“COVID-19” Travel Updates

LOCAL
Experiences

Visas & Immigration

Trip
Visas & Immigration

So you’ve got the 3 Ps (passport, plane ticket, phone) packed for our Gulf Coast paradise? That’s a good start. Did you remember to check the expiration date of your passport as well? Great. U.S. citizens flying domestically don’t need to carry passports, at least for now. You do need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or photo ID card, though.

If traveling from abroad you also need additional documentation either in the form of a visa or an ESTA, in order to enter the U.S. Which one you need depends on your country of origin and the length of your stay.

We recommend checking this way in advance. You don’t want to enter a state of panicked frenzy just as you are about to take off upon realizing that you’ve overlooked this small, crucial detail. Or worse, only discovering your faux pas once you’ve landed and are being ushered towards border control in a single file lemming train of passengers.

 

Getting an ESTA

Currently, there are 39 countries participating in the so-called Visa Waiver Program. Travelers who hold passports from these countries can travel to the US for business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. You’ll just need to obtain an approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization Scheme (ESTA)

If your country is in the list you need to apply for an ESTA no later than 72 hours prior to travel to the U.S. You can do this online straight via US Homeland Security website. It costs  $14.00 and you usually receive a response within seconds of submitting the application. To ensure plain sailing, it is advisable to get this out of the way as soon as you start planning your trip.

 

Getting a VISA

If you need to stay longer that the permitted 90 days (and once you’ve gotten a taste of our award-winning beaches and laid-back lifestyle we don’t blame you), if you are an exchange student – or if your country doesn’t fall under the Visa Waiver Program – you will require a non-immigrant visa. This is a longer process where you need to tick all the requirement boxes.

Once you’ve submitted your application documents, which is subject to a fee ranging between $160-$205 depending on your visa, you will be cited for an interview. Head over to the U.S. Department of State’s website to check the step-by-step process and a detailed list of requirements.

Have Sun
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madisonavenue
madisonavenue
14. January, 2021.
Relax a little Wonderful way to relax and enjoy the sun, surf and sand. The air is clean and fresh and people seem nice!
The Bis
The Bis
13. January, 2021.
Clearwater memories Super nice beach, I personally like to stay by Pier 60. Totally worth spending the day at the beach. Parking right at pier 60 by hour, or valet park at the hotels off Cornado (Hyatt, Springhill, and Residence Inn for less than $20 for day) You literally walk across to beach and Pier 60 area is right there. Many shops off the beach area that are worth browsing as well as local bars and restaurants Easy to get to , straight shot from Tampa airport, over the bridge and your there!
Nat C
Nat C
7. January, 2021.
Worth the parking wait What a gorgeous beach. Powder white sand. Plenty of space. Nice waves. Parking is a challenge. Parking is sporadic and hard to find.
Prizzis
Prizzis
7. January, 2021.
Endless beach An immense, wide beach where you can walk for hours or even days. It is lined with the dense row of big hotels, though.
Teresa K
Teresa K
4. January, 2021.
Clearwater Beach Beach was very nice. If you don’t have your own chairs you can rent some. There’s a lot of seagulls around . Be careful if you want to eat chips or anything they will surround you. Besides that you will be satisfied with the area.
Michael R
Michael R
3. January, 2021.
Very nice place First time here and i must say this is a very nice beach, i have no complaints and anyone planning to come to clearwater should definitely do so. I highly recommend ????
circlemfarms
circlemfarms
3. January, 2021.
Nice!! Simple review.. Crowded so show up early to park and get a spot.. But very worth at least a day or two of any vacation! Clean.. have to give Clearwater credit.. it was super clean!!
OKY M
OKY M
2. January, 2021.
Plage ???? tres belles ! La Plage est facile d’accès et très belle ! Le sable blanc magnifique! C est une grande plage idéale avec les enfants
Sandrinna8
Sandrinna8
1. January, 2021.
Clearwater beach review The sand is super soft it does not stick to the skin the water is very clear and cold the beach is very clean and organized.