I am an ESTA numpty!

I have filled out the form and been approved but my printer is kaput so i couldnt print it out. Stupidly I did not write the approval numbers down as I thought it would just come up when I went through US immigration....yes I am a plank because apparently I need to show my approval at check in !!! Any suggestions? What a plank!

[Neil]

Didn't realise you had to show your approval at check in, is that a new rule?

Easiest thing to do is to just re-apply again.

I have just read the notes on the ESTA website and they dont require you to show your approval at immigration but apparently they advise you carry your printed approval with you because Virgin may ask for it at check in. I am sure I must have written it somewhere but if not I'll reapply.
I hate new rules!

The whole idea of it being an electronic system is that you don't HAVE to print it out and that its linked to your passport number.

Am not aware of any rule about showing it at check-in (but they may ask if you have done it) and if there was it would have been mentioned on here before now!

Never even mentioned ESTA at check in last Saturday. Never known them to ask to see evidence - just a verbal check to make sure you have done it.

[HighFlyer]

I have never been asked to show a printed copy of my ESTA, either at check-in or at immigration in the US. The site itself says that you can print a copy for your records but that you should not need to carry it.

I wouldnt worry about it, but if you want to be reassured you could just apply for a new one?

A quick word of warning re re-applying; it can take a few weeks for the process to work, including letting the previous version lapse (can't remember how it works - but I had to re-apply courtesy of an error on my original application). It can take a few weeks in some cases.

Better to just not worry about it - if the ESTA's on the system, and you have a passport etc that matches, then they can match it up at check in (in theory).

I was asked at check-in on my last trip if I'd completed an ESTA, but wasn't asked to produce my copy - and at the end of the day ANYONE can fake a paper copy; it's what's on the US-related systems that really counts (and the check-in agent's ability to view it online that matters?).

[HighFlyer]

I have always have ESTA approved instantly, never had to wait more than a few moments for it to approve.

Yep, mine have always been approved immediately and as in a previous post it says you only need to print it off if you want a copy for your own records. I have never even been asked about it when leaving UK or arriving in US

Sorry guys, when I was referring to the process taking weeks, that was when I was trying to cancel an incorrectly completed (and at that point accepted)application, and get a new one processed/accepted. That DID takes weeks and was issued perilously close to my departure date at the time. I would agree that in NORMAL circumstances it is a relatively immediate process - however I wasn't referring to a NORMAL situation....

I have filled out the form and been approved but my printer is kaput so i couldnt print it out. Stupidly I did not write the approval numbers down as I thought it would just come up when I went through US immigration....yes I am a plank because apparently I need to show my approval at check in !!! Any suggestions? What a plank!

I Can't Find (or didn't print out) My ESTA Application Number

Can I update my ESTA application, get my status, or board a plane if I don't have my authorization number?



Due to security/privacy concerns, we are unable to provide ESTA application numbers to people who have lost or misplaced them. If you lost, misplaced, or forgot your application number, you will have to re-apply for in order to get another one. Your old application number will be automatically cancelled and a new one will be generated for you.

If you lost your application number, you will not be able to update your contact or travel information in the system. 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. That number is transmitted electronically to the airlines.

If you are waiting for your approval status to be confirmed, and you did not keep a copy of your application number to log in to see the status, you will have to reapply. We do not notify applicants of their status (approved or denied) by email.

If you are unable to re-apply, please come back to this FAQ and click on the "Ask a Question" tab at the top of this page, and send us the exact error message. If you do not have an email address for us to respond to you, please use [email protected]. Be sure to give us a phone number where we can contact you to resolve the problem.

The above is from the help section,just reapply then make a note of your number and expiry date,or copy and paste the application into your word.....

Hope this helps....