Colorado Plateau - San Rafael Swell Rides
Utah
USA
The San Rafael Swell is 28,000 square miles of uninhabited wilderness--nearly three times the size of Rhode Island without a single human resident. The Swell is a gigantic bubble in the earth's crust which has eroded into a maze of deep, multi-hued canyons punctured by the mesas, buttes and pinnacles typical of the world famous canyonlands geography. Riders will explore intricate trails established by native Americans, herdsmen and outlaws during the day, then hear stories about these trailblazers while relaxing around the camp fire at night..
Always a high point of the trips are views of mustangs or bighorn sheep which occur, with rare exception, daily. From a deluxe basecamp riders will visit Red Canyon, The Penitentiary, The Chute, Muddy River Gorge, Chimney Canyon Gorge, Head of Sinbad, Courthouse Butte, Family Butte, Golden Gate, Twin Priests, Devil's Monument, Devil's Racetrack, Joe and his Dog, Sid's Mountain, Swasey Arch, Dutchman Arch, Saddle Horse Canyon, Cold Canyon, The Snake Dance pictographs, South Fork pictographs, The Blue Man pictographs, and more.
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Meeting:
Torrey at 8 PM in the common area of your lodge
Airport:
Moab, UT or Las Vegas
Transfer:
Moab to be paid locally
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Rates and Dates for 2009
Rates include:
Tent accomodations with first night at hotel, all meals except Day One, 5 riding days, all taxes
| A | 2009 | 6 day Camping ride, AP | 6d / 5n | $1490 |
| Single supplement for first night hotel and single tent | $65 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Moab (flight/road) pp return (min 2)
- to be paid locally
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$370
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Transfer from Moab UT is at an additional cost.
Best to drive in on your own.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
| A |
2009
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05/04
- 05/09
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6d / 5n
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3
/10
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Sold Out
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Reserve
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| A |
2009
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08/27
- 09/01
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6d / 5n
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3
/10
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
09/03
- 09/08
|
6d / 5n
|
3
/10
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
10/12
- 10/17
|
6d / 5n
|
3
/10
|
Available
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2009
|
10/21
- 10/26
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6d / 5n
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3
/10
|
Available
|
Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Gratuities, meals first night and alcoholic drinks
Suggested Arrival Time
In the afternoon of Day 1 you may check-in your room at the pre-arranged accommodation in Torrey, Utah.
However, you may want to arrive earlier to visit attractions in and around Torrey. These include Capitol Reef National Park and it's Visitor Center, Historic Fruita, Historic Torrey Church and School House, Anasazi Museum State Park, Petrified Forest State Park, Fish Lake, and dozens more public and private sites. We can reserve additional pre-trip (and post-trip) lodging upon request.
The following is a sample itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive scenic Torrey, Participants will meet at 8:00pm in the common area of your lodge. We will have an orientation and final packing session at this time. Meeting and lodging locations will be specified at least 4 weeks prior to arrival.
Day 2
After breakfast, you'll travel a short distance down the road to Hondoo headquarters. You will leave your car here. Transfers will be provided as needed. We'll pack your gear in the camp 4X4, meet the remainder of the crew and your horse, then depart (9:00am) for our basecamp at the old mining camp on Muddy Creek.
Day 3
After breakfast and preparing lunch, ride 4-6 hours before returning to camp situated under majestic cottonwoods along the picturesque stream.
Day 4
Daylight at the Muddy Creek camp brings the prospect of visiting the magnificent Chute gorge and Chimney Canyon. You should note that you will always arrive back at camp with plenty of daylight and time to clean up and enjoy hors d'oeuvres before dinner.
Day 5
Mustangs are numerous along the stream where they come for water from their pastures in the deep side canyons. Binoculars are a must.
Day 6
Departure day. After packing personal gear and breaking camp, riders return through the multi-hued Navajo sandstone domes littered to exchange your saddle seat for the drive back to headquarters. You arrive Torrey in the late afternoon.
Itinerary Changes
Although every attempt is made to adhere to itineraries, participants need to acknowledge and willingly accept the possibility of route and itinerary changes due to factors beyond the control of the operator. Mother nature and government land managers have on rare occasions, thrown us a curve ball (i.e. a freak two foot snowfall and camping restrictions due hazardous fire conditions).
Meeting:
Torrey at 8 PM in the common area of your lodge
Airport:
Moab, UT or Las Vegas
Transfer:
Moab to be paid locally
Transfer from Moab UT is at an additional cost. Best to drive in on your own.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Quarter and Quarter cross
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Pace:
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5-6 hrs per day; 6 - 12 miles
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
8
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Weight:
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Max
300
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Riders:
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Min
3
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Max
10
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Suitability
While no previous riding experience is required, participants should be in good health and physical condition. And although the minimum age of eight years is required, the important point you should understand is that we do not want to put any participant in a situation which they are physically or emotionally unable to handle. An appreciation of the outdoors is the only prerequisite for joining a trip.
You'll ride at a pace that is comfortable for the group, sometimes splitting into two groups, one faster for the hearty rider, and one well-paced but leisurely for those who wish to take time relishing the beauty and wonder of the sights. All riders will then regroup and make a lunch stop together. Following the afternoon ride you will return to camp with plenty of time to clean up and relax before dinner.
Guests/Hikers
It should be noted that although these trips are designed to accommodate hikers as well as riders, if you plan to combine both activities, let us know so we may plan for appropriate personnel and horses before the last moment.
If you want to accompany someone on a trail ride but you are not a rider, or you simply want to spend time camping and relaxing in a wilderness setting, or you want to hike this spectacular landscape, then you're welcome to join a trail ride. Although the trips are designed for riders, it is not uncommon for participants to not ride one or more days. Daily guided hikes will venture forth as arranged. Non-riders may travel with the cook and campjack to and from the base camp, however we should know in advance.
Horses: Our remuda consists of ranch raised Quarter Horses with a few Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Mustangs. Most of the horses we've bred and raised ourselves.
Saddle Time: Usually about 6 hours; more or less time if desired or circumstances require. On camping trailrides you'll ride to and from basecamp on first and last day of riding, otherwise, ride or rest as you please. Trail conditions range from good to rugged, over rough and rocky terrain. Distances covered between camps usually range from 6 to 12 miles. We sometimes divide the group and approach camp from different trails. Stops at scenic features and Indian rock art panels are common.
About Your Guides:
Patricia Kearney or Gary George, lead each and every trip. Pat and Gary have been guiding backcountry travelers for over three decades. They are joined by Paul Nelson, their lead interpretive specialist, and a small group of seasoned guides who share a similar interest and enthusiasm for the canyonlands.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
Utah's portion of the Colorado Plateau region is a semi-arid tableland or steppe ranging in elevation between 3,800 ft. and 11,500 ft. with vegetation classified as upper-Sonoran to Alpine. This landscape is famous for it's dynamic elevation changes with hundreds, even thousands, of feet change literally in one step.
The key word in this description, as far as weather is concerned, is semi-arid. It is generally dry with most precipitation falling as snow in the winter and occasional thunder storms during the summer. Higher elevations are cooler and receive more moisture than lower environs. Hondoo's trips explore the lower, slickrock and pinyon-juniper forested areas on spring and fall trailrides. In the heat of the summer, ponderosa-pine or aspen-spruce forests form the backdrop for experiencing the canyonlands. Trip temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees daytime or 40 degrees at night. With warm days and cool nights, it is best to layer your clothing to maintain comfort and you should always pack rain gear just in case.
GENERAL CLIMATIC FEATURES -Essentially, Utah's climate is determined by its distance from the equator; its elevation above sea level; the location of the State with respect to the average storm paths over the Intermountain Region; and its distance from the principal moisture sources of the area, namely, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Also, the mountain ranges over the western United States, particularly the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges and the Rocky Mountains, have a marked influence on the climate of the State. Pacific storms, before reaching Utah, must first cross the Sierras or Cascades. As the moist air is forced to rise over these high mountains, a large portion of the original moisture falls as precipitation. Thus, the prevailing westerly air currents reaching Utah are comparatively dry, resulting in light precipitation over most of the State.
TEMPERATURE - There are definite variations in temperature with altitude and with latitude. Naturally, the mountains and the elevated valleys have the cooler climates, with the lower areas of the State having the higher temperatures. There is about a 3° F decrease in mean annual temperature for each 1,000-foot increase in altitude, and approximately 1.5 to 2° F decrease in average yearly temperature for each one degree increase in latitude. Thus, weather stations in the southern counties generally have average annual temperatures 6 to 8 degrees higher than those at similar altitudes over the northern counties.
PRECIPITATION - Precipitation varies greatly, from an average of less than five inches annually over the Great Salt Lake Desert (west of Great Salt Lake), to more than 40 inches in some parts of the Wasatch Mountains. The average annual precipitation in the leading agricultural areas is between 10 to 15 inches, necessitating irrigation for the economic production of most crops. However, the mountains, where winter snows form the chief reservoirs of moisture, are conveniently adjacent to practically all farming areas, and there is usually sufficient water for most land under irrigation. The areas of the State below an elevation of 4,000 feet, all in the southern part, generally receive less than 10 inches of moisture annually.
A parent must sign a waiver if a rider under 18 chooses not to wear a helmet.
We recommend that you:
1) pack as light as possible,
2) pack practically and with a utilitarian eye, and,
3) pack so you may layer clothing for warmth.
We provide each guest with water-proof gear bags for personal items.
Participants on our trail rides will be assisted with final packing during the pre-trip orientation, the evening prior to departure.
Inclusions for All Trail rides
-all meals from lunch on day two through lunch on the last day with special diets accommodated
-the first night lodging in Torrey
-ground transportation from Torrey, and return
-complete outfitting with deluxe base camp including cooking and dining tents, showers and chairs
-canvas sleep tent with choice of one or two person, or family occupancy
-sleeping bag and six inch foam sleeping pad or cot
-water bottles, saddle bags and quality tack
-daily guided horseback riding or hiking
-seasoned mountain horses for novice or experienced riders
-guitarist and interpretive specialist well versed in canyonlands social and natural history.
Additional expenses:
State of Utah sales tax, airfare, rental car, personal items and alcoholic beverages. You should note that trip prices have been discounted to reflect the added expense for car rental incurred in reaching Torrey. In the final analysis, the cost for this quality trip make it one of the best buys in the adventure travel market. Also, for those participants who appreciate a cold beer after an eventful day or relaxing around the campfire with a cocktail, enjoy, but bring spirits in unbreakable containers if possible.
| this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or jeans (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots (Heeled, smooth soled,) + full or Mini chaps |
| Riding helmet- optional item except for riders under 18 years of age. |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Rain coat and pants |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Long underwear and warm socks |
| Pajama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Camp Shoes |
| Swimwear (optional item.) |
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| For Camping trips: We provide |
| Sleeping Bag and ground mat and gear bag |
| Light tent |
| Canteen |
| Saddlebags or day pack is provided |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Towel and bio degradable soap |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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Randi Weiner
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9/24/2007
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Marion McLean
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9/22/2007
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..view other reports for different trips
Camps
All trail rides utilize a base camp arrangement with daily forays to different points of interest. This allows us to spend less time packing and unpacking, and more time riding and seeing the country. Campsites are located in primitive, backcountry areas which we seldom use more than once or twice each season. Low- impact camping techniques are practiced. Tents provide our home away from home. Cook tent, dining tent, shower tent and latrine tent round out the facilities. Chairs are provided.
All trips feature deluxe provisions and complete outfitting. We strive to provide the highest level of comfort while practicing low impact, not primitive camping. Don't misunderstand us - we are not a white glove, tuck you into bed outfit. We do provide camp chairs, primitive shower, sleeping cot or 6' pad, tent, fresh food, iced drinks, etc., to make the trip more pleasant and restful. The rides explore many of the physiographic sections or landforms located in the Colorado Plateau west of the Colorado River and the Green River.
Trail conditions range from good to rugged, over rough and rocky terrain. Distance covered between camps usually range from 6 to 12 miles (3 to 6 hours in the saddle) although longer or shorter days do occur. We sometimes divide the group and approach camp from different trails, with one group going the rugged or longer route and the other taking the gentler way. Side rides from camp are customary on short days. Stops at scenic features and Indian rock art panels are common. Geology and history are emphasized. You may use your personal horse.
CAMPING Trailrides Include:
*All taxes and land-use fees--nearly 10%.
*All ground transportation from Torrey, UT & return.
*First night motel lodging in Torrey.
*Four nights at a deluxe basecamp deep in the backcountry.
*All meals from lunch on day two through lunch on day six, including fresh produce, hot and iced drinks.
*Canvas tents for cooking, dining, showering and sleeping (single, double or family occupancy).
*Sleeping bag, cot and foam pad.
*Camp chairs, coolers and other camp amenities.
*Waterproof gear bags, water bottles, saddle bags and tack.
*Seasoned mountain horses.
*Guides/wranglers, cook, camp-jack and interpretative specialist.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Suitability
While no previous riding experience is required, participants should be in good health and physical condition. And although the minimum age of eight years is required, the important point you should understand is that we do not want to put any participant in a situation which they are physically or emotionally unable to handle. An appreciation of the outdoors is the only prerequisite for joining a trip.
You'll ride at a pace that is comfortable for the group, sometimes splitting into two groups, one faster for the hearty rider, and one well-paced but leisurely for those who wish to take time relishing the beauty and wonder of the sights. All riders will then regroup and make a lunch stop together. Following the afternoon ride you will return to camp with plenty of time to clean up and relax before dinner.
Guests/Hikers
It should be noted that although these trips are designed to accommodate hikers as well as riders, if you plan to combine both activities, let us know so we may plan for appropriate personnel and horses before the last moment.
If you want to accompany someone on a trail ride but you are not a rider, or you simply want to spend time camping and relaxing in a wilderness setting, or you want to hike this spectacular landscape, then you're welcome to join a trail ride. Although the trips are designed for riders, it is not uncommon for participants to not ride one or more days. Daily guided hikes will venture forth as arranged. Non-riders may travel with the cook and campjack to and from the base camp, however we should know in advance.
Horses: Our remuda consists of ranch raised Quarter Horses with a few Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Mustangs. Most of the horses we've bred and raised ourselves.
Saddle Time: Usually about 6 hours; more or less time if desired or circumstances require. On camping trailrides you'll ride to and from basecamp on first and last day of riding, otherwise, ride or rest as you please. Trail conditions range from good to rugged, over rough and rocky terrain. Distances covered between camps usually range from 6 to 12 miles. We sometimes divide the group and approach camp from different trails. Stops at scenic features and Indian rock art panels are common.
About Your Guides:
Patricia Kearney or Gary George, lead each and every trip. Pat and Gary have been guiding backcountry travelers for over three decades. They are joined by Paul Nelson, their lead interpretive specialist, and a small group of seasoned guides who share a similar interest and enthusiasm for the canyonlands.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Quarter and Quarter cross
|
|
Pace:
|
|
5-6 hrs per day; 6 - 12 miles
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
8
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
300
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
3
|
Max
10
|
Suitability
While no previous riding experience is required, participants should be in good health and physical condition. And although the minimum age of eight years is required, the important point you should understand is that we do not want to put any participant in a situation which they are physically or emotionally unable to handle. An appreciation of the outdoors is the only prerequisite for joining a trip.
You'll ride at a pace that is comfortable for the group, sometimes splitting into two groups, one faster for the hearty rider, and one well-paced but leisurely for those who wish to take time relishing the beauty and wonder of the sights. All riders will then regroup and make a lunch stop together. Following the afternoon ride you will return to camp with plenty of time to clean up and relax before dinner.
Guests/Hikers
It should be noted that although these trips are designed to accommodate hikers as well as riders, if you plan to combine both activities, let us know so we may plan for appropriate personnel and horses before the last moment.
If you want to accompany someone on a trail ride but you are not a rider, or you simply want to spend time camping and relaxing in a wilderness setting, or you want to hike this spectacular landscape, then you're welcome to join a trail ride. Although the trips are designed for riders, it is not uncommon for participants to not ride one or more days. Daily guided hikes will venture forth as arranged. Non-riders may travel with the cook and campjack to and from the base camp, however we should know in advance.
Horses: Our remuda consists of ranch raised Quarter Horses with a few Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Mustangs. Most of the horses we've bred and raised ourselves.
Saddle Time: Usually about 6 hours; more or less time if desired or circumstances require. On camping trailrides you'll ride to and from basecamp on first and last day of riding, otherwise, ride or rest as you please. Trail conditions range from good to rugged, over rough and rocky terrain. Distances covered between camps usually range from 6 to 12 miles. We sometimes divide the group and approach camp from different trails. Stops at scenic features and Indian rock art panels are common.
About Your Guides:
Patricia Kearney or Gary George, lead each and every trip. Pat and Gary have been guiding backcountry travelers for over three decades. They are joined by Paul Nelson, their lead interpretive specialist, and a small group of seasoned guides who share a similar interest and enthusiasm for the canyonlands.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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