stevebt

iTrader: (8)

It has been a good few years since I have been to America and when sorting my insurance out today it came up with this as I paid. I have always filled the forms in at the airport, has it really changed now or is it the insurance company covering themselves?

Myles

iTrader: (40)

It has changed yes, not an issue apart from paying $15 per person to apply.Have a look on ESTA website to check the process.

You get an answer back straight away, as long as you aren't the living embodiment of Osama bin Laden. Print off the paperwork, keep the application numbers etc.

Myles

iTrader: (40)

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

Thanks I will sort it out tomorrow

wayne9t9

Hope you havn`t committed a crime involving moral turpitude.

Myles

iTrader: (40)

Moral turpitude. Try getting a definition for that description, it covers everything from Savilesque crimes to jaywalking.

If unsure, tick no!!

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I have been to America a few times so no worries here doing the visa before I travel

SJ_Skyline

You'll still need to fill out a landing card on the plane, oh and iirc, the ESTA is valid for only 2 years.

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

* if you have had any dealing with the police make sure you check if it will effect your entry to the USA. Vic's brother was arested and then dearested but it still flags up.

He was sent back home without even leaving the airport - 3week holiday wasted as he thought being as all charges were droped - didn't even go to court - it wouldn't effect but it did.

has since filled out the correct papers and has a 10yr visa now.

Scooby B

iTrader: (2)

Just complete the forms online, you dont need to print anything out as it just automaticaly attaches the info to your passport number.

And yes you still need to fill out the landing card on the plane which asks prety much the same questions which makes the whole thing pointless!

Myles

iTrader: (40)

I printed the applications out as when I had to give some personal details on the travel agents site (ref flying etc) they wanted the ESTA application details. You need the number to access the online application so it makes sense to record the number somewhere.

Scooby B

iTrader: (2)

I too printed mine out just to be on the safe side even though it told me it was not needed. I was never asked for it anywhere though. But as you say better to be safe than sorry I suppose.

Myles

iTrader: (40)

Those border guards are so unpredictable that I'd take the whole lot. They have carte blanche to turn you away, and they wont get a roasting for it unlike their British counterparts.

windyboy

about 18 months ago I was stopped by the police for a lapse in car insurance, I went to court and got 6 points and a fine, somebody told me that I had to speak to the American Embassy to see what to do as I was going to Orlando last summer. I spent 20 minutes on the phone at £1.50 per minute and eventually they told me I had to get a police check carried out to see what they had on their computer about me and it would cost £30 to do so and if they found anything nasty I would have to pay $40 (I think) for a visa and also pay for the cost of the ESTA. Luckily all was clear on the police computer so I was ok to get an ESTA so filled it out online and it came through a few seconds later online so printed it off

windyboy

wayne9t9

They don`t care about traffic offenses, unless you kill someone with your car. Its not on your record.

Leslie

US customs just dont think twice,if the visa is not correct you will be sent straight home!

Les

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I applied for mine today. Just waiting for the cofirmation.

nik52wrx

It's usually instant when applying for an ESTA online
Or it has been for me in the past......

US immigration fills me with dread whenever I need to go through it.

Nik

dpb

Yep only worse ones are the arrogant ducks you'll encounter in the gulf , even they dont carry big **** off machinery on their hip

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I recieved a group id email soon after I applied but nothing in it except a number and the date it was created. If thats a proper confirmation its a little vague.