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

Starrystarrynight

I just apply for a new one each time. Not had any probs so far.

Former_MSE_Natasha

There's now a new MSE guide on ESTAs if anyone wants more detailed info.

rabidmonkey

MSE_Natasha wrote: »

There's now a new MSE guide on ESTAs if anyone wants more detailed info.

Couple of points.

You can do an esta application within the 3 days before a trip, its just recommended you don't. ESTA isn't required for land crossings.

So even if you're only considering going to the Statesin the future, it's definitely worth applying in advance,

Statesin !

suzithefloozy

I'm in the States right now and before I left, I stressed over filling out the ESTA form, however, when I got to the US airports nobody had ever heard of ESTA! Furthermore, I still had to fill out a green form on the plane!

hansi

Yes, this has been discussed before, but ESTA is gradually being introduced with the green form being made obsolete. And don't forget that they will soon be charging $10 for an ESTA! So get it now!

tacotaco

After reading Martin's newsletter article and the first couple of pages of this thread titled "You must apply for an ESTA online to enter the USA after 12 Jan 2009", I almost believed it were true, that my wife and I would have to apply for ESTA each time we go to the USA.

But it is always good to get your info straight from the horse's mouth. I looked at the description on the Department of Homeland Security's website and saw that this rule only applies to passport holders of Visa Waiver Program countries. Since neither my wife nor myself hold such a passport, we do not have to apply for an ESTA. Phew!

hansi

You don't actually apply EVERY time you want to go to the USA. I guess you don't hold British Passports then?

FH_Brit

Tacotaco - Once approved an ESTA is valid for 2 years, so only need apply again if over 2 years.

Suzithefloozy - The green forms (and white) will eventually be phased out. At the moment it is normal to do both. ESTA (at the moment) depends where your port of entry is as some may be behind in ESTA technology especially if a lesser used os smaller POE.

ferf1223

suzithefloozy wrote: »

I'm in the States right now and before I left, I stressed over filling out the ESTA form, however, when I got to the US airports nobody had ever heard of ESTA! Furthermore, I still had to fill out a green form on the plane!

You would most likely never have gotten on the plane if you didn't have an ESTA - at least not before you went to an internet cafe to sort out the ESTA application and then try to check in again...it's electronically held, you don't have to produce anything and you may still have to fill out the green form for now.

luci

Believe me, they most certainly will have heard of ESTA. It comes up on their computer when they scan your passport at Immigration.