Hi,
I'm about to host my first guest this evening. It occu...
Latest reply
Hi,
I'm about to host my first guest this evening. It occurs to me only now that many people expect to have a key, but I'm ...
Latest reply
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!
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.
@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.
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.
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 🌻,
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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.
Hi @Oscar1208 😊,
thank you for letting me know!
Did any of the answers below help you resolve the issue?
If so, it's always a lovely gesture to mark it as the "Top Answer".
It's like a big virtual hug to the member who supported you but also to support other Hosts who may have similar questions in the future.
Warm regards🌻,
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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
@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.
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.