Minor freak out - ESTA application

mfmaybe

I am travelling to the US and completed my ESTA application yesterday. I had to do it on my phone as our internet was down, so couldn't print off the page; but I definitely got to an "application accepted" page. I did however write down the reference number.

My OH still has to do his, so I brought up the page to send to him, and thought I'd check what mine said now I was in front of a printer etc. However, it's not bringing up any records! I've tried using the reference number I wrote down; I've then tried using my passport number etc, and it says no application found :eek:

The payment isn't showing on my credit card statement yet, but it was only last night I did it.

When I went back to my phone to see if the reference was still showing, strangely all my open pages had been deleted. However when I started to type the webpage reference it recognised the address, so I didn't dream I had done it! Unfortunately as I've been logged out, there is no note of what I completed.

Do I need to panic? Is there any way I can check up on this? Would I be in trouble if I applied twice (other than financially)

mfmaybe

Minor panic over! The website has now deigned to bring up my application, and I have managed to print it out.

For what it's worth I had all the details correct, so it appears to have either been a glitch in the website, or I was checking back too soon after applying.

Either way, I think I'd advise doing it when connected to a printer next time

cubegame

You don't need a print out.

claire16c

You dont but its useful to print it out so you have the reference number saved so you can update the details for your next trip.

pennylane99

I have never updated the details for any of my US trips and been no problem

and if you forget your ref number, there is a "retrieve application number" button on the ESTA page, just fill in your Name, DOB, Passport number

claire16c

I always update mine because I do not want to risk being seen by a jobsworth at immigration who doesnt realise you dont have to update it and get questioned about why i have not completed it correctly, why I am not in the place it says on my esta etc etc.

Last but one time I went to the US I actually got one telling me to write the wrong information on the customs form, I couldnt be bothered to argue with him and possibly aggrevate him further so left it, but you never know which idiot you'll get!

mfmaybe

pennylane99 wrote: »

I have never updated the details for any of my US trips and been no problem

and if you forget your ref number, there is a "retrieve application number" button on the ESTA page, just fill in your Name, DOB, Passport number

I had forgotten about this post as it was all resolved. Just to clarify - this was the button I was using but it wasn't bringing up my details.

I guess my concern was not I didn't have a print-out, my concern was that I had no reassurance that my application had happened at all! However, I have also heard of people who have been denied boarding at point of departure when a computer glitch has not been able to prove they had done their ESTA. So you don't NEED a printout but I don't think I'd risk travelling without it.

As far as I can see though, it neither speeded up the immigration process, nor made the Immigration people any more charming or welcoming than before

dickydonkin

As far as I can see though, it neither speeded up the immigration process, nor made the Immigration people any more charming or welcoming than before

It would be difficult to use the words 'charming' and 'welcoming' in the same sentence when referring to US immigration staff.

Truly awful people. Having visited the states on many occasions over many years, I can honestly state (other than possibly one exception) of having encountered someone who has a modicum of personality.

They are hardly a good first impression.

Spursman180

dickydonkin wrote: »

It would be difficult to use the words 'charming' and 'welcoming' in the same sentence when referring to US immigration staff.

Truly awful people. Having visited the states on many occasions over many years, I can honestly state (other than possibly one exception) of having encountered someone who has a modicum of personality.

They are hardly a good first impression.

You forgot to mention imagination, I had to answer immigration questions both in LA and Vegas as to why I had so much money on me (I had declared it!) when the actual people in customs never batted an eyelid and wished me good luck at the races/ tables.

Maybe they might have been more discreet in public.

Dawning

mfmaybe wrote: »

As far as I can see though, it neither speeded up the immigration process, nor made the Immigration people any more charming or welcoming than before

Yes. In my experience they've generally been a disgrace. One time in Dallas the guy was so rude and intimidating that I started shaking, then I looked guilty of something and he got even more unpleasant. They've always been particularly lacking in charm and distinctly unwelcoming. Some airports are worse than others. I'm travelling through Newark in December and dreading it already.
One exception was last year, when I did the BA flight to JFK that goes via Shannon outbound, and you clear US immigration there. The lady was very nice and actually quite chatty, even managed a couple of smiles. She did call me by my first name which I found a bit much, since I'm an old woman and she was some slip of a girl in her mid 20's :rotfl:

Dawning

claire16c wrote: »

I always update mine because I do not want to risk being seen by a jobsworth at immigration who doesnt realise you dont have to update it and get questioned about why i have not completed it correctly, why I am not in the place it says on my esta etc etc.

Good point, I will update mine now.