Hi,

We are from Belgium and are planning a trip to the US in 2018 (start February). First plan is to stay around 10 months in the US (+Alaska) and Canada with our motorbikes. Shipment of the bikes to the US won't be so easy, Canda would be easier due to the rules. (As far as I can find information on the Web).
Concerning the Visa it seems to be even more complicated. Can anyone provide me somemore information (or has experience) with the easiest way. What I understand is that with a ESTA you can stay no longer than 90 days in the country. If you want to stay longer you can aply for a Visum but this is more complicated.
Any information customs is also welcome of course.

Thanks,

David

Hi David,

Am planning a trip through America & Canada beginning in May 2017. Flying the bike out to Anchorage, Alaska & driving down to Mexico, gonna take 6 months to do this.

I have a 6 month visa for America. An ESTA is only valid for 90 days & non extendable .

Visa is complicated but not impossible. You have to prove that you can support yourself & that you will exit America. This would be like having something important to go back home for eg. owning your own house, business, kids or whatever. The Americans are really scared that people will stay & work in the country. If you want to work you have to apply for a different type of visa & not a tourist visa.

Go onto the American government site and familiarize yourself with the requirements.

Visa application is online then an interview. It is important to have everything ready & in order.

I was also dead nervous about my application, even though I have traveled a lot & had loads of experience applying for visas, but it all worked out in the end.

Good luck, I hope it all works out okay

Vince

Hi Vince,

Thank you for the information. The limited time of an ESTA is the reason why Iw ould aply for a Visa but I hear all kind of stories.
One last question, maybe you can confirm this, is it correct that the duration of the Visa is given when you enter the country and not of front (if so this is a bit hard to plan your trip upfront).

David

Hi David

The visa is valid for 10 years from date of issue. I have a B1/B2. I think that when I arrive the border security person will ask me how long I want to stay. They may also ask for proof of income to support your stay for that time. I think that if you meet all the criteria it should not be a problem. I also believe that the visa is extendable. I told them 6 months in the embassy.

Once the embassy approves your application for a visa you should be okay. The embassy in Amsterdam did ask me for proof of income, but didn't want to see copies of my bank account. They also check you out for criminal activity

Make sure that you have no stamps from countries that are enemies (axes of evil thing) of the states in your passport

Because I am entering Canada from a land border I don't need a Canadian ESTA. But in your case, shipping to Canada, check out what you need & if it is multiple entry...... up to Alaska & back down again.

Where are you exiting the states??? Mexico?? or shipping back to Belgium?? If you are shipping back out to Belgium then being able to show the security the ticket should be enough.

Yes I know that it's nerve wrecking trying to sort this out. The embassy in Amsterdam don't have just an info counter, it's all online. Does the USA Belgium one have an info counter with a real person??? or a tel. number?? If so get in contact with them.

Make sure that you have all the criteria & can prove it. Dave, just take a deep breath, jump in, swim but go with the flow ....

If I can help anymore let me know....

Vince

Hi Vince,

I have done some more reading and you are correct. Six months for the visum.
First we planned to ship to Canada but now we would like to ship to the states and drive via Canada towards Alaska and back. Will see...
I did find a tel number for Belgium but this was only to plan the interview. First step now will be to make the shippment more or less concrete. I'm still trying to find a contact number, if I could manage to have somebody on the phone I will be more than happy to share my information.
This is part of the trip I suppose

Keep you updated

Hi Dave,

By the way .... firstly just seen that you are new on the HUB .

I agree with you, get your shipment sorted out first, also your travel budget. Then apply for the visa.

Try looking for travel blogs from other Belgiums and ask them their experience. One blog that I was following was this one:

Wanderingsouls.be - Nomad Lifestyle

Mail them & ask for their experience on the US border.

There are or where a couple of Dutch & Belgium travelers on the HUB but they seem to be quiet at the moment, but if you see any blogs just get in contact & ask them.

Yep once everything comes together & you are on the road this stress time will be all part of the fun particularly when you meet some other travelers & are chilling & ......

I will be flying the bike to Anchorage using an English company, "motor freight" Begin point is London Heathrow. Exiting the states via Mexico..... love tacos

Have Fun ..... Vince