New Guide Discussion: Beat the impending ESTA charge

LeifGR

From the weekly email:

As the ESTA lasts two years, simply fill out the form now while it's free if you're planning to travel. Frankly, even if you're not, do it anyway just in case.

From the MSE article:

You’ll be asked for your UK contact details, including passport number and expiry, plus flight details and where you'll be spending your first night in the States. Though the latter two points can be added or amended at a later time.

I'm confused. Is the suggestion that those who think they will want to travel but who have no flights booked apply for an ESTA using fictitious flight and accommodation details? That sounds dodgy to me. Or can you leave those fields blank on the application?

jamesbrownontheroad

LeifGR wrote: »

I'm confused. Is the suggestion that those who think they will want to travel but who have no flights booked apply for an ESTA using fictitious flight and accommodation details? That sounds dodgy to me. Or can you leave those fields blank on the application?

You can leave them blank. Only those with a * must be completed. I've just done mine, without those details (nor my email address) and it was approved fine.

salwal48

I was refused entry to the US back in 1987 due to immigration being suspicious about myself and a friend planning to work there illegally. Not sure what to put on the ESTA form. Can anyone help?

ferf1223

Marty06 wrote: »

Well, that would be good news. At the moment I was told they relate to different things and serve different purposes. But combining everything makes sense and avoids the confusion.

The guide explains:

Although the ESTA is meant to replace filling in the I-94W piece of paper, this is only being phased out slowly across US airports, so you may find you still have to complete one depending on your arrival airport (currently you do at Newark, but not at LAX).

My husband did not have to fill in the green form when arriving at LAX...which caused a lot of confusion for the gate agents at ORD (where the forms are still required to enter) when we were departing the US and they wanted to collect the bit that would have been stapled in his passport.

Not to mention the confusion on the plane on the way out -we'd been told at check in at LHR we didn't need the green form if we were arriving at LAX. On the plane they were handing out the forms but ran out before they got to us and we were a bit annoyed thinking we'd be stuck at the back of the queue filling it out when we landed...but no, it wasn't needed.

And I could be wrong, but my guess is that they will try to be sure that the green forms are no more by the time they start charging...until then, I don't really see the big deal about having to fill out a form when you're stuck on a plane with little to do for many hours.

And the guide also says:

Although you don’t need to present the reference number at Border Protection when you land on US soil, you can only check your ESTA's status, or update it (you may need to change the address of where you’re spending your first night, or your flight details) if you keep a record of your reference number. Rather frustratingly, it isn't emailed to you.

So I would expect it will always be handed back to anyone - arriving by air or land.

ferf1223

salwal48 wrote: »

I was refused entry to the US back in 1987 due to immigration being suspicious about myself and a friend planning to work there illegally. Not sure what to put on the ESTA form. Can anyone help?

One of the questions is:

F) Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa or entry into the U.S. or had a U.S. visa canceled?

So that seems a pretty clear cut 'yes' which will mean you won't qualify for ESTA and will have to get a visa, I think.

twarde

I had to enter the US using the visa waiver scheme even though I had a Visa.

After a grilling from immigration it seems the visa I have to work there can't be used if my visit is just for a holiday.

I'm not sure whether applying for ESTA would be approved.

Does anyone know if ESTA asks you the purpose of your visit?

dzug1

tedharris wrote: »

I recently made a land border crossing into the USA from Canada. The ESTA was handed back to me and was told the ESTA was only valid if arriving by air, After being fingerprinted and photo taken a new form filled in, was charged $6. Is this going to apply in the future?

As far as I know yes. ESTA is for air/cruise ship passengers. I've not seen any reports of plans to change this

This has always been the case BTW.

dzug1

twarde wrote: »

I had to enter the US using the visa waiver scheme even though I had a Visa.

After a grilling from immigration it seems the visa I have to work there can't be used if my visit is just for a holiday.

I'm not sure whether applying for ESTA would be approved.

Does anyone know if ESTA asks you the purpose of your visit?

It doesn't ask you as such - it says to apply if your visit is for business or pleasure.


Were you turned away or admitted grudgingly? If the former you are ineligible for ESTA and will have to get a second (tourist, B2) visa - if the latter the an ESTA would be fine.

dzug1

salwal48 wrote: »

I was refused entry to the US back in 1987 due to immigration being suspicious about myself and a friend planning to work there illegally. Not sure what to put on the ESTA form. Can anyone help?

You tick 'yes' to the question about being denied entry to the US

Your ESTA will be refused and it will tell you to apply for a visa.

Dustykitten

What happens if your passport runs out during the two years? Do you have to reapply? Thanks