Honolulu Travel Forum

Hey, hows it going people

Just wondering what paperwork is required apart from Aussie passports for 2 aussies to visit Honolulu in May next year????

cheers

John

Australia is one of the 27 countries on the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
However, new rules have taken effect on certain aspects of the program.
More importantly, additional rules will come into effect after 12 Jan 2009.
This means your visit in may 2009 will have to comply with the new system.

Here's a brief look at what's relevant:

1. The VWP allows admission for 90 days if you are visiting the US for business or pleasure.

2. If your purpose is work, study, or stay for more than 90 days, you are not eligible for VWP and you need to get a visa. (Note that work includes any form of assigned journalism.)

3. Until 12 Jan 2009, the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) is voluntary. After that date, you must go through the ESTA. This can be completed online and is a fairly simple process.

4. Your Australian passport doesn't need to be an ePassport for entry under VWP, but it must be machine-readable. (If your passport has two lines of 44 characters at the bottom of the personal particulars page, it is machine-readable. If not, call 131232 and speak to someone at the Australian Passports Information Service).

5. Before you check in for your flight, keep your Honolulu address handy. (You will need a valid and complete destination address regardless of whether you are staying at a hotel or with buddies or with relatives.) The most important part is the ZIP Code. You have to fill in a valid ZIP Code. If not, you won't be allowed to board.

6. Incidentally, you will be fingerprinted and photographed on arrival.

7. You will also be given an Arrival-Departure Record (the 'I-94') on entry. Hang on to it until it's taken away by your departure airline when you check in for your return.

Additional Notes:
= If the person travelling with you is a child, you need more paperwork.
= If you have a criminal record (even for a minor offence or for an ancient one), be prepared for more paperwork.

For more information, this link might be helpful:
http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/niv/vwp.html

Have fun.

cheers mate ...appreciate the advice.

Huh???
What has Vietnam got to do with the OP's question???

Here's some good news that should help to reassure you on the 'safety' question:


Honolulu has the lowest crime rate among US cities with a population of more than 500,000 people, according to a new study by CQ Press, the book publishing arm of Congressional Quarterly.

The study, called “City Crime Rankings 2008-2009: Crime in Metropolitan America,” ranked Honolulu 113th in the nation overall for crimes committed in 2007. The study examined six categories — homicide, rape, burglary, robbery, aggravated assault and motor vehicle theft..


You can read more at http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2008/11/24/daily14.html