German national visiting Bahamas from USA

[A340-600]

Hi,

as a german national I plan to fly to Florida next year and would like to make a side-trip to the Bahamas by private plane.

My questions:

- When re-entering the USA, do I need a Visa or not?

My understanding was that I do not need a Visa if I do not leave the US back to Germany after the (during first entry) assigned last departure date, but that I only need the stamped I 94 form, showing that I am legally in the US and within the allowed period. So, my second question:

- Having this stamped I94 form seems to be absolutely necessary when arriving by private plane. However, after the implementation of ESTA, do you still get these forms on your incoming plane from Germany (will be US Airways)?

Yours,

Matthias

[bruceba]

Originally Posted by A340-600

Hi,

as a german national I plan to fly to Florida next year and would like to make a side-trip to the Bahamas by private plane.

My questions:

- When re-entering the USA, do I need a Visa or not?

My understanding was that I do not need a Visa if I do not leave the US back to Germany after the (during first entry) assigned last departure date, but that I only need the stamped I 94 form, showing that I am legally in the US and within the allowed period. So, my second question:

- Having this stamped I94 form seems to be absolutely necessary when arriving by private plane. However, after the implementation of ESTA, do you still get these forms on your incoming plane from Germany (will be US Airways)?

Yours,

Matthias

If your trip to the Bahamas is less than one month and still in the 90 days of the VWP you are OK.
BUT you are NOT able to return to the US on a private plane without a visa.
You must pre-clear US immigration in the Bahamas and depart commercially.