International Hikers

Gettin there & away

Getting There

Historically Barney & Sandy Mann (Scout & Frodo) would collect you from San Diego Airport, put you up for two nights, run you around for Sim's and supplies and drop you at the terminus. The pandemic has seen them closing their home to hikers though they were planning to retire their altruistic efforts back in 2020. You can find their latest plans on their website as well as a section dedicated to International Hikers.

From the Airport | The San Diego Flyer is a free electric shuttle bus service between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Old Town Transit Center. The electric shuttle bus operates seven days a week, with an arrival every 20-30 minutes. Pick up and drop-offs are timed to meet the first and last Trolley, Coasters, Amtrak trains, and MTS busses with the first pick up at 04:45 and the last pick up/drop off at 00:30.

To The Terminus | There's a hiker run shuttle service that collects you from the Old Town Transit Centre from Feb 28 through to May 31. Collection is at 09:30 and 14:00 (getting to the terminus at 11:30 & 18:00) and stops enroute at:

San Diego REI for curb-side pick-up and/or in-store shopping.
The Campo Green Store.
Campo Post Office.
Camp Lockett Event & Equestrian Facility for those who plan on camping (1/4 mi from Southern Terminus)
PCT Southern Terminus.

At $40 a head an Uber ($60-$70) is a cheaper option for a group.

There is public transit available from San Diego to Campo on weekdays only. It takes 3 to 4 hours and you will be dropped off about 1.5 miles from the southern terminus.

From the airport, catch the 992 bus (in front of the baggage claim area of terminal 1 or terminal 2). This bus runs every 15 minutes on weekdays, every 30 minutes on weekends. The fare is $2.50 and you need correct change. The ride takes about ten minutes.

Get off at Santa Fe Depot/American Plaza. Purchase a ticket for the tram at a vending machine. Price is $2.50 and the machines give change up to $5. Take the Orange or Green trolley to the El Cajon Transit Center. Each trolley runs every 15 minutes. The ride takes 50 – 60 minutes.

From the Transit Centre Take the 894 bus, which departs at 8:30 am, 11:45 am, 3:00 pm, and 5:45 pm. The fare is $8 (exact change). The ride to Campo takes a little under 2 hours. Tell the bus driver you want to be let off at the PCT stop at Forest Gate Road. It’s a 1.6-mile walk to the southern terminus.

There are no accommodation options in Campo. Camp Locket is the closest camping spot and is free of charge.

Visa

Visa's

If you want to stay in the US for 6 months you need a non immigrant B2 Tourist Visa. It is valid (you may start your trip) for 10 years. You may also extend it form 6 months to 12 months while present in the US.

It costs £120.
Ordinary (non-COVID) Processing time is 10 days.
There as designated collection points around the UK.
You may opt to pay a courier fee of £16 to have it delivered anywhere.
You must travel to the Embassy in London (or the consulate in Belfast) for a Visa Interview.
You must pay the fee prior to booking an interview appointment.
The fee is non-refundable and is valid for 6 months.
You may change your interview date as many times as you like within that period.

The Interview | You must attend in person and cannot take any electrical devices into the building, except a mobile phone.

You Must Take |

Current Passport valid for travel to the United States. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the United States.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Confirmation and Instructions page.
One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) colour passport photo taken within the last 6 months.
Accompanying family members, unless entering the United States for another purpose, should present a marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificate (for unmarried children under 21), as applicable.

Supporting Documents |

You'll need to convince the immigration official of your ability to fulfil your intentions, take physical copies of:

PCT Permit confirmation.
Bank Statement.
Itinerary.
Gear list/receipts.
Other Visa's such as your Canadian ETA - or other onward proof that you're actually leaving.

Barney & Sandy Mann (Scout & Frodo) will allow you to use their address for your application, just drop them a courtesy email first.

Convictions | If you have ever been arrested, convicted, or cautioned you are required to furnish a police certificate from the ACPO Criminal Records Office. Spent convictions must be declared.

Canada | The Northern Terminus is in the US, but only just. The smaller iron obelisk marks the border. There's no border control office there and you could stroll right into Manning Park, British Columbia if you wished. The Canadians have thought of this and issue a special PCT 'stroll into Canada PCT Visa'.

You must print, sign, scan and return the form. Which is a logistical pain in the arse on trail. You also cant apply until 6 months before you intend to enter meaning unless you're running it, you'll have to do it on trail. You should allow 8 weeks for processing. You also need an 30 day eVISA or ETA if you're an international hiker. You can get one here, with little fuss.

If you're planning on staying longer than 30 days then you need a 90 day Tourist Visa from a Canadian Embassy as well as your PCT Visa. .

Once authorised you must carry your PCT Visa with you at all times.

Sims

SIM Cards

Make sure your handset is Unlocked.

Setting up a phone contract in the US can be a hassle and not cheap. AT&T is the best choice for international thru-hikers and will continue to work (on the same terms) in Canada and Mexico. Expect to spend around $50 per month. There's discounts for more than one line.

Verizon does not work for phones with sim cards.

Most of the discount services (such as at Walmart) have hidden fees and high start-up costs which doesn't make sense for a 6-month hike.

If you're staying with Scout & Frodo they have a a representative from AT&T come to you.

Insurance

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