Travel Advice: Overstaying your welcome

At this time of the year many young people head off to enjoy the summer working and holidaying in mainly the US, Canada and Australia. It is nice to be welcomed into another country but overstaying your welcome can have some long-term consequences. These apply to everyone, not just students.

The country that takes it most seriously is the US. You can stay there for four months on a J1 and 90 days with an Esta.

If you overstay your J1 or the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta), you can be barred from entering for three to 10 years. That means you cannot even transit through the US. Visa Waiver status will be revoked and you will have to apply for a visa each time you want to travel to the States. Applying for a visa now costs €160 and means a 16-page form and an interview.

The Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) allows for up to three months for business or tourism. Working visas can vary in length. If you overstay by more than 28 days you will be subject to an exclusion period of three years. After the exclusion period you can apply for the ETA.

In Canada the border officer determines how long you can stay. You must have an ETA and generally stays of up to six months are allowed. You can apply to extend your ETA online.

If you overstay, you may be denied entry in the future. If travelling between the United States and Canada you will need an ESTA and an ETA.

Thailand takes a dim view of visitors who overstay their welcome. Generally visitors' visas are for up to 60 days, every day you exceed that you will be fined 500 baht, €12.50. If you get caught by Immigration police, they will put you in jail until the fine is paid and your exit ticket purchased.

jscales@irishtimes.com