Do I need a visa to go from UK to Buffalo, USA on to Niagara Falls?

Question

Hi

I've booked a week's holiday flying with Continental airlines from Edinburgh to Buffalo, New York but then travelling straight to Niagara Falls, Canada where my hotel is booked.Can anyone tell me if I need a Visa for the USA and/or for Canada, I'm a British citizen.

Have tried reading up on it, but getting confused with talk of visa waiver programmes.

Thanks for any help.
P.S. I'll send a postcard to the person that sends me the best, correct answer, lol.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I don't need a postcard but I can help you- to cross the boarder from USA to Canada you need your passport (along as when you'll be flying)

I'm not sure if you need a visa (I would ask a Travel agency)

TIP: when flying chew gum so your ears don't pop or listen to music:)

TIP: you should see the falls at night there lit up and really beautiful

Source(s):

travelled many times (mostly Europe)
live in Canada

Answer 2

Yes, you need a visa. Your own Department of State should be able to tell you how to obtain one. Be sure you give yourself at least six weeks - it can take that long and sometimes longer to get the proper paperwork done.

Answer 3

You should be able to make this trip under the visa waiver program, although there are restrictions. Full details from the link below.

Forget the postcard and buy yourself a beer overlooking the falls instead. Enjoy, cheers!

Source(s):

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/vis…

Answer 4

Ive been to Niagara Falls many times and I need my birth certificate to cross to the canadian side so I assume you would need it going there from England!

Answer 5

Most UK passport holders gain entry into the USA via the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You need a valid, machine readable or e-passport with an electronic chip.

See: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/vis…

Note: Failure to determine that your passport qualifies for the VWP may result in you being denied boarding by the airline.


Important: Some travelers may not be eligible to enter the United States visa free under the VWP. These include people who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law), certain serious communicable illnesses, those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the United States, or have previously overstayed on the VWP. Such travelers must apply for special restricted visas. If they attempt to travel without a visa, they may be refused entry into the United States.

Also note that having a visa or trying to gain entry via the VWP does not guarantee entry into the U.S.A

"After I have my visa, I will be able to enter the U.S., correct?
A visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry, and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector authorizes or denies admission to the United States."

http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions/q…

Source(s):

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/vis…

Answer 6

I'm a Canadian citizen, also a British National Overseas. I think it all depends on how long you plan on staying. As long as you have your United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland passport you are allowed into Canadian borders. I suggest you take a look at this site if you are visiting Canada:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index…
It states here that if you are visiting/staying in Canada you do not need to require a visa:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas…
As for travelling to America, sadly, I think you need to obtain a visa. I am not sure, but it is either Visitor Visa or a visa waiver.
Visitor Visa:
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/visitin…
Visa waiver:
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wi…
(It is said that the United Kingdom is one of the 27 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program.)
If you qualify for the Waiver program then you are able to travel to America without a Visa. "The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. "(from link provided)
So in conclusion, I am thinking you do not need to obtain a visa for visiting Canada and America. Unless you are staying for 90 days or longer. Hope this helped! :)

Answer 7

To put it concisely, British citizens do not need a visa for either the U.S. or Canada. See 1st site to see that the U.K. is on the visa waiver list. See 2nd site and scroll down to 3rd paragraph under "visitor visa exemptions" to see British citizens do not need a visa for Canada.

Source(s):

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/…
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas…

Answer 8

As long as you are a UK citizen and staying less than six months, no - just a passport is fine, although one or both nations might ask for proof of onward travel (i.e. back to Britain), so they know you do plan to leave again.

while I am a Yank, I have first-hand experience accompanying friends from Newcastle who did similar to what you are describing.