New Guide Discussion: Everyone needs ESTA for US travel

silentbob33 wrote: »

Does anyone know what the document is called that I need from the border when I pass from Canada to the US by land?

jackieblack wrote: »

Appears to be I94W according to here

A completed Form I-94W, Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Record (green form), is required from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) visitors to the United States at land ports of entry.

Just to note for those who might be traveling from Canada to the US by train. My family and I took the train from Vancouver BC to Seattle WA in August 2012. We did not need to fill in an I-94W form (as I was expecting). The US CBP person at the Vancouver rail station had a fingerprint scanner just like at US airports and we entered the US without any problem. We did have to fill in a US Customs form of course which was collected by CBP agents who got on the train just as it was due to enter the US.

So that's one land crossing into the US where you don't need a I-94W but I suspect you do need an ESTA (as we do). I didn't think to ask. They were really nice and friendly as well by the way.

Has anyone experience of applying for Esta if they are British but were born abroad? We've looked on the US site and have seen a reference to being born in Ireland but nothing else. My father was in the British army when I was born so I have a British passport and have lived in the UK for most of my life.

denwhatshisname wrote: »

You don't need esta for a land crossing.

What I should have said in my post was that is one land crossing where an ESTA sufficed, and we didn't have to have an I94-W, as is stated elsewhere in this thread.

Yes you do. The indefinite visas are no longer valid.

No, nothing comes in the post or by email. The details are held electronically so you don't even need a copy. It is useful to have a note of the reference number should you wish to change any details, but you can access using your name, DOB and passport number.