program and is not a determination of eligibility for a visa to travel to the United States.
In the event you are not approved for a travel authorization, no court shall have jurisdiction to review an eligibility determination under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.


Hope it helps.