New Guide Discussion: Everyone needs ESTA for US travel

boatman

Its a pain the **** getting in to the States at the best of times, always seems to take ages, i always find if you have a connecting flight allow at least 3 hours between flights, its not great hanging around but its even more of a pain if you miss your flight or there is not time for your luggage to get transfered. And yes the border staff have nearly all had a sense of humour bypass...

t120_2

I am a little unsure about transiting USA; I have an ESTA number, from a previous visit, which expires on 7/9/2012 issued prior to the $14 charge. I have visited USA many times and 2 or 3 times since ESTA became a requirement. This time I am transiting USA to go to Brazil and 3 days later I will be transiting back through USA.
Do I need to update my ESTA twice? (Flight number, point of entry etc).
Can I do both before my first transit or will I have to wait until I am in Brazil to register for the return transit?

luci

Information such as flight number and accommodation is not mandatory and doesn't need to be updated. Only the sections marked with a red * must be completed.

bex1812

Hi,

Just need some clarity if possible...

My fiance had a driving conviction which required him in 2005 to get a Visa from the US Embassy in London for us to go to Florida. (Think anyone with a conviction needs one).

All fine. The completion of the visa waiver form wasn't necessary and he went through a different security check on another visit to LA and seemed to be waved through much quicker than myself and other people travelling with us.

The visa is valid for 10 yrs until 2015 - it's in his old passport but he has to take the old and new when we travel to show the visa. Does he need an ESTA?

Thanks in advance
Bex

dzug1

bex1812 wrote: »

Hi,

Just need some clarity if possible...

My fiance had a driving conviction which required him in 2005 to get a Visa from the US Embassy in London for us to go to Florida. (Think anyone with a conviction needs one).

All fine. The completion of the visa waiver form wasn't necessary and he went through a different security check on another visit to LA and seemed to be waved through much quicker than myself and other people travelling with us.

The visa is valid for 10 yrs until 2015 - it's in his old passport but he has to take the old and new when we travel to show the visa. Does he need an ESTA?

Thanks in advance
Bex

If he has a valid visa then he doesn't need ESTA - in fact he would have to lie to get one if his offence actually needed a visa.

JSP

Hi,

I travelled to the USA just under two years ago so completed a ESTA. However, we are due to fly out again in the next couple of weeks and I think whilst we are away our ESTA will expire. For the life of me I can not find the paperwork that I printed out last time. Does anyone know if there is a simple way of finding out what our ref numbers are and when they expire?

I am thinking of just applying for new ones just to be on the safe side. Can some one just confirm for me how long it takes for them to authorise it, think it was quite instant last time?

Thanks

dzug1

JSP wrote: »

Hi,

I travelled to the USA just under two years ago so completed a ESTA. However, we are due to fly out again in the next couple of weeks and I think whilst we are away our ESTA will expire. For the life of me I can not find the paperwork that I printed out last time. Does anyone know if there is a simple way of finding out what our ref numbers are and when they expire?

I am thinking of just applying for new ones just to be on the safe side. Can some one just confirm for me how long it takes for them to authorise it, think it was quite instant last time?

Thanks

You can go onto the ESTA site and look up your details - I think your name and passport number should find it. There's a button for check/update status

It takes a maximum of 72 hours to confirm (or refuse....) - often it's instantaneous.

luci

I believe the ESTA just needs to be valid on entry to the US.

hmd1987

I filled out 2 ESTAs last year just before the charge came in, for my wife and i - we are due to go on a carribean cruise in March. I have come to find the email with the reference numbers on but I can't find it?

Do i need to fill them out again and pay or do I just show my passport at immigration etc?

really worried

landsberger64

Mollydog wrote: »

...the most unwelcoming imigration people I have ever come across. They treat everyone as a terrorist and are rude and unfriendly.

This, sadly, is very popular with American voters and is unlikely to change.

See also British people wanting "Strict Immigration Controls' and then whingeing that they have to spend 30 minutes queueing to get back into their own country...