UK Citizen flying to US, then Canada, then back to UK - How does this affect Visa Waiver Program?
I'm a British citizen flying from London to Seattle in late May. My plan is to stay in Seattle for a few days, then travel south to Portland before flying up to Vancouver, Canada. From there I plan to spend a little over a week travelling east from Vancouver to Calgary, from where I will fly back to England. The whole trip will last less than 3 weeks.
I've searched at great length to find information on the rules regarding how this would work with Visa Waiver Program eligibility, as travelling into a bordering country doesn't count as leaving the US for the purpose of the 90 day stay limit. There's so much conflicting information though that it's stressing me out a bit!
Does anybody have any advice as to what might be my best course of action? Will I have problems entering the US because of this and what might I need to prove my exiting the US if I'm allowed in?
I've got my flights booked already, so I intend to evidence my full itinerary when arriving in the US (printouts of flight/bus bookings, hotels etc.), and I have my ESTA application complete. Is this enough?
Best Answer
There should be absolutely no problem with doing what you propose. You are correct that "travelling into a bordering country doesn't count as leaving the US for the purpose of the 90 day stay limit", but it does count as "leaving the US". In particular, since you are flying internationally from Portland to Vancouver, the US CBP will get a record that you have left.
If you ever have any doubt, you can look up your I-94 arrival and departure record online.
Pictures about "UK Citizen flying to US, then Canada, then back to UK - How does this affect Visa Waiver Program?"
Is Canada part of the US Visa Waiver Program?
Visitors to Canada who wish to travel on to the United States, and who are citizens of countries included in the program are eligible for visa-free entry to the United States.Do I need a visa for Canada and USA from UK?
Do UK Passport Holders Need a Visa to Go to Canada? UK passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to Canada.How many times can I use the Visa Waiver Program?
There is no limit on the number of times you may enter the U.S. under either ESTA of a visa.Can a UK citizen enter USA from Canada?
Generally, British Citizens are allowed entry into the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme (see also ESTA); however there are certain exceptions so we encourage you to check at the time of booking if any special requirements apply in your particular case.UK Immigration : No More Delay for UK Visa | Fast Visa Processing for International Students | UKVI
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Harrison Haines, javier gonzalez, Ethan Wilkinson, Pixabay