Help....do i need a visa for travelling via Newark USA??

Wendyt

I need to go to Canada at very short notice due to some family problems.....the flight I need to take is from Dublin via Newark to Toronto.....do I need a Visa?

Really not sure as i will be catching a connecting flight but do i need to clear customs.....? Any advise would be greatly apprecaited.

benjus

If you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP - see http://london.usembassy.gov/faq-vwp.html ) you just need to complete an ESTA form online and get approval to travel (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/).

If you're not eligible for the VWP, or if the ESTA system denies you permission to travel, you will need to apply for a transit visa. So getting the ESTA as soon as possible is a good idea...

dzug1

Yes you will need to clear US immigration and customs but the good news is that you will do so (immigration at least - not sure about customs) in Dublin before departure. If you don't clear customs as well you'll need to do so on arrival and recheck your bags.

Getting a visa at short notice is next to impossible - let's hope you are eligible to fill in the ESTA.

You'll need a return ticket BTW - ESTA won't check this but it's one of the conditions.

Wendyt

Thats guys................much appreciated lets hope I apply for the ESTA. Can i do this before I have confirmation of flight?

benjus

Wendyt wrote: »

Thats guys................much appreciated lets hope I apply for the ESTA. Can i do this before I have confirmation of flight?

Yes, you can. The parts on the ESTA form where you specify your flight number and US address are optional. In fact, it's ideal if you wait for the ESTA response before booking, as you can always look for an alternative flight that doesn't involve changing in the USA. ESTA does take a few days though, so you might be forced to book the flight anyway.

trets77

ESTA confirmation is usually instant online , if you qualify .

DavidHayton

trets77 wrote: »

ESTA confirmation is usually instant online , if you qualify .

True, but it isn't always instant. One of my sons' ESTA authorisation took 24 hours to come through. That would have been a nervy 24 h if I had already booked a ticket.

I would suggest that you sort out your ESTA ASAP. If it comes through, go via Newark. If not then you will have to avoid the US. Without it they won't let you on the plane to Newark.

Best wishes, David

Starrystarrynight

I'm sure someone will correct me if I've read wrongly, but I believe that ESTA has to be done a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure?

luci

Starrystarrynight wrote: »

I'm sure someone will correct me if I've read wrongly, but I believe that ESTA has to be done a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure?

Yes, that is what is recommended. However when it first came in, people who turned up at check in without one were sent to a computer terminal at the airport to apply for one so it is (or at least was) possible to get one in less time.

jen_br

Um if your going to Canada for family are you UK or Canadian? If your canadian like me we don't have to do ESTA...