do we need an esta

markandkate

Hello

We have connecting flights via Newark and will probably not leave the airport. Providing we do not leave the airport and go through immigration I assume that we won't need an ESTA, is this right? Thanks

OriolaW

You still need the ESTA. It is £9 and lasts two years

One may have a connecting flight but choose not to use it, for example.

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

The ESTA may be approved but this is no guarantee that you'll have your connecting flight as that is at the POE officer's discretion.

headpin

And you will still go through US immigration even if only transiting though one of their airports. It's the US way. Just beware when applying for the ESTA that you are in the official site and not one of the scam sites that pop up on search engines, etc.

As you will need to go though immigration in the US I hope you gave a booked a through ticket to the final destination. At the moment you can queue 3 hours or longer at some main US airports. indeed I can confirm that I queued for over 3 hours at JFK recently. If you are not booked through on the same ticket and miss your connection it could be an expensive delay at the border!

jackieblack

As has already been said, yes you do need ESTA - see below, from https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/WebHelp/ESTA_Screen-Level_Online_Help_1.htm#ta2

Do nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program require travel authorization if they are only transiting the United States in route to another country?
Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program require either a travel authorization or a visa to transit the United States. If a traveler is only planning to transit through the United States en route to another country, when he or she completes the travel authorization application in ESTA, the traveler should enter the words "In Transit" and his or her final destination location in the address lines in the Address While In The United States field on the application.