ESTA

Thanks, have just woken up and will leave for the airport re-assured.

ps. When I get back, I will deffo join for proper. This site has been a great help and I feel it is now time for me to do the right thing.

quote:Originally posted by tontybear
Slinky

thats true but what I meant was it's not someting you need to carry around with you and show to check-in or INS staff which is what some people think they need to do - and thats what the ESTA FAQ says.

The FAQ also says you CAN use it to update an itinerary but it is NOT required (but I agree it is probbaly a good thing to do) as you can generally travel as many times as you wish during the two year validity.





Thing that occurs to me if not updating is that, one day, the waiver forms and ESTA might just interface. If you haven't updated your 1st night details, they won't macth - potential problems? Probaby not, since interfacing is never gonna happen....

VAA Website now stating ESTA is mandatory with immediate effect.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/pa ... usvisa.jsp

[Neil]

quote:Originally posted by Daffy
VAA Website now stating ESTA is mandatory with immediate effect.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/pa ... usvisa.jsp


So it seems it is being checked at the airline end, rather than the pax having to prove they did it, which, IMO, is the way it should be done.

[mitchja]

It's the same as the Australian ETA system, where it wont let you check-in (online or at the airport) until your are authorised for travel.

Although this could get a lot more complicated as ESTA is supposed to be done at least 72 hours before departure. I think you can apply for an Australian ETA at the airport there and then, if you haven't done it sooner.

I bet we still have to fill in those green forms though!!

Regards

Green forms indeed - it's what, seven months now since ESTA was introduced, it would benefit all if we binned them (especially since US immigration do in any case!).

I'm interested in how the VS Web site is asking for the ESTA confirmation, has anyone seen it? Does the site ask for your ESTA number or just that you've done it?

[mitchja]

Hopefully, if it's like the ETA system, it should be all done automatically with all the checking been done in real time as VS systems (and all other airlines) are all linked to the ETA system.

With ETA, I think that system checks your name/passport details against the ETA system. If it comes back as approved, it allows you (or airport staff) to continue the check-in process.

I would guess you wont need to enter anything other than the standard check-in details that we already give now.

Regards

quote:Originally posted by mitchja
Hopefully, if it's like the ETA system, it should be all done automatically with all the checking been done in real time as VS systems (and all other airlines) are all linked to the ETA system.

With ETA, I think that system checks your name/passport details against the ETA system. If it comes back as approved, it allows you (or airport staff) to continue the check-in process.

I would guess you wont need to enter anything other than the standard check-in details that we already give now.

Regards


I am not so sure about that as some travel on a visa for business and an esta for pleasure unlike ETA for Australia (one size fits all there)

HG

[mitchja]

ESTA is only for people traveling under the VISA waiver program though isn't it?

From the ESTA website:

quote:International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization using the following process

So I would guess other VISA type holders just carry on what they are doing now?

Regards

quote:Originally posted by mitchja
ESTA is only for people traveling under the VISA waiver program though isn't it?

From the ESTA website:

quote:International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization using the following process

So I would guess other VISA type holders just carry on what they are doing now?

Regards



Nope

For example my staff travelling on a contract to the USA will have an appropriate Visa spmsored by my office.

When they travel for pleasure they must use an ESTA as the Visa is for staff travelling on duty only.

Therefore most will hold both and have authority to decide at checkin which one to use.

To Aus all they need is an ETA for everything.

HG

I registered with ESTA for my flights last year, and currently, can't find the details. But I know it's valid for two years. With regards to updating it... I found this. Which makes sense, because you submit API information anyway...

That number is required to locate your file. But remember, it is not required for you to update your travel information in ESTA. Providing that information to us is optional. So if you have lost your application number and cannot update that information the next time you travel to the U.S., don't worry about it.

You are not required to present a printout of your application number to board your flight.

The longest URL ever?

[honey lamb]

Hmmm! When I click on to that link I get a message 'Operation Failed. Illegal parameter'!

Whoops. I imagine it's linked to my computer which is possibly being scanned by the US as I type. It was to the question and answer site on the ESTA website...

[Neil]

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
Hmmm! When I click on to that link I get a message 'Operation Failed. Illegal parameter'!


Ditto

Re updating ESTA travel info. It isn't compulsory but I think anything to make the process and amount of time at US immigration the better.

But they already have this information, as you have to supply API before the flight, which is your flight details, address in the US etc. etc.

quote:Originally posted by Sealink
But they already have this information, as you have to supply API before the flight, which is your flight details, address in the US etc. etc.


But API and ESTA are NOT linked (as yet anyway)

I updated my ESTA for my trip next month on the basis that it wouldn't hurt my passage through immigration and would probably speed it up (update it = law abiding = safe to allow me in!)

Sealink - yes they do have this information, and we give it again on the I-95 but ESTA is more about pre-clearance to get on the plane and an earlier warning if you require a visa (hence the 72 hours before you fly 'deadline') whereas API facilitates your entry into the country.

When I updated my ESTA I was only asked for details of my airline / flight number and US address. It did NOT ask me for the date of my flight but this will be required for API.

It looks to me more to do with one part of the US government not working with another but ESTA and API serve slightly different functions. Irritating to us especially when you factor the need to fill in the I-95 as well but obviously perfectly logical to those managing the US immigration system.

And as we want to get into their lovely country we need to cheerfully give them the same info as many times as they want !

quote:Originally posted by tontybear

Sealink - yes they do have this information, It looks to me more to do with one part of the US government not working with another but ESTA and API serve slightly different functions.



Spot on - 'THEY' are two different agencies and the US government are working on joing up electronically but it will take a few years; one of the functions of the fairly new DNI. Until then we will need to give similar if not same information to various US Agencies in order to gain entrance to the USA.

HG