New Guide Discussion: Everyone needs ESTA for US travel

ferf1223

meher wrote: »

Martin suggests that we pay esta with clarity. But no mention of santander zero. Is it not foreign exchange fee free anymore? Anyone knows?

"Beat this by using a specialist foreign spending card that won't penalise you. The top choice is the Clarity card...

...For more options and each card's pros and cons see the Cheap Travel Money guide. "

dzug1

meher wrote: »

Martin suggests that we pay esta with clarity. But no mention of santander zero. Is it not foreign exchange fee free anymore? Anyone knows?

It's still fee free.

saldaw1

Does anyone know if you can use the same esta form more than once within the 2 years? If so how do you change details of flight and where you are staying?

luci

The ESTA is valid for 2 years and you can use it as many times as you like during that time.

The accommodation and flight information is not mandatory, only the items with a red * must be completed. However if you already have these details and want to change them, you can log into your ESTA using the reference number if you have it or your name, passport number and DOB.

toby_stevens

I have just stupidly paid $55 for my Esta application - I wish I'd read this forum before I embarked on it.

The website is definitely dodgy, so beware esta *dash* apply *dot* co *dot* uk But the thing is, when I type the application number into the official website, it says my application is successful - how can I check if this is the case or not? I could potentially handle paying too much for it if it was at least valid, but not sure how to check? The website also says i can get $41 refunded, but I have to email all my passport details etc to the email address which seems dodgy (even though in theory I've already given them all my details).

Help! Not sure what to do!

ferf1223

toby_stevens wrote: »

But the thing is, when I type the application number into the official website, it says my application is successful - how can I check if this is the case or not?

Not sure what you mean - if you've typed your application number into the official website and it says your application was successful, isn't that enough??

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Update or check status - enter your details.

It should then tell you your ESTA expiry date, etc...I don't know how it's worded ('application successful...' that you may be seeing).

yraunaj

toby_stevens wrote: »

I have just stupidly paid $55 for my Esta application - I wish I'd read this forum before I embarked on it.

The website is definitely dodgy, so beware esta *dash* apply *dot* co *dot* uk But the thing is, when I type the application number into the official website, it says my application is successful - how can I check if this is the case or not? I could potentially handle paying too much for it if it was at least valid, but not sure how to check? The website also says i can get $41 refunded, but I have to email all my passport details etc to the email address which seems dodgy (even though in theory I've already given them all my details).

Help! Not sure what to do!

Yes i stupidly didnt read this thread first, i applied through the same site but i checked the application on the official gov site and it says its approved, so should be ok if they have a record of it. You can also print out a copy for your records of the approval.

randybrook

If you have used up the 90 days of visitation and have returned to your home country, and now you want to visit again, can you apply for and receive a renewal or new permit before the 2 year life of your original permit has ended? My friend has used up her 90 days and returned to her country, but the 2 year permit period has not ended yet. Must she wait, or can she renew now for another 90 days of permission?

luci

It is not 90 days a year. You can visit as often as you like, but only for a maximum of 90 days at a time.

randybrook

thank you so much, luci...please be patient with me....my friend is stressing out and we need to know for sure...are you SURE this is so? She was visiting for a few days at a time and then going home....she did this 4 times in the last few months and she thinks the immigration guys in New York told her that she had used up her visits....maybe they meant she was close to using up her 90 days....how sure are you that she can apply again online and receive a new ESTA 90 day permit? Thank you again. Big kiss.