Do I need an ESTA or Visa as a spouse of a US citizen, traveling from the UK?
My husband is a US citizen and I am a Canadian citizen. We both live in the UK and are planning to travel to the US in September. I believe I am eligble to travel to the US (from the UK) because we are 'close family members' and can provide our marriage certificate. However I am unsure about what documentation I need, and whether it's a ESTA or visa or nothing at all. We will only be in the US for 5 days. Any help or guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks, Nicole
Best Answer
So you have two different factors at play, and I'll answer both of them
You're Canadian, traveling on a Canadian passport (visa requirement)
You don't need a visa or ESTA to travel to the US
You are married to a US citizen and both of you are travelling from the UK (COVID-related ban)
Travelers from the UK were banned from entry under PP 10143 even those who don't need a visa for entry
However, the text of the proclamation says that the entry ban doesn't apply to:
(iii) any noncitizen who is the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; (You)
As recommended by the US Embassy in the UK, carry documentation to prove your exempt status (marriage certificate) and follow your destination state's requirements for quarantine
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Can my UK spouse travel to the US?
Common-law spouses and partners may be eligible to apply for B-2 visas. If they wish to visit for vacations only, they may apply for visitor (B-2) visas, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).Can U.S. citizen spouse travel to US?
If you are a U.S. citizen you have two ways to bring your foreign spouse (husband or wife) to the United States to live. They are: Immigrant visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (IR1 or CR1) - An immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 is required.Do I need an ESTA for USA from UK?
The United Kingdom is just one of the countries beneath the US Visa Waiver Program, that are eligible for a US ESTA. To put it differently, you need an ESTA to go to the US if you are traveling from the UK. But, remember that you must be a British Citizen to apply for this document.Does my wife need a visa for USA?
If you are a U.S. citizen, once you file Form I-130, your spouse is eligible to apply for a nonimmigrant K-3 visa. This will entitle him or her to come to the United States to live and work while the visa petition is pending. To petition for this benefit, file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fianc\xe9(e).Traveling to the US? Here is a short guide To visa free travel for uk citizens.
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