How to travel via the US (layover) on short notice after my UK British passport was stolen
I am in Ecuador without a passport and intend to fly to Bogota in a week, and back to London the following week. My scheduled flight from Bogota to London includes a layover in Miami.
In absence of my passport, as a UK citizen I understand that I can apply for an Emergency Travel Document (EDT). However, my ESTA document that allowed me to pass through the US on the outgoing trip will not be valid with an EDT. What do I need to do to get the documents I need to go through the US?
Best Answer
You'll need to have a transit visa for the United States. You can complete the DS-160 application form online, but you'll also need to have an interview at a US embassy or consulate. Because this is on short notice, however, you may also just wish to dial up the local US embassy/consulate and let them know the details of your situation to see if they can provide more specific guidance. The current processing time in Bogota for a C Transit visa (not a visitors visa) is five days, so you should be in luck, though, assuming you already have your ETD or you can get it issued very, very quickly.
You should also contact the British embassy/consulate. It's their job to provide assistance to British citizens and nationals travelling overseas, so if the US authorities are less than helpful, they may be able to help.
Under a special agreement with the United States, holders of a UK passport do not need six extra months of validity to enter the US. I don't know how long the Emergency Travel Document is valid for, but that should not inhibit you transiting via the US.
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How do I get an emergency British passport?
You need to book a passport office appointment and pay online. You can book an appointment up to 3 weeks in advance. If you need a passport to travel urgently for medical treatment or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, call the 'Passport Adviceline' instead.How do I get an emergency travel document?
If you need a passport for travel in an emergency (death or serious illness of a family member or for emergency medical treatment of the applicant), you can contact the Passport Service at +44(0)2073734339 between 09.00-16.30 Monday to Friday.Does USA accept emergency passports?
The Embassy/Consulates can issue emergency passports under very specific and limited circumstances. Emergency passports are normally limited in validity and cannot be extended. Furthermore, you must appear at the Embassy or Consulate in person, during business hours, to apply.What to do if you lose your UK passport abroad?
If you've lost your passport, you should notify the UK embassy, consulate or high commission in the country you're in. They can cancel it to prevent it being used by anyone else (you can also do this online), and so you can acquire documents to get you home.What to Do - Lost or Stolen British Passport
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