GetSetJetSet

A friend with UK/NZ passports is based in Mexico and wondering if he can enter US (from CUN) by air. The internet seems to say entry by air with ESTA is Ok, but i’m not sure, any data points?

YYCCL3

I think this post might help:

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32504205-post456.html

:D!

If they have an NZ passport then why not just use that to avoid any confusion about the ban applying to people who have been in the UK rather than UK passport holders

GetSetJetSet

perfect, this person lives in Mexico and has been there for months, thx!

pazza2000

Also interested in any and all routes a UK passport holder can enter the US from Europe on an ESTA? Is flying via the UAE and direct into the US an option (Sep. ticket)? What about Bulgaria / Romania, albeit I don’t think they have direct flights! Have a recent negative test result and it’s a bit of an emergency to get over, however appreciate it’s maybe no easy feat.

sam737

why bother with ESTA since the entry is by land? ESTA is only for those WWP who arrives to US on boat or flight.

GetSetJetSet

I think the US-Mexico land border is closed. This is about UK citizens entering by air from Mexico.

garykung

ESTA does not dictates which port of entry a traveler uses. So your friend is good to go.

Often1

1. The US-Mexico border is not closed.
2. Entry to the US is based on where one has been for the 14 days immediately preceding entry, not citizenship. Thus, a UK/NZ citizen who has not been in the UK (or any other of a host of countries) for the past 14 days, is not excluded by virtue of her citizenship in either or both.

olegator

My Dad and my Stepmom have an idea about sneaking to USA to meet their friends and relatives during Christmas time. All moral and etethical questions aside – can they want to do it as per plan below:



Dec 8 Departure from EU using the direct flights to MX

Bru(lux) – AMS(CDG) – CUN (MEX)

Chill out 15ish days there,

Then have a flight MEX (cun) – SEA

Chill out in US for some time and going back by something like

SEA – ATL – DUS (cdg)- BRU (lux)



P.S. Dad has visa waiver, stepmom has B1/B2 Visa valid for 5~ish more yrs.



Seems legit to me – but do you think this plan has a right to live? Any caveats?

LondonElite

That is currently permitted. Has nothing to do with sneaking in.

MDTyKe

Correct on #2, but #1 is unintentionally misleading. The US-Mexico border *is* closed for the majority of purposes. As no "border" exists by flying, with it being no different than say describing the US/UK border. A correct term to use, which describes the situation, is that the US-Mexico land border is closed for the majority of purposes, but flying remains 'open'. If OP is entering under the provisions of the Visa Waiver Program, it's safe to say they are entering in for short-term business or tourism. If business, you could make a case for the land border.

However, if business, the OP could contact the US Embassy/Consulate near them and request a National Interest Exception, so they can fly directly. They're giving them out quite easily these days (for business travel), as I think the general consensus is that it'll be lifted soon anyway.

ExpatExp

The border is of course not closed, and I would say that it could encourage confusion to use such phrasing. The border is open, and certain types of travel across the border are not permitted, as is always the case; there are always certain types of travel that are forbidden across open borders.

Also, at the moment, there is a longer list of forbidden types of travel across the open border, because of the virus. The fact that virus-related travel restrictions have been added to the pre-existing list of restrictions does not close the border, though I'm sure it could feel that way to some people.

Fortunately, this is a great route for visitors from Europe, and two friends have used this approach over the past few months. I made it down to Mexico recently also. Certainly recomend it for those who have time to spare

olegator

They are back. Everything went super smooth.

They did change the ticket which was originally trough AMS as they were unable to do the test on time to the XXX-SLC-ATL-FRA-XXX one and arrived 1 day later than the initial plan.

So, they are super happy about it and sending you guys their regards 😊

lhrsfo

Looking to do this later this month. LHR-MEX-SFO-LHR. However, my ESTA expired last year and I didn't renew it as was just about to renew it. This is now done. Should I apply for the ESTA while still in London, or wait until I'm in Mexico? Are they even issuing them in London?