New Guide Discussion: Beat the impending ESTA charge

whatajoke1

jodiwa wrote: »

I am of the opinion that they should be reported to the police and the UK passport office because they are collecting peoples personal details fraudulently which can be used to identity fraud.

errr. no. Whether you or I like it, they are offering a service. And to quote prominantly from there main page

"Please note that the information about ESTA as well as the application is completely free. Our fee is for using our check and send service in making this application process as quick and as easy as possible, providing you with our full help and support, free update service, quick and secure payment through HSBC, providing a downloadable copy of your approved application in "pdf" format, and an email confirmation which will be sent upon successful authorization."

aceyoung

Hi! Thanks for your help. Sorry for the late reply, I haven't been on the site for a few weeks. So am I righ in assuming that 1 ESTA application will last for multiple trips? I was in Chicago a few weeks ago and completed the ESTA then. I plan to go back in a few weeks, only for a few days, I just want to make sure that I don't need another one?
Thanks again for your help!

whatajoke1

aceyoung wrote: »

So am I righ in assuming that 1 ESTA application will last for multiple trips?

Yes, it lasts for 2 years or till the end of your passport (whether is expires or is nicked) or if any of the ciscumstances change - ex. you get done for certain crimes etc

SaintMark

I haven't got a passport. Is it worth doing it just in case I go to the USA in the next 2 years, or is it not worth bothering if I've got to re-apply when I get a new passport?

benjus

SaintMark wrote: »

I haven't got a passport. Is it worth doing it just in case I go to the USA in the next 2 years, or is it not worth bothering if I've got to re-apply when I get a new passport?

You can't apply if you don't have a passport.

ufff

Hi everybody
A few days ago i filled in the ESTA applications for my family (myself, baby daughter and husband). Mine and baby's ones were fine but his was refused. Am very confused as he's got no criminal record, so answer to all those eligibility questions was - No. The only thing i could think of why his application could be refused was that his passport was issued in February 2005, but having spent hours (hence ufff) on the INternet i've learned that as long as such passports are machine-read (his is) - no problem. So, what IS the problem them with his application??? ESTA fee introduction deadline is almost here, so would really appreciate your quick response. Also if he still needs to apply for (God knows why) for a visa, does it mean he will have to join the loooong queus at the Embassy, provide all teh supporting docs required and pay the full visa fee?

dzug1

Was he actually refused -or a decision deferred? If the latter he can go back in and check if it's come through.

Another possibility is that he shares some personal details with someone who is regarded as undesirable and that they can't sort that out in the time available.

It won't be the issue date of the passport

If he does need to apply for a visa, then yes he will have to go through the whole process and pay the full fee.

whatajoke1

re-apply again, but leave it for 24 hours, if it was refused. If this is the first ESTA he may have the same name and date of birth as someone on a no-fly list. (just ask Ted Kennedy (now deceased ex-senator) who kept getting stopped by CBP as is name was flagged!)

ufff

Hi again,
thanks for your replies, guys. I can't tell you how many hours i have spent reading and researching last night - i am underslept! (including this thread). So, yes, unfortunately it was a refusal and yes, i have applied again (left more than 24 hours inbetween) and it was a second refusal. Funny thing is that he's got no criminal record either here in the UK,or anywhere in the world including in the US (mind you it's been good 25 years since he's been there), i know he didn't overstay and literally no problems whatsoever with him. British citizen, born here. That's why i couldn't believe my eyes seeing the screen. Wish we knew what was wrong.:(

whatajoke1

ufff wrote: »

Hi again,
thanks for your replies, guys. I can't tell you how many hours i have spent reading and researching last night - i am underslept! (including this thread). So, yes, unfortunately it was a refusal and yes, i have applied again (left more than 24 hours inbetween) and it was a second refusal. Funny thing is that he's got no criminal record either here in the UK,or anywhere in the world including in the US (mind you it's been good 25 years since he's been there), i know he didn't overstay and literally no problems whatsoever with him. British citizen, born here. That's why i couldn't believe my eyes seeing the screen. Wish we knew what was wrong.:(

The passport date is the one that grabs my attention, as I seem to remember reading somewhere about passports issued in 2005. Will have a check and see if I can find that information.

http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/content_multi_image_0021.shtm#3

If the passport does comply then its possible his details match those of someone else.