We Want To Go To America

[ThaiPauly]

My Wife and I are having Christmas in the UK this year...we have some free time before we return to Thailand, I really have on my "Bucket List" "visit New York before I peg it."

This would be an ideal time

My Wife is in BK now sorting her visa for the UK..no problems expected, she has ben twice before, but what hoops would we have to go through to get to New York?

Do I need a visa?

How easy is it for my Wife to get one?

I know things are real tough in the States right now as far as visas go.

Have I got Bob Hope ...or No Hope.?

Where should I start...and is it worth it?

Thanks in anticipation

TP.

We have a freind in the UK who works for United Airlines so we should be able to get a good deal on flights if this is a Go-er..it all helps

[Mossfinn]

Hi TP,

I have linked a Thread from a successful Meme recently, she happened to be in Chaing Mai lately, so if you get no responses perhaps a pm might be helpful.

Good Luck

Moss

[jdinasia]

The fact that your wife has traveled internationally and gone back 'home' and that you are together and going on vacation together makes it pretty likely that a visa will be granted .... unless you have a history we don't know about

Apply and go for it, it might be best if you were around for her interview but it isn't required. I am unsure about your need for a visa but if you look at the US embassy website for the country you hold a passport from I think it'll tell you.

I have several thai friends that have never had issues getting visas for the US.

[DirectorIntegrityLegal]

What passport do you hold?

[citizen33]

The fact that your wife has traveled internationally and gone back 'home' and that you are together and going on vacation together makes it pretty likely that a visa will be granted .... unless you have a history we don't know about

Apply and go for it, it might be best if you were around for her interview but it isn't required. I am unsure about your need for a visa but if you look at the US embassy website for the country you hold a passport from I think it'll tell you.

I have several thai friends that have never had issues getting visas for the US.

I took my wife to Canada last year from the UK but after looking into it decided not to apply for a US visa. The Canadian visa cost about £60 for a Thai national and did not require an interview. There were no hassles on entry or while there. The US visa would have necessitated a longish trip to London for the mandatory interview and cost quite a lot more (too lazy to check exact amount). In the end my wife got no nearer than looking across the river at Niagara but Canada is certainly an alternative worth thinking about.

If you are a UK citizen you can probably get in with no problems under the visa waiver program. However there are a few nasty little conditions hidden in the fine print. For example, if you have ever been arrested but not convicted (something that happened to quite a few of my student friends) you need a visa.

Edited October 14, 2008 by citizen33

[ThaiPauly]

Thanks for the positive replies people.

I have been to the US before, but it was pre-9/11 and none of us needed a visa then.

I have never been arrested (probably should have been) LOL.

Canada sounds great, but New York would be better as the trip is only going to be for three of four days.

My Wife has already seen most of the sights of London, so as its her birthday I think we will try and see what can be accomplished to get there.

Many thanks

TP

[thaihome]

Should not be a problem for the wife to get a US visa. Assuming you are a resident of Thailand, then showing your ties to Thailand and since she is your legal wife she has ties to you they should give the visa no problem. Her having traveled before helps as well. They very likely will give her a 10 year multi entry.

TH

[glyph]

You can fly into Canada, and drive over the Canada/US border with no problems.

[gk10002000]

UK citizens fall under the Visa Waiver Program. Thai citizens have to go through a lot of paperwork. Start now. US officials are underpaid.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

One word of caution if traveling here that time of year, NY air traffic and street traffic can be really really bad. Whatever you plan to do, leave lots and lots of connection or travel time. NY subway system really is pretty good and you might enjoy the comparison with UK's system. Online maps are available. Manhattan is easy to get around. "fill up" ticket with cash or credit card or debit card and use as you go. Similar to BKK's BTS.

Chinatown has lots of Thai, Malay and Indonesian restaurants. Little Italy is not much. Empire state building has nice views. Be warned they search and screen you as if you are getting on a plane. So don't carry a knife, "leatherman" multi purpose tool, etc. Lines can be long. I am sure you can look up all that other fun stuff, shows, eateries, etc. Do hit some of the street food. They have some pretty awesome hotdog stands.

Most Cabs are metered so better than average chance you won't get ripped off much. Manhattan traffic is bad. Car rental is iffy unless you are heading out of the city.

Transport to and from the airports can be a pain. In the USA, due to labor disputes, taxi unions etc., mass transit often does not go direct to the airport. Buses can be awkward.

Happy trails.

[ubonjoe]

This link will help also. Non immigrant visa page at US embassy website.

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html

[storminnorman]

You can fly into Canada, and drive over the Canada/US border with no problems.

You are behind the times. Full ID check is now enforced. Even US citizens require a passport, or official ID such as drivers licence AND birth certificate. Without a visa she will not get in.

[anothertorres]

You can fly into Canada, and drive over the Canada/US border with no problems.

You are behind the times. Full ID check is now enforced. Even US citizens require a passport, or official ID such as drivers licence AND birth certificate. Without a visa she will not get in.

Plus, you would have to fly into Toronto (which is just as good if not better than NYC, imho), drive 2 hours down the QEW to Buffalo and then another 7 hours to get to the outside of NYC. Passport is most certainly required but you won't face the gestapo, but you might face long border crossing times.

Also, the weather can be treaturous that time of year, certainly in and around the Buffalo to Syracuse area. Driving might not be risky, but could turn a 7 hour drive into 9-10 hours.

[cecco]

Regarding the USA.

I am a native and keep a house in the USA. I live in Thailand as an expat, and am single (no g/f or wife or etceteras).

This being said, before anybody plans to go the USA, they should know the risks. These are rarely given to you openly by the media, or the government agencies.

Please allow me to post 2 websites with excellent information on the dangers of going to the USA at this point in history:

1. http://m3report.wordpress.com/

2. www.americanpatrol.com/

These two sites will give you much exposure to the war that is going on there right now. Frankly, I have an American passport, I am a native Oregonian, and I have a very beautiful home on the Rogue River. ....................... I AM AFRAID TO GO HOME NOW !!! It's not a good place any more. Sorry, I just want people to know the risks of going to the USA ! It just isn't the safe country that it used to be.

My Wife and I are having Christmas in the UK this year...we have some free time before we return to Thailand, I really have on my "Bucket List" "visit New York before I peg it."

This would be an ideal time

My Wife is in BK now sorting her visa for the UK..no problems expected, she has ben twice before, but what hoops would we have to go through to get to New York?

Do I need a visa?

How easy is it for my Wife to get one?

I know things are real tough in the States right now as far as visas go.

Have I got Bob Hope ...or No Hope.?

Where should I start...and is it worth it?

Thanks in anticipation

TP.

We have a freind in the UK who works for United Airlines so we should be able to get a good deal on flights if this is a Go-er..it all helps

[bKkRk]

Regarding the USA.

I am a native and keep a house in the USA. I live in Thailand as an expat, and am single (no g/f or wife or etceteras).

This being said, before anybody plans to go the USA, they should know the risks. These are rarely given to you openly by the media, or the government agencies.

Please allow me to post 2 websites with excellent information on the dangers of going to the USA at this point in history:

1. http://m3report.wordpress.com/

2. www.americanpatrol.com/

These two sites will give you much exposure to the war that is going on there right now. Frankly, I have an American passport, I am a native Oregonian, and I have a very beautiful home on the Rogue River. ....................... I AM AFRAID TO GO HOME NOW !!! It's not a good place any more. Sorry, I just want people to know the risks of going to the USA ! It just isn't the safe country that it used to be.

Henny Penny! Henny Penny! The sky is falling! Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a load. You should stay out of BKK too Cecco. Stay safe.

Pauly - You should have no problems getting a visa for your wife. As a Brit, I don't believe you need one. You should start the process now, but with the economy as it is they will probably most happily welcome you as tourists. Holidaze in NYC are amazing. Have a great trip. Oh, and do NOT bother with the Canadian border. You are much better off going through Laguardia or JFK.

[anothertorres]

Regarding the USA.

These two sites will give you much exposure to the war that is going on there right now. Frankly, I have an American passport, I am a native Oregonian, and I have a very beautiful home on the Rogue River. ....................... I AM AFRAID TO GO HOME NOW !!! It's not a good place any more. Sorry, I just want people to know the risks of going to the USA ! It just isn't the safe country that it used to be.

are you serious? that is the most ridiculous comment i have seen in my time here at TV. what on earth would make you afraid to go back to the United States? i think instead of posting links, you should speak for yourself (if your intention is on helping anyone make a decision). i'm astounded and absolutely at a loss for words.

please people, do not listen to this fear mongering. i am a born and raised New Yorker and there is aboslutely no reason to fear a trip to the United States.

heavens to betsy!

[gunnyd]

Regarding the USA.

I am a native and keep a house in the USA. I live in Thailand as an expat, and am single (no g/f or wife or etceteras).

This being said, before anybody plans to go the USA, they should know the risks. These are rarely given to you openly by the media, or the government agencies.

Please allow me to post 2 websites with excellent information on the dangers of going to the USA at this point in history:

1. http://m3report.wordpress.com/

2. www.americanpatrol.com/

These two sites will give you much exposure to the war that is going on there right now. Frankly, I have an American passport, I am a native Oregonian, and I have a very beautiful home on the Rogue River. ....................... I AM AFRAID TO GO HOME NOW !!! It's not a good place any more. Sorry, I just want people to know the risks of going to the USA ! It just isn't the safe country that it used to be.

Hmm 2 websites about illegals crossing the US/Mexico border? What does that have to do with this topic? Afraid to go to The United States of America??? Why pray tell, do you have a warrant out for your arrest in the US?

As for safety, you are never "safe". But on the upside (downside for some) The Big Apple has been pacified and Times Square Disneyfied. It is much safer to visit than it was when I was born there..

To the OP: Go to the Embassy, fill out the papers for the wife, and get her a travel visa. Enjoy a visit to the formerly gritty streets of New York and have a great time.