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holiday visa to usa

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  • 10-07-2014 10:44pm
    #1
    brookers
    Registered Users Posts: 376 ✭✭


    Hi there, hope you can help. In 1992 i was refused a holiday visa from the american embassy in london, i was working and living there at the time. I got a stamp on one of the last pages of my passport, it just said us embassy london or something like that. I now hope to go for a holiday in December and was just wondering do i have to go to us embassy for an interview for a visa or can i just fill out the form at the airport.......


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    #2
    athtrasna
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,420 ✭✭✭✭athtrasna


    You no longer fill in the form at the aiport, you have to apply online in advance for ESTA approval One of the first questions the site asks you is if you've ever been refused a visa/entry to the US. If so you will be directed to make an appointment with the embassy to apply for a visa, you are not entitled to use the ESTA process for Visa Waiver Countries.

    Don't be tempted to lie. Make your embassy appointment before you book your flights.


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    #3
    brookers
    Registered Users Posts: 376 ✭✭brookers


    Hi There, got approval on line from esta, absolutely delighted as now do not have to go to embassy. Said on the application i had been refused holiday visa but as it was 22 years ago they probably thought it wasnt really an issue now.......


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    #4
    coylemj
    Registered Users Posts: 25,445 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    brookers wrote: »
    Hi There, got approval on line from esta, absolutely delighted as now do not have to go to embassy. Said on the application i had been refused holiday visa but as it was 22 years ago they probably thought it wasnt really an issue now.......

    Nevertheless............ ESTA approval does not guarantee you entry to the US, it's simply a pre-check to see if you're on a banned list or if you recently overstayed a visa or travel permit. Have your story ready and proof of a hotel booking, return flight etc. as it's likely the history of the earlier refusal will appear when your details come up on the agent's screen in the airport. It will be in your favour that you declared it even though it was a long time ago but it doesn't mean you won't get asked a few extra questions, just be prepared.


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    #5
    brookers
    Registered Users Posts: 376 ✭✭brookers


    Thanks for that, will have all ready in preparation for their questions, will be going for a holiday for a week so will have flight times, hotel etc and money in my account (hopefully)!!! heres to the big apple......


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    #6
    slimjimmc
    Registered Users Posts: 7,787 ✭✭✭slimjimmc


    ESTA is just travel approval to allow the airline fly you, so I'd still have chat with the embassy even if it's only for peace of mind. They might advise you to bring additional proof that you have strong enough ties here to bring you back home.


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