You must apply for an ESTA online to enter the USA after 12 Jan 2009

pollypenny

harz99 wrote: »

I know an earlier post stated that the problem with extended validity passports had been resolved by the US authorities amending the computer programme.

But, has anyone on here recently had an automatic acceptance in these circumstances?

An example would be a ten year passport issued in Feb 2004 which expires Jun 2014.

Mine are the exact dates quoted and I've just had "Application Pending" grrr!

hansi

I did mine when the scheme was first announced and though there was a snag because my passport was over 10 years in validity, I emailed them and they replied saying that it had now been amended and when I re-applied, it went through ok.

WolfSong2000

vivatifosi wrote: »

That's a very important point Jasper. I flew back to America not realising the green slip was still in mine. It took hours to get processed through. Thankfully we still had the stubs of our return flight in our wallet. It is not a nice situation to be in and well worth not being dragged over the coals over. Thanks for the link, I check my passport very carefully every time now to make sure I have no green slips!

Hhhmmm...I had a similar problem a few years back, and while the customs official seemed shocked and told me I shouldn't still have it (I was re-entering the States...the green ticket was from another trip around a year earlier), I had no problems getting through.

The only problem I've ever had getting to the States occurred last July, and actually happened while I was in England, trying to board. I was asked to "stand aside", my passport was taken and I was left standing on my own for a good 15 minutes while being told that "someone had to check something out". Eventually someone came over and started asking me questions, while refusing to tell me why I was being questioned. They got completely paranoid when I told them I'd bought a Tracfone off Ebay and asked for details of the seller, etc, which I didn't have. Still to this day have no idea what it was all about, but eventually they (warily, might I add), let me board. I was a 21 year old female university student who'd been to the USA numerous times.

Thinking about it now, the destination (Wisconsin) and the time period (3 days) may have looked a little suspicious, but I can't really see how?

And people on here are right...whatever you do, you DON'T mess with US customs...they have absolutely no sense of humor and take everything very seriously...much easier to be friendly, polite and get done with them as quick as possible. lol.

omelette451

sheffield12 wrote: »

I have been asked to fill out forms for a couple who travel to the US in March for a nine day holiday in Las Vegas. When I first looked at the website I thought I needed details such as Carrier, flight details, address in the US etc, [most of these details will not be available until the flight tickets arrive]. I was always told that when completeing the waiver previously on the plane all these details had to be filled in. Is it OK to complete the waiver without all these details, also do the US Authorities acknowledge the completed on-line waiver?

Does anyone know if it's essential actually to bother going back to fill these in or whether because they are optional to begin with they are optional completely? Since the form is valid for repeat journeys for up to two years, surely giving such details invalidates it for future journeys so it's better to leave it blank? The details are compulsory to enter the US, but I thought the plan was to allow people to provide them either at immigration or in a separate paper form.

joesan

Is it possible to get a visa prior to travel to the US? On the website is says you are not guarenteed to be able to enter the US still. I dont want to buy the air ticket and book all the hotels only to be told you cant come in.

hansi

No, you can't. You are right, it doesn't guarantee you entry but neither did the old system. No country that requires you to have a visa will guarantee you entry, but they must have a very good reason for doing so, ie criminal activity. I would say that all law abiding folk will gain entry.

dzug1

joesan wrote: »

Is it possible to get a visa prior to travel to the US? On the website is says you are not guarenteed to be able to enter the US still. I dont want to buy the air ticket and book all the hotels only to be told you cant come in.

Yes you can get a visa before travelling to the US. It costs (from memory) about £60 and takes several months. You have to go to London for an interview.

But it still doesn't guarantee you entry - that is always up to the immigration staff when you arrive in the US.

crazyangel_2

I didn't qualify for entry into the USA when i filled out the esta online form but I have been granted a 1 year tourist visa from the Department of Homeland Security at Washington.The process took about 4 months and that was including the lenghty wait to get an appointment at the Embassy in London.

joesan wrote: »

Is it possible to get a visa prior to travel to the US? On the website is says you are not guarenteed to be able to enter the US still. I dont want to buy the air ticket and book all the hotels only to be told you cant come in.

omelette451

dzug1 wrote: »

Yes you can get a visa before travelling to the US. It costs (from memory) about £60 and takes several months. You have to go to London for an interview.

But it still doesn't guarantee you entry - that is always up to the immigration staff when you arrive in the US.

Not everything revolves around London: you can also go to the consulates in Belfast and Edinburgh.

Jo_Mc_2

I'm travelling to the US in May - so glad this has been posted about on here as I didn't know anything about this!!! :eek: