US Visa advice for an African burner

[colinski]

Hey everyone

So, I'm planning on coming up to Burning Man next year from South Africa. Have any international burners had any problems getting a visa for the festival? Anyone have any advice?

Any advice on this would be muchly appreciated

Much love, and (hopefully) see you on the playa next year

[theCryptofishist]

I imagine that a simple entry/vacation visa is all that's needed.

Pleasure, Tourism, Medical Treatment - Visitor Visas (B-2) - As examples, if the purpose of your planned travel is recreational in nature, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature, and participation by amateurs, who will receive no remuneration, in musical, sports and similar events or contests, then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel.

More here.

Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law.

The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:

* The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
* That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
* Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
* Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad; and
* That they have a residence outside the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.

Yes, we are a little paranoid about people trying to emigrate. That's where you might run into trouble. And don't carry any drugs in, either. I hope that's self-evident, but there are some idiots on this board.
And I may be one of them. I've always traveled on a u.s. passport and in europe, so it's been pretty pro-forma. After reading the expectations that they have of you, I understand why you asked.

[phil]

Check here:
http://regionals.burningman.com/af_za.html

[dragonpilot]

When applying for your visa, it might be best not to mention that you're going to Burning Man...folks who have not been might not understand...especially if they have some kind of preconceived notion of what it's all about. Hey, you're just a tourist visiting the US...who cares where you end up?

[AntiM]

Reno has Hot August Nights, a car and BBQ festival at the same time as Burning Man. People understand food and hot rods!

[Boijoy]

yup. I miss the Rib Cookoff every year. DAMN IT !!!

[Oldguy]

I hear that Nigeria has lenient travel restrictions...

[Shambala]

I hear that Nigeria has lenient travel restrictions...

You probably could hide most of the camping gear and supplies in your underwear and no one would find it. The TSA would probably be distracted strip searching some elderly woman with a wheelchair and an oxygen tank!

Dimwits!

[Ugly Dougly]

Now be nice, guys!

[Edana]

I'm a South African expat living in the US. I'll give the following tips based on family members attempting to get visas to come visit me:

Make sure you have evidence of a "reason to return" to SA. A letter from your job, proof that you have accounts or credit cards that you are paying, proof of a car or car loan, rental agreement/home loan info etc.

Be honest (but not too honest) about where you'll be - say something along the lines of I'm going camping, or I'm going to a festival.

If at all possible, have proof that you have a personal relationship with someone in South Africa who is not travelling with you - a fiancee, girlfriend, child etc. Unfortunately having just your parents there is not considered enough of reason to return by some of the people working in the Embassy in Pretoria.

Have proof that you have enough money for your trip.

And good luck!

[jkisha]

I hear that Nigeria has lenient travel restrictions...

You probably could hide most of the camping gear and supplies in your underwear and no one would find it. The TSA would probably be distracted strip searching some elderly woman with a wheelchair and an oxygen tank!

Dimwits!

LOL did you hear the one about a 2 year old getting a pat-down because the baby's name was the same as someone on the no-fly list. (No really!)

JK

[lambert13]

.

LOL did you hear the one about a 2 year old getting a pat-down because the baby's name was the same as someone on the no-fly list. (No really!)

JK

Gotta watch those little bastards. I don't trust toddlers as far as I can throw em. Well, that's pretty far, so probably considerably less than I can throw them.