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ESTA question

PostPosted: 28 Jan 2009, 18:54
by archie
I've applied and got confirmation but have lost my ref' number. Will this create a problem when i fly on Friday?
thanks

PostPosted: 28 Jan 2009, 18:59
by Neil
I am guessing you didn't print off your confirmation either?

There was some rumours that Virgin were asking at check in for you to provide a print out of your confirmation, but this was never confirmed, and also some people still had to fill in the Green waiver forms as previously done, and were told not to worry about ESTA, so it is a bit unclear.

I guess an email to the ESTA people explaining your situation wouldn't harm and also maybe a call to VS to check what their policy is regarding needing to prove your ESTA acceptance should clear things up.

Neil

PostPosted: 28 Jan 2009, 19:06
by mitchja
Is not the fact you might or might not need to show proof of your ESTA approval. The problem is you will need to go in and update your ESTA info everytime you travel to the US as you need to enter your first nights accommodation and flight number details which is going to be different every time you travel to the US.

Regards

PostPosted: 28 Jan 2009, 19:18
by GodAtum
From: http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/esta.aspx

quote:Airline Acceptance of ESTA

Online completion is 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 old manual I-94W form will continue to be used and which will be distributed to passengers by that airline, normally either at check in or in flight.


quote:
Don't know the US destination address or flight details yet?

ESTA applications can still be made without a full address and flights. In the short term flight details are not required and a generic address only will suffice. E.g. City and State. Applicants should register full address & flight details once known.


quote:
Repeat Visits? Change of Itinerary?

Updating ESTA data for repeat visits within the 2 year ESTA duration is recommended but is not mandatory. I.e. Upon entry into the USA, the Customs and Border Protection Officer may ask additional questions if a traveller's current itinerary differs from information submitted in the ESTA application. Updating ESTA with new arrival and first night's stay data could save time at the point of entry and result in fewer questions.

PostPosted: 28 Jan 2009, 19:26
by Tinkerbelle
quote:Originally posted by Neil
There was some rumours that Virgin were asking at check in for you to provide a print out of your confirmation, but this was never confirmed, and also some people still had to fill in the Green waiver forms as previously done, and were told not to worry about ESTA, so it is a bit unclear.


For the time being, US Immigration are still requiring that the green visa waiver form is completed and handed in with your passport even though you have completed the ESTA application.