ESTA to get into the USA

catgotmytongue

To be honest I thought the US would be easy for a first attempt. How wrong was I. Although Air France were fantastic. I booked with a newish online company but will book direct with the airline if I go again.

photome

catgotmytongue wrote: »

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.

By checking the relevant web sites

Would be good if you come back and let us know who this company is and what they say, I haven't seen a third party company that doesn't advise about visas/Estas

zagfles

When I first went to the US you needed a visa. I'd have been totally screwed if I'd turned up at the airport without one!

For future reference it's very common to need VISAs or stuff like ESTAs when travelling outside the EU, always check. Some countries have departure or arrival taxes. Sometimes you buy the VISA on arrival. Plus always check what you're allowed to take into the country - especially food - try entering New Zealand with an apple and you'll regret it!

DTDfanBoy

The Qantas visa checker is one of the best out there for checking the requirements of various countries

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/visa-health/global/en

The airlines use a similar system to check if you need a visa prior to departure, had you been travelling to numerous other countries you would have had too kiss your holiday & cash goodbye :eek:

catgotmytongue

Look I know people keep saying I should have checked but like I said I am an inexperienced traveller and had a passport - what pointer anywhere would make me check if I need a visa if I have no experience of visa's or travelling. All I am saying is shouldn't it be mentioned somewhere that I should? On this occasion it definitely wasn't. I will name the company when I have given them a chance to reply.

I'll remember about the apple although knowing me it will already be in my stomach

duchy

I'd have thought if you haven't travelled much it'd be all the more reason to check very detail TBH.

I'll be very interested to hear which on line agency makes no mention of the ESTA though.

catgotmytongue

Again - what is the trigger to make me think a passport isn't enough? No one can answer this. Simple question.

KarenG

catgotmytongue wrote: »

Again - what is the trigger to make me think a passport isn't enough? No one can answer this. Simple question.

Because the onus is on you, the traveller, to ensure you have put in place whatever the country you're visiting requires you to do. ESTA has been around for years and is quite well publicized. I've never seen a company that doesn't reference it when booking flights to the USA.

DTDfanBoy

The simple answer is common sense

You may want to check the website you booked on, providing you booked with an agency bonded to IATA , ATOL and/or ABTA there is no way they won't have something similar to the below in their terms and conditions, which obviously you read in full before paying for your flights

19. Passport, Visa and Immigration Requirements

Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements, are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates.

We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements. Please allow adequate time to obtain any such advice or documents.

Each client, including children, must possess an individual passport with at least 6 months validity at the date of return. For travel to/via the USA, a machine readable passport is required.

For Travel to the USA: if you have a criminal record, including spent convictions, driving offences or have been arrested and are travelling to the USA, you must contact the US embassy as you may be denied entry.

For travel to other countries, we recommend you contact the relevant embassy if you have any concerns regarding other destinations.

If you booked with a travel agency who isn't associated with IATA , ATOL and/or ABTA you just dodged a bullet :rotfl:

zagfles

catgotmytongue wrote: »

Again - what is the trigger to make me think a passport isn't enough? No one can answer this. Simple question.

It's just something you always need to check. If you booked a package they should have told you but airlines often don't - you're only booking transport. Though they usually have some disclaimer saying you should check. VISA requirements will depend on your nationality, citizenship etc so they can't really give specific advice. If you're a British Subject then it's different to being a British Citizen, someone posted here about getting caught out with this (think it was a passport office mistake).

Another thing to bear in mind is some countries insist on your passport having at least 6 months validity on it, ie they won't let you in if your passport expires in 4 months even if you're only staying a week!