ESTA - for anyone travelling to the states
12 January 2009, 02:56 PM
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ESTA - for anyone travelling to the US
Now mandatory. Comes into force today. I haven't had to use it myself yet but will need to soon.
ESTA: Electronic System for Travel Authorisation
Visitors to U.S. face refusal under new online entry system - CNN.com
Test Phase
Use of ESTA is currently voluntary. After Jan 12th 2009 online completion will become mandatory for all Visa Waiver Programme travellers to the USA provided that the airline used is capable of receiving and validating ESTA data. If the airline does not have this capability, then the I-94W will continue to be used. Although on test until January 12th, approved ESTA applications before that date will still last 2 years before renewal. Use of the old manual I-94W form will still be mandatory up to January 12th, with use of the ESTA online version being voluntary.
When to apply?
The online version is available for use now. It is recommended that application be completed at least 72 hours before departure – applications can be made after that but they run the risk that approval may not be received ahead of travel.
Use of ESTA is currently voluntary. After Jan 12th 2009 online completion will become mandatory for all Visa Waiver Programme travellers to the USA provided that the airline used is capable of receiving and validating ESTA data. If the airline does not have this capability, then the I-94W will continue to be used. Although on test until January 12th, approved ESTA applications before that date will still last 2 years before renewal. Use of the old manual I-94W form will still be mandatory up to January 12th, with use of the ESTA online version being voluntary.
When to apply?
The online version is available for use now. It is recommended that application be completed at least 72 hours before departure – applications can be made after that but they run the risk that approval may not be received ahead of travel.
Visitors to U.S. face refusal under new online entry system - CNN.com
12 January 2009, 03:28 PM
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Indeed. I went on a trip to the US in Dec and although it was not mandatory at that time I did use this system as it was "recommended". Very easy to use as long as you have your travel details to hand and I got my approval within a few mins. Should be no bother to anyone at all really...
12 January 2009, 09:43 PM
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13 January 2009, 11:29 PM
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I flew into San Fran back in October, and into JFK at the weekend and though I'd already ESTA registered (and yes, had virtually immediate approval/response) I still had to fill in the good old I-94W...
Had I flown in yesterday, the 12th, rather than two days before I'm not sure it would have been much different - ie still need the Visa Waiver form (they've even updated it quite a bit in the last month or so, to include email address, phone number in the US and passport issue / expiry dates)
I ESTA registered hoping that it would avoid all need for an I-94W, but it appears - at least at the moment - not to be the case. Would love to know when it does!
DN
Had I flown in yesterday, the 12th, rather than two days before I'm not sure it would have been much different - ie still need the Visa Waiver form (they've even updated it quite a bit in the last month or so, to include email address, phone number in the US and passport issue / expiry dates)
I ESTA registered hoping that it would avoid all need for an I-94W, but it appears - at least at the moment - not to be the case. Would love to know when it does!
DN
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