New Guide Discussion: Everyone needs ESTA for US travel

meer53

Does anyone know if i need a printout of our Estas when we travel ? My printer has just died and need to do them this week for travel on Saturday. Would just the reference number be ok ?

luci

You shouldn't need a hard copy as it is an "electronic" document and should be on the airline's computer.

That said, I was asked if I had completed mine at the BA check in desk and when I said I had, was told that they couldn't see them. While I was getting the copies out she called for a supervisor who pressed a key on the terminal and all was good. No problem at all at Border Control.

meer53

luci wrote: »

You shouldn't need a hard copy as it is an "electronic" document and should be on the airline's computer.

That said, I was asked if I had completed mine at the BA check in desk and when I said I had, was told that they couldn't see them. While I was getting the copies out she called for a supervisor who pressed a key on the terminal and all was good. No problem at all at Border Control.

Thanks, we've been several times before and i've always had a hard copy with me but thought that if i didn't take one this time as my printer isn't working, it will be sods law that i get asked for a copy !

ferf1223

the official site confirms you shouldn't need to print a copy but suggests that it is recommended...I think we did print my hubby's first but none since.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1130/~/do-i-need-to-show-a-printed-copy-of-the-vwp-form-that-i-have-completed-online...

janarmes

my esta runs out 5 days before i return to uk do i need a new one?

ferf1223

no you don't

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1223/~/does-my-esta-need-to-be-valid-for-my-entire-stay-in-the-united-states%3F

dannny_2

janarmes wrote: »

my esta runs out 5 days before i return to uk do i need a new one?

Depends if you are, and are remaining, in the US during that 5 day period.

For all I know you are currently in Canada and going to fly to the US to catch a flight home.

ferf1223

irfank0706 wrote: »

i am planning to go to US.
can i pay by paypal?

no you can't

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/WebHelp/ESTA_Screen-Level_Online_Help_1.htm#pr2

by 'credit card' they include debit cards...in the US the distinction isn't regularly made...if it has a logo for any of the options shown (Visa, Mastercard, etc) it should work.

Johnny_Runner

Thanks for the info about avoiding being charged more than $14. I applied on the official website, was told that I'd paid $14, but my credit card was charged with $140! The phone number to contact the ESTA people was always busy and recommended sending an email. I've sent an email, and am still awaiting a reply.
My credit card company can do nothing, until a 'reasonable' time has elapsed without a response.
What a scam.

dannny_2

Johnny_Runner wrote: »

Thanks for the info about avoiding being charged more than $14. I applied on the official website, was told that I'd paid $14, but my credit card was charged with $140! The phone number to contact the ESTA people was always busy and recommended sending an email. I've sent an email, and am still awaiting a reply.
My credit card company can do nothing, until a 'reasonable' time has elapsed without a response.
What a scam.

What scam?

Are you saying your bank, or the US government, are trying to scam you out of $126?

What you seem to have done is gone onto a website and agreed the following

"By pressing the "Next" or "Apply" button in the application process, applicants agree not to dispute any administrative fee charged by Estavias.org for the use of the ESTA system, and further acknowledge that there are no refunds.

Please indicate you have read and understand the information provided above:
Yes, I have read and understand the information and agree to these terms."

"Please enter your payment details below. Your application is ready to be submitted.

Your application has been allocated an application reference number. Please make a note of this number or print this page for your records. You will need this number if you want to make enquiries about your application or track the progress of your application.
Amount: 140.00 USD"

As I am assuming you went through Est*Vis*s.org you will have noticed that they give a virtual office in London, and they hide behind the Toronto based WHOIS Privacy Service.

This part of your statement seems to be wrong.

Johnny_Runner wrote: »

I applied on the official website