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ESTA to get into the USA

catgotmytongue
catgotmytongue Posts: 89 Forumite
Seventh Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
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Comments

  • photome
    photome Posts: 16,685 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Bake Off Boss!
    OK call me stupid but how was I supposed to know I needed one? I am a novice to this foreign travelling lark and I thought a passport was all that was needed. Luckily I was able to do it online at the airport but otherwise it would have been a disaster. Surely the people I booked my flights with should have mentioned it?

    Are you sure they didn't?

    Most paperwork/online booking forms will mention an ESTA if going to USA
  • Have looked through it many times and an Esta wasn't mentioned :(
  • pogofish
    pogofish Posts: 10,853 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Since the ESTA was introduced - Every booking I've done/seen (we do quite a number every year at work) has made it very clear that an ESTA is required.
  • Not with this company in fact I have made a complaint.
  • It nearly always says on the airline website that YOU are responsible for making sure you have the correct visas to enter the country
    travelover
  • photome
    photome Posts: 16,685 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Bake Off Boss!
    Not with this company in fact I have made a complaint.

    Who did you book with.

    Every booking I have made since introduction has mentioned it somewhere

    Even if they didn't, don't you think it is your responsibility to check on any entry requirements for any country you are travelling to?
  • That's as maybe but I have a passport and am unused to travelling. It never even entered my head. Surely a passport should be enough. Wouldn't hurt to mention it as standard in the paperwork and it wasn't. They checked my paperwork at the airport and couldn't find mention of it either.
  • photome
    photome Posts: 16,685 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Bake Off Boss!
    That's as maybe but I have a passport and am unused to travelling. It never even entered my head. Surely a passport should be enough. Wouldn't hurt to mention it as standard in the paperwork and it wasn't. They checked my paperwork at the airport and couldn't find mention of it either.

    Are you prepared to say who you booked with, I assume it wasn't direct with Air france or KLM

    You need more than a passport for many countries and it is down to the individual to find out what is required
  • No it wasn't although I flew with both during my trip. I won't say who until I receive a reply to my complaint as I feel that's only fair but of course I know visa's are required now but as I say how was I supposed to know previously not having travelled. I am not thick just inexperienced. I told many people that I was going and no one mentioned I needed anything extra. I will be sure to mention it to anyone I know who is travelling to the states just in case they also don't know.
  • DTDfanBoy
    DTDfanBoy Posts: 1,704 Forumite
    You should consider yourself lucky you were travelling to the US, the majority of other countries require a week or two to get a visa sorted if you need one, some even longer.

    On the bright side I guarantee you won't forget to check the visa requirements of the countries you plan to visit in future :D
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