![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
1 Jun 2002
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London
Posts: 14
|
|
can german and swiss passport holders enter usa overland wit
hi all,
can german and swiss passport holders enter the united states of america overland with a tourist visa?
johannes and i are in mexico right now and would like to enter the usa in tijuana. johannes is going to canada and i will continue to alaska.
regards,
philipp
__________________
Live the dream and encompass the spirit of adventure.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
2 Jun 2002
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Seattle, WA - USA / Oltenita, ROMANIA
Posts: 97
|
|
Under the US Visa Waiver Program, certain passport holders can enter without visas. Switzerland and Germany are both included and you can enter overland. What you will need is proof of good financial status and to fill out a form "Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival-Departure Record" also known as I-94W. You should be able to obtain it at the border. The cost for the form is $6.
------------------
-----
Improvement makes strait roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement, are roads of Genius - William Blake
__________________
Improvement makes strait roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement, are roads of Genius - William Blake
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
5 Jun 2002
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London
Posts: 14
|
|
thank you very much for the reply.
johannes and i are in acapulco now and will be crossing into the usa next week. i will then post again how it went.
regards,
philipp
www.panamerica.co.uk
__________________
Live the dream and encompass the spirit of adventure.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
5 Jun 2002
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 71
|
|
Yo Philipp,
I guess your question comes from my having to get a visa to cross overland. As a New Zealand passport holder I was informed by the US Embassy that I needed a Visa to do so when entering with a vehicle, and that the 90 day waiver does not apply.
I'll be interested to see how you two get on.
And yes, the mosquitos here in the Amazon are frequent, thirsty and annoying....
Chow
Jeremy
Kourou, French Guiana
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Jun 2002
|
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Posts: 10
|
|
Jeremy,
As with lots of regulation-based law, this is an issue that can confuse.
Normally citizens of Visa Wavier Program countries can enter the US without a visa. There are exceptions to this, but arriving overland or driving a vehicle is not one of them and has no impact on an individual's visa requirements, or immigration status.
The exceptions are explained at:
http://travel.state.gov/vwp.html
There has been talk of reducing the 90 day limit for a stay without a visa to 30 days but I don't know if/when this will come into effect.
Hope this helps Philipp, if everything else is in order, you should have no trouble.
Cheers,
Brian
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Jun 2002
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 71
|
|
Hi Brian,
As the document you provided the link for says ;
"would a citizen of a VWP country ever need to apply for a visa?
Certain travelers still need to apply for a visa, such as those who plan to work or study in the U.S., stay more than 90 days, or who might otherwise be ineligible for a visa. Travelers previously denied visas, or who have criminal records, or who believe they may be ineligible to enter the U.S. on the VWP, should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before attempting to travel on the VWP."
So, when I talked with the US Consulate, they advised simply and clearly, yes I do need a visa, and no, the VWP does not apply in my case. Hence they provided me with a 10 year Multi Entry Visa which now sits in my passport. Does this mean the US Consulate is confused ?
Upon reading that document further, specifically the part about entering the US;
"Entry at a land border crossing point from Canada or Mexico is permitted under the VWP. Travelers who apply for entry at a land border crossing point are not required to present round-trip transportation tickets or arrive at the border entry point aboard a carrier who has signed an agreement with the U.S. to participate in the VWP. All other VWP requirements apply to such travelers."
Entering on my own bike is as you will notice, not covered by this description. Perhaps that's why I received the official advice that I did.
Still, border crossings are a fickle thing, as I noticed when Brasilian customs refused to accept my German issued Carnet de Passage, as the zealous official noticed that Brasil is not listed on the back as one of the countries where the document is valid. In Bolivia, a country which is also not listed, they were happy to see the Carnet..., you figure it out....
Philip is a reasonably honest looking guy, (as long as he's shaved that is )and he should have no problems, although I suspect that Johannes will be arrested...
Cheers
Jeremy
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
10 Jun 2002
|
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Posts: 10
|
|
Hi Jeremy,
I does appear that you received incorrect advice from the consulate staff in NZ if you intended to stay less than 90 days.
The consulate in Lagos advises the opposite on this type of enquiry as does INS (the organization that actually mans the borders)
Regardless, our clean shaven traveller seems to be set for a problem free crossing. Sounds from your description that Johannes should just turn himself in to the police.
I know what you mean about border crossings being fickle. I'm about to head out on my bike to re-cross some of the more corrupt African ones.
Good luck on the road.
Cheers,
Brian
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Jun 2002
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London
Posts: 14
|
|
hi jeremy,
it was so easy to cross the border into the usa, it really surprised us.
when asked if i had a visa, i told them that the usa embassy in germany told me that i didn´t need one and that i could enter on the visa waiver. at this time i was still wary if i would be able to enter the counrty. the guy said yes that this is true and you could hear my fears hit the floor. it the visa waiver cost us 6 usd.
what really surprised me was that we didn´t have to fill out any paperwork for the motorbikes. strange considering the hassle we always had to undergo to cross borders in south and central america.
in the end everybody was very helpful and seriously interested in our trip.
__________________
Live the dream and encompass the spirit of adventure.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Jun 2002
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 71
|
|
Any insurance requirements ??
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Jun 2002
|
![Susan Johnson's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal013.gif) |
Administrator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,008
|
|
You will certainly need 3rd party liability insurance in Canada, as it is illegal to drive without it, and you should have it for the US as well.
See the HUBB for a post on this topic:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000154.html
Andy Miller recently got insurance through Sunrise Direct, cost about US$300 for $300k of liability insurance, which was the maximum they would do. It's valid for Canada and USA.
Links to Sunrise and other companies can be found on the Trip Planning page:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...cycleInsurance
------------------
Susan Johnson
"It matters not what goal you seek
Its secret here reposes:
You've got to dig from week to week
To get Results or Roses."
Edgar Guest
'One world, two wheels'
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|