New Guide Discussion: Beat the impending ESTA charge

Rlwillo

Hi,

I filled out my ESTA form a few months ago when I booked my flight. However, my laptop is not linked up to the printer so I didn't print out the confirmation page as I thought I could do it at a later date. Unfortuantely, I didn't keep a note of my reference number to log back in, assuming it would be emailed or I could log in without it. I was looking to print out my ESTA confirmation today but could not find anyway of logging in and have seen on this site that you don't get emailed your reference number, so I am a bit stuck.

I was just wondering if anyone can let me know if I need a copy of this to go to the US or as it is electronic will they have all the details there that I have in fact filled in an ESTA form? Has anyone esle travelled without their ESTA confirmation?

Thanks

luci

I printed mine out just so I would have the reference number to make any changes in the future, eg flight and accommodation details. However it's not necessary and they won't ask to see it at Immigration. They have all the details on their computer screen.

As you said, it's electronic so no hard copy required.

Sunsetdays

I used to live in the US and have a green card, but I left over a year ago to retire back in UK. I plan on going back for a month in December to visit my son and daughter-in-law and the new grandchild. I know immigration always asks you how long you have been out of the US on your return and get funny if you have been away too long, but they may also get funny if you apply for an ESTA and they see you have a green card. My green card is valid date wise until 2014. However, if they don't like it that I have been away so long and am acting (in their opinion) as if I have "abandoned" my green card, should I apply for an ESTA just in case. If I arrive without the ESTA and they tell me I can't come in because I abandoned my green card, but that I shouldn't be using an ESTA because I have a green card, what do I do.

flamingo4

WARNING

Be very careful when applying for the esta visa. I thought I had typed the site very carefully but all of a sudden 'they' were asking
for $49 . I was copying the form I used last year but if you use the
one Martin has set up you do go into U.S.A. official site.

:beer:

looloo44_2

i have a U.S visa from working for an airline, would i need to complete an esta or could i enter the U.S on my visa as it is still vaild?

mikeham

I have just made an online application, and I am informed that there will a £25.00 fee. I thought I had until September, can anyone comfirm?:o

mikeham

hi,
I just found out that this is one of the agency sites that looks like the us esta site. Have since found the right one with no charge.

bobthedambuilder

It appears that even the US airlines don't know which airports will or will not accept ESTAs. My wife and I both have ESTAs, and recently flew from UK into Philadelphia. Both the UK ground staff and the cabin crew of the US Airways flight said definitively that no green form would be necessary, but when we were in the queue at PHL passport control, it became obvious that people were being turned back if they didn't have a green form ready - cue panic last minute filling in of forms while standing in the queue! I'd recommend to get one and fill it out unless you're absolutely sure about your destination airport.

aljosam1

Hi I am flying to the States with Virgin soon and need to fill out the APIS (Advanced Passenger Information). Does anyone know if this also covers the ESTA? Thanks

chexum

aljosam1 wrote: »

Hi I am flying to the States with Virgin soon and need to fill out the APIS (Advanced Passenger Information). Does anyone know if this also covers the ESTA? Thanks

No, APIS is just a way to have the airline access your passport (travel documents information) earlier. You need to fill out API for many European (and more) locations too - it cannot ever cover ESTA, that's just the Visa waiver.

ESTA can even be refused occasionally and then those lucky enough need to get a full visa...