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

richardw

Some info you put in the airlines website against your booking I think.

jonesMUFCforever

REM1307 wrote: »

Hi,

I've done mine and been approved but as I haven't got a hotel or airline number yet I haven't put it in. Do I need to update it before I get to the airport after I've booked or can I go without this information?

Is the approval instant or not?
Do you need to print anything off in case of problems?

dzug1

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

Is the approval instant or not?
Do you need to print anything off in case of problems?

The approval is often but not invariably instant.

It's advisable to to a screen print of the approval - you don't get anything else

jamejos

We travelled to Miami yesterday and were assured by Virgin the I-94 was unnecessary if we had an ESTA. Standing in the immigration queue after a 10 hour flight only to be told the I-94 HAD to be completed irrespective of ESTA status. No explanation - just DO IT! I know it's early days but right hand and left hand spring to mind.

pennylane99

the green visa waiver forms are being phased out gradually, which probably means still having to fill them in for several weeks/months yet, as well as having your esta approval

omelette451

richardw wrote: »

You would be in transit and therefore a risk, they are extremely unlikely to let you transit without you going through immigration.

True, but it doesn't explain why no other country in the world has the same rules. In European and Asian airports the terminal building is technically considered not part of the country's territory, so if you're transiting and don't leave the terminal building there's no need to complete immigration formalities. Are transit passengers in Moscow, London, Munich or Beijing, for example, any less a risk than transit passengers in LA?

stoneman

photome wrote: »

Why would I want to go through your weblink and then click on ads when I can go to ESTA direct?

Do you make money from the ad clicking?

Yes, and the poster was quite open in saying so in his/her post. Can't see a problem, but you seem to.

stoneman

zipy wrote: »

Just spoke with Air New Zealand about this as am weighing up changing the route to be via HongKong to avoid the states (the benefit of going via the states used to be the larger baggage allowance but think thats now gone - used to be 60Kg!) - Yes: even if only transiting and not going thru US immigration - you still need to complete all documentation and provide the fingerprints and photos when landed. If you decline they put you on the next plane back to London and refuse Transit.

I've issues with taking my fingerprints, photos as i'm only transiting and the US is not providing any information for what my information is being used for, how long its being stored or who it is being shared with (the US is not my government or my police force so i've no protection or control of my civil rights) - I believe this action is against my human rights and foresee the next step would easily be mouth swabs (DNA) and eye scans.. if you think this is abit far fetched remember i'm not actually entering the US only refuelling the plane but they are still pushing to take details on everyone they can get hold of...zenophobia(?)

Easy one this, if you don't like their rules, then change your route.
I just wish that we had measures like this when people enter the U.K.
I am a U.S. citizen but this has been my home for 30+ years, until I signed up with IRIS I used to stand in the Non-EU queue at our airports. It is joke. All you need to do is fill in a little white landing card saying where you are staying while here. I witnessed almost everyone being allowed entry with little questioning, usually within 30 seconds of standing in front of the immigration officer. Most with little grasp of English.

dzug1

omelette451 wrote: »

True, but it doesn't explain why no other country in the world has the same rules. In European and Asian airports the terminal building is technically considered not part of the country's territory, so if you're transiting and don't leave the terminal building there's no need to complete immigration formalities. Are transit passengers in Moscow, London, Munich or Beijing, for example, any less a risk than transit passengers in LA?

Ah but we DO have the same rules. Not universally, it's true, but certain nationalities have to have an airside transit visa just to change planes in London.

DFW2

If anyone is awaiting an outcome be warned, they don't email you-goto the free site and click on Apply ..you then get an option to enter your reference number to check your application status or update your details/travel plans.