New Guide Discussion: Everyone needs ESTA for US travel

dfurn

merrydance wrote: »

Hi

Hope someone can help. I am filling in my esta form online and it asks for my personal id number from my passport. An English letter followed by 9 numbers any idea where I can find it?

Thanks

Is it the passport number

You are most likely not filling in the correct online form.

You have correctly spotted the only number on a UK passport is the passport number and that has no letters in it.

jackieblack

merrydance wrote: »

Hi

Hope someone can help. I am filling in my esta form online and it asks for my personal id number from my passport. An English letter followed by 9 numbers any idea where I can find it?

Thanks

Is it the passport number

Are you using the official website?
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

cerise22

Hi, I have completed my ESTA application and now wish to add my husband and children's applications to mine before I pay. I received my group ID via email.


When on the on the page that is headed "Payment Required", I am clicking on "Add Unpaid Application", which leads me to "Retrieve One Application". When I fill out my details here and click "Continue" I am brought back to the page headed "Payment Required".


Am I missing something here? According to their website, you are supposed to add all applicants before making payment.


I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks.

cerise22

cerise22 wrote: »

Hi, I have completed my ESTA application and now wish to add my husband and children's applications to mine before I pay. I received my group ID via email.


When on the on the page that is headed "Payment Required", I am clicking on "Add Unpaid Application", which leads me to "Retrieve One Application". When I fill out my details here and click "Continue" I am brought back to the page headed "Payment Required".


Am I missing something here? According to their website, you are supposed to add all applicants before making payment.


I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks.

I have since resolved this. My fault! Thanks.

Kernow666

i have been to the US 3 times in last 2 years and although i have my ESTA on me everytime i got through immigration i have never been asked for it

its now expired so i need to renew

ferf1223

you're unlikely to be asked for it as it is an electronically held document (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). You can keep a print-out for peace of mind but most people will never need to show a piece of paper.

You won't get on the plane if you don't have a valid ESTA logged against your passport unless you have a visa.

pollypenny

Kernow666 wrote: »

i have been to the US 3 times in last 2 years and although i have my ESTA on me everytime i got through immigration i have never been asked for it

its now expired so i need to renew

The whole point of an 'Electronic system for travel authority ' is that it is electronic, it's on their system.

freewayz

I live in Uk ( have done last 14. Years) my passport is USA...I assume I do NOT need one of these ESTA things done...am I correct?

ferf1223

freewayz wrote: »

I live in Uk ( have done last 14. Years) my passport is USA...I assume I do NOT need one of these ESTA things done...am I correct?

you are correct.

Miss_future

I am travelling via the USA on the return journey of my holiday. Do I have to buy my visa before my outward journey or can I buy it whilst on holiday just before I return?