Processing time for US visa?

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Anyone applied for a US visa recently, how long did you wait to get it?

TIA

 

[Jola]

Only took a couple of days after the interview.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Only took a couple of days after the interview.

Thanks! Hope it's like that for me too. Only managed to get an appointment on the 6th of September after leaving it a bit late My trip is on the 7th of October so have 30 days.

 

[Arthur]

Plenty time. First USA visa, or a renewal?

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Plenty time. First USA visa, or a renewal?

First time, looking forward! Always wanted to do a US trip.

While on the subject, between these two routes which do you think is the better option:

CPT -> London -> Denver (British)

or

CPT -> Joburg -> Washington -> Denver (SAA)

 

[crackersa]

First time, looking forward! Always wanted to do a US trip.

While on the subject, between these two routes which do you think is the better option:

CPT -> London -> Denver (British)

or

CPT -> Joburg -> Washington -> Denver (SAA)

Whats the total travel time including lay overs? Take a jacket as well

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Whats the total travel time including lay overs? Take a jacket as well

They're both quite similar, the SAA one is a few hours shorter as BA has a very long lay-over in London. I prefer not being rushed though and the SAA one leaves little to no room for delays.

SAA is 27 hours and BA is 30 hours total travel time.

 

[Arthur]

Exciting.

For me the best route depends on the layovers.

If you have 6-8 hours in London and a UK visa, then it might be nice to see mates/fam for a few hours. I've never cleared passport control in Denver so can't say whether it's easier/faster than DC. Personally, I'd try London-Denver.

It's a looong flight to DC, but at least when you clear passport control you're in. When I was last in DC the Homeland Security official who cleared me was named Mohammed Abubakr, a huge strapping black guy. Brilliant.

 

[crackersa]

Agree with arthur.

 

[Arthur]

Denver airport is out in the sticks. Flew in and out a few times. High up like Joburg. If you have time, take the train over the Rockies to SFO.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Agree with arthur.

BA it is then.

 

[Surv0]

got an interview on the 17th Aug, also hoping for a quick turn around. Will be first one.. B1/B2.. heard it lasts for 10 years?

 

[bwana]

They're both quite similar, the SAA one is a few hours shorter as BA has a very long lay-over in London. I prefer not being rushed though and the SAA one leaves little to no room for delays.

SAA is 27 hours and BA is 30 hours total travel time.

How long is long? Either way you're going to need a visa if you're flying on a SA passport. You'll either need a Direct Airside Transit visa, if you're not leaving the airport, or a Visitor in Transit visa which gives you up to 48 hours. Make sure they're valid for multiple entries since you'll be coming back that way too.

 

[Jola]

You don't need a airside visa in the UK if you have a US or Canadian Visa, and are on your way to North America.

Went through Heathrow in June with no UK visa, was fine. But you have to stay airside.

 

[Arthur]

On the other hand, if you go via DC, spend a day or two there. Much to see there, especially museums, monuments and memorials. No building is higher than the Capitol.

 

[Uga2506]

I went for my visa a couple of weeks ago. My appointment was scheduled for Monday 14:00, the interview took a whopping 5 minutes and 3 days later got an sms saying my passport was ready for collection. Colorado is absolutely stunning.. are you planning to see anything else while you are in the states? We're going to Texas and Georgia in December.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I went for my visa a couple of weeks ago. My appointment was scheduled for Monday 14:00, the interview took a whopping 5 minutes and 3 days later got an sms saying my passport was ready for collection. Colorado is absolutely stunning.. are you planning to see anything else while you are in the states? We're going to Texas and Georgia in December.

I honestly have no idea what to expect, it's for a company conference and only going for 6 days so won't be going anywhere else I don't think.

 

[cguy]

You don't need a airside visa in the UK if you have a US or Canadian Visa, and are on your way to North America.

Went through Heathrow in June with no UK visa, was fine. But you have to stay airside.

Just to confirm, at this time, this is correct (you can do the "do I need a visa" test on the UK visa site to get this result).

 

[cguy]

They're both quite similar, the SAA one is a few hours shorter as BA has a very long lay-over in London. I prefer not being rushed though and the SAA one leaves little to no room for delays.

SAA is 27 hours and BA is 30 hours total travel time.

I've done both legs several times. I strongly recommend going via London (or anywhere in Europe). The direct flight from Jhb to Washington is terribly long. It really does make a difference if you can minimize continuous time in the air. 15-17 hours is just so much worse than 10-11 hours. I remember sleeping for a 6-7 hours, then waking up, and realizing, oh, crap - I still have 8 hours to go, and I can't bare to sit in this seat another 5 minutes. Yech... I've done that twice now, and the through-London route maybe 10+ times.

There is usually a long layover in one direction in Heathrow - I suggest getting into a lounge while you wait. If you're not going first/business class there are some pay-for lounges that are at least better than hanging around in the noise, sitting on uncomfortable seating for hours, and queuing for bathrooms.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I've done both legs several times. I strongly recommend going via London (or anywhere in Europe). The direct flight from Jhb to Washington is terribly long. It really does make a difference if you can minimize continuous time in the air. 15-17 hours is just so much worse than 10-11 hours. I remember sleeping for a 6-7 hours, then waking up, and realizing, oh, crap - I still have 8 hours to go, and I can't bare to sit in this seat another 5 minutes. Yech... I've done that twice now, and the through-London route maybe 10+ times.

There is usually a long layover in one direction in Heathrow - I suggest getting into a lounge while you wait. If you're not going first/business class there are some pay-for lounges that are at least better than hanging around in the noise, sitting on uncomfortable seating for hours, and queuing for bathrooms.

Thanks for the advice. I have had gone ahead with the flight via London, sounds better too me too. I hate flying