New Guide Discussion: Everyone needs ESTA for US travel

GibbsRule_No3

At first I was not worried because the online ESTA application was approved, so did not think it would matter about the four months. Then I read that even with an ESTA "if something was not right" you could still be turned away, thought we should check/ confirm that the UK was a country that did not need the six months. The passport concerned was one of the first with the funny "link sign" on the front.

nnamak

There's an error on Martin's ESTA info page.

They do not ask for, 'your departure airport, flight number and airline.' If they did then that would make a nonsense of the advice given two paragraphs above on that page, 'Just before booking flights or accommodation, the very first thing to do is to apply for your permit to travel, just in case you're rejected...'

Chicken & egg?

jackieblack

nnamak wrote: »

There's an error on Martin's ESTA info page.

They do not ask for, 'your departure airport, flight number and airline.' If they did then that would make a nonsense of the advice given two paragraphs above on that page, 'Just before booking flights or accommodation, the very first thing to do is to apply for your permit to travel, just in case you're rejected...'

Chicken & egg?

Well they certainly always used to, but perhaps this has changed recently.
In any case, the information was always optional

tboo

Hubby just got an ESTA in March 2016
In the applicant details they asked for his parents names and they also asked for his employment details
Can't for the lfe remember filling these in when I went in Nov 2015
Thought we'd gone through to the wrong site so came out but it was correct

ETA

Just to add they didn't want the flight details only where he was staying

Blue_Cardinal

I have literally just done this as I'm going across for work.

This might be common knowledge, but one thing to note, you need to have an ePassport - one with the chip icon on the front. I didn't have this, so despite my passport still being in date I had to get the one day Premium Service for £128 to get my passport in time. It wouldn't usually be a problem, but like I say it's for work and was arranged last minute else I would have renewed my passport already!

To be fair to the passport office, it's a relatively pain free service, was only in the passport office itself for 10 minutes or so. I just de-camped to a local coffee shop to work whilst waiting for it to be printed (around 4 hours).

Lara

Help please with ESTA form.

Husband is going mental at this form! Oops! It asks for previous employers name and address. My last previous employer was 39 years ago and they aren't there anymore so what do I do? Give last name and address or say No to question? At least my passport has the chip in it although it will need replacing in January. I know my ESTA will then cease and I'll have to get another one - providing I decide to go to the States at some point again.

danielthomark

Lara wrote: »

It asks for previous employers name and address. My last previous employer was 39 years ago and they aren't there anymore so what do I do?

Click the ? to the right of the question. that seems to suggest you can put in homemaker. If you want then put in your previous employers old address, as that is something the question asks for.

123jase

I have traveled on a b1/b2 visa to america before as I was a silly boy when young and got arrested. But when applying for a ESTA for my family I notice that being arrested for Breach of the Peace is no longer a requirement for a Visa. The official site says crimes of Moral Turpitude and does not list my offense.
Has anyone experience of previously having a visa and then getting a ESTA instead? It is a pain applying for a visa as I live up north and its a day in London with all the expense and time involved so I would prefer not to if I can. But I do not want to get all the way to America just to be turned home for not having the correct paperwork leaving my family alone and having fun without me.

danielthomark

123jase wrote: »

I have traveled on a b1/b2 visa to america before as I was a silly boy when young and got arrested. But when applying for a ESTA for my family I notice that being arrested for Breach of the Peace is no longer a requirement for a Visa.

Breach of the Peace has never fallen into the realms of a crime involving moral turpitude.

If I were you I would email CBP first and get authority from them.

You may, if you went now, find yourself held up in secondary. If you went that route ensure you have a record of all documentation you can find - court records, subject access request from the PNC and police certificate.

SLC42

Warning: This site is a scam (apologies, as a new user Im not allowed to post a link, as to prevent scammers) If you google ESTA its there, I think its the third site in the list)

Be sure to click on the official U.S Customs website right at the top of the google results page to apply for your ESTA, if you're about to travel to the US. Don't make the same mistake as I did!
I was in a rush and somehow clicked on the wrong site. It looks very similar to the official site and asks you the exact same questions. I feel very foolish but it can happen easily and quickly in a single click. It doesn't tell you how much it is,( leaving me to feel even more foolish), The official cost is $14.00.

Two days later I see that £61.89 plus a £1.49 booking fee has been taken from my bank using my debit card. I doubt I'll see that money ever again.

I have since successfully acquired my ESTA from the correct website

Hindsight is a wonderful thing...