New Guide Discussion: Everyone needs ESTA for US travel

1962

Apologies if this post is in the wrong place. I don't know how to submit new posts and the instructions for new users appear to be non existent! If you can point me in the right direction that would be great.

My ESTA problem is this: I changed my name just after I applied for a new passport, so to save having to buy a new passport I booked my holiday in my old name. Now I realise I,m going to have to apply for ESTA with my old name too so that everything is in the same name. Is this going to cause me problems on entry to the US?

Also my credit card, with which I will be paying for the ESTA and using in the US to buy things, is in my new name. I though if I take proof of name change with me this wouldn't be a problem?

Any opinions/suggestions welcome.

Thanks

luci

It's only a best guess, but I think you will be OK at US Border Control as long as everything is in the same name.

You should also be OK paying for the ESTA with the card in your new name as you can apply for family members' ESTA with a card not in their name.

However I think you will have a bigger problem using your CC in your new name. Almost all places in the US ask for photo ID when using a CC.

You could try getting a photo driving licence in your new name, but some places in the US won't accept a driving licence not issued in the US as proof of identity.

dzug1

luci wrote: »

However I think you will have a bigger problem using your CC in your new name. Almost all places in the US ask for photo ID when using a CC.

.

Mmmm - that may be true but I wasn't once asked on a recent trip - nor on any previous trips.

luci

dzug1 wrote: »

Mmmm - that may be true but I wasn't once asked on a recent trip - nor on any previous trips.

Perhaps it depends where you go. I have been asked for photo ID in Vegas (constantly), LA, SF and a few times in Orlando.

angelil

Hey folks
I moved to France in 2008 but have kept my British passport (so I am a UK citizen but live overseas). My husband's ESTA was approved immediately today (he is French and lives in France) while I am promised a decision within 72 hours. I have never had any problems getting into the US before (have visited at least 6 times before) but am a bit worried now that my living in a different country to the one where I am actually a citizen will cause problems with my ESTA.
Does anyone have any experience of this? Thanks.

luci

I wouldn't worry too much. From previous posts I have read, anyone who gets the email saying there will be a decision in 72 hours usually is approved within 24 hours. Obviously this can't be guaranteed.

angelil

^^ Yep - nothing yet! Thanks though - I'll be hanging on for the 72 hours then

ferf1223

have you tried logging into the ESTA site to check the status? I didn't realise that they send emails but maybe something has changed since the last time my hubby applied.

luci

Ooops, maybe I didn't mean get an email. You're right ferf, I think you have to log onto the application to check the status.

However I believe they do email you when your ESTA is about to expire.

angelil

I just logged in to check and it's there yay For some reason I was expecting an email, but who knows? It could have been there for the past 24 hours and I wouldn't have known