Potential guest asked for pre-approval to help with getting a US visa (traveling from Italy)?

[Oscar1208]

I have a potential guest inquire about my listing. I believe they are traveling from Italy to the US for a few months. They asked if I could pre-approve the reservation to help them get their visa. They will not book yet until next week once they’ve entered the country. I always get suspicious when people message me asking for this type of help because I have traveled abroad many times and always make sure I have secured my hospital before I even hope on a plane! I understand you are required to provide where you will be staying so that part I get. Does anyone know anything that would help me address this? I also read that a pre-approval will not be sufficient when applying for a visa. Thanks!

[Elaine701]

@Oscar1208 

Yes, suspicious, because Italian citizens do not require a visa to visit the US. 

They do need to register with ESTA, the visa waiver programme, but it's not terribly difficult nor time consuming  nor costly. And I don't believe they need to enter an address where they are staying.

Suspicious. I'd decline. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Elaine701 Some Italian citizens will need a visa to visit the USA. I can say this because as a UK Citizen I still need a visa to visit the USA just because I spent time in Iran a few years back.

[Elaine701]

@Mike-And-Jane0 

Ok, but it still sounds suspicious 

Unless the host is desperate for bookings, I'd opt for decline

Otherwise, better ask a few questions and see how the guest responds.

[Elisa]

Hi @Oscar1208 😊, 

Thank you for asking this question here!

What do you think about our hosts' suggestions? Did they help you make a decision?

Don't hesitate to let us know.

Warm regards ‌🌻‌,

[Oscar1208]

Yes, everyone's input was helpful. I did tell the guest that even if I pre-approved it would only last 48 hours and wouldn't provide any sort of confirmation. 

[Helen3]

Pre approving a booking will do nothing to help a guest get a visa . They should just show immigration details of accommodation they are using on arrival @Oscar1208 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Helen3 If I remember rightly I had to say where I was staying on my visa application form for the USA. It was an absolute pain as I used to travel at short notice so I had to book a trip specially to allow me to apply for a visa.

[Helen3]

Yes you do but these guests could have just given customs the first place they are staying at. @Mike-And-Jane0 

They told @Oscar1208  they were staying elsewhere on arrival and would book while in the US with him.