ESTA APC Kiosks in US - new passport and name

Baz@rr

We're heading to Orlando in October and I'm trying to find out some info about the Automated Passport Control kiosks.

We were all there as a family last year on the same ESTA (2 adults, 2 kids 14, 7).

Since then, my wife's passport expired, and has now been renewed under her married name. Last year, it was still in her maiden name.

We had to get her a new ESTA, but from what I can gather neither the new ESTA or new passport matters when it comes to being able to use the APC kiosk. However, does anyone know if the change of name will mean she can't use it?

Thanks for any advice anyone can offer.

HogMan

I would suggest using the APC kiosk. Worst case would be getting an X and getting a secondary check. Fingerprints and photo will already held alongside the other details from the ESTA.

Nick_C

HogMan wrote: »

I would suggest using the APC kiosk. Worst case would be getting an X and getting a secondary check. Fingerprints and photo will already held alongside the other details from the ESTA.

That's what happened to my partner when he entered with a new passport this year

Westin

When I had a new passport issued and therefore a new ESTA, I had to use the manned CBP desks the first time entering the US on new documents.

You can use the automatic machines the second time onwards.

HogMan

You can you use the APC with a new ESTA without any problems. I did so myself on my last visit the US earlier this year.

photome

HogMan wrote: »

You can you use the APC with a new ESTA without any problems. I did so myself on my last visit the US earlier this year.

AFAIK it's not the ESTA that causes the problem it's the new passport, you can only use the automated kiosk once your passport has entered the USA once

jonesMUFCforever

I had a big X with an old passport and an Esta previously used to enter the States last time at Mcarren Las Vegas.
Don't know what the problem was I got through no problem with a human!

peachyprice

HogMan wrote: »

You can you use the APC with a new ESTA without any problems. I did so myself on my last visit the US earlier this year.

Only if it's on a passport that has already been through immigration, which OP's wife's hasn't. She'll have to go to the 'first timer' queue. Which means the whole family may as well.

HogMan

Havimg just arrived in the USA I can confirm that the information in my first post is correct.
You CAN use the the APC machines with a new passport (assuming you have entered the US since 2008). You receive an X and get referred to a CBP officer who then rescans your fingerprints. In my case took less than 2 minutes and I was on my way.

littlereddevil

photome wrote: »

AFAIK it's not the ESTA that causes the problem it's the new passport, you can only use the automated kiosk once your passport has entered the USA once

That's exactly what we were told on entering Miami.

NoodleDoodleMan

A call to the US Embassy will (presumably) resolve any uncertainty ?

There is also a "need help" chat link here.

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