US Visa requirements when living in Caribbean [closed]

I will be moving to and living in the French Caribbean for 6 months. I have an EU passport so my stay there is covered by that. I don't know how we are getting there yet, but there is a high possibility that we will have to transit through America.

I have a valid ESTA for visiting the US for tourism purposes but reading the terms, they group neighbouring countries and the Caribbean into your 90 day maximum stay. It does say that this doesn't apply to Caribbean residents.

While living there, I will probably make a few short (1-2 week) visits to the US to visit friends.

If I am living in the French Caribbean, ie. it is not a visit for tourism purposes, do I need to go to a US embassy and get a full transit/tourist visa, or will my ESTA be enough?

As an EU citizen, I don't legally have to register as a resident in France but would this be advisable to make (re-)entry in the US less painful?

Best Answer

Your ESTA is fine, but do bring some documentation proving you do live in the French Caribbean. Make it abundantly clear, if need be, that the French Caribbean is covered by European Union rules, i.e. you have freedom of movement and need no visas or permits whatsoever (or even a passport) even to settle there for life.

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Are U.S. visas open for tourists?

Routine visa services remain limited at the U.S. Embassy Manila. Wait times for interviews are long, except for immediate relative applicants. For nonimmigrant visas, the Embassy is prioritizing applicants with urgent travel needs.

Is U.S. Embassy currently issuing visa?

The U.S. Embassy has resumed limited processing of immigrant visas, in accordance with the priorities set out by the Department of State. We ask for your patience as our current capacity for visa processing is severely reduced due to COVID-19 safety precautions.

Can I apply for a U.S. visa outside my home country?

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.

Are U.S. visa appointments open in Barbados?

Beginning May 3, 2021, the United States Embassy in Barbados is offering limited routine appointments for immigrant visa applicants. The U.S. Embassy in Barbados has resumed limited routine nonimmigrant visa services effective March 1, 2022.

US Visas for Caribbean Citizens

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