quote:Originally posted by locutus
So how do VS find out if you have been approved, rejected or not bothered filling it in? I assume they would still have to get you home if refused entry on arrival?
Isn't that the whole point of this system - you won't be refused entry on arrival because you won't have arrived. As I understand it, you will not be allowed to fly unless you have ESTA authorisation. Or have I got it wrong [?]
quote:Originally posted by Treelo
[quote]Originally posted by locutus
So how do VS find out if you have been approved, rejected or not bothered filling it in? I assume they would still have to get you home if refused entry on arrival?
Isn't that the whole point of this system - you won't be refused entry on arrival because you won't have arrived. As I understand it, you will not be allowed to fly unless you have ESTA authorisation. Or have I got it wrong [?]
I believe you are right - the airline will not risk the penalties of letting you fly. As mentioned, won't it be like the Australian system where the airline will know in their reservations system if you have a visa / ESTA approval? How the airlines are implementing this I do not know, but I'd guess it's not public knowledge for security reasons in any case (i.e. spec. published, hacker attacks ...).
I did ask the ESTA folk if one registered during the trial period whether you need to reregister after 12 Jan, no reply yet, does anyone know?
[quote]Originally posted by locutus
So how do VS find out if you have been approved, rejected or not bothered filling it in? I assume they would still have to get you home if refused entry on arrival?
Isn't that the whole point of this system - you won't be refused entry on arrival because you won't have arrived. As I understand it, you will not be allowed to fly unless you have ESTA authorisation. Or have I got it wrong [?]
I believe you are right - the airline will not risk the penalties of letting you fly. As mentioned, won't it be like the Australian system where the airline will know in their reservations system if you have a visa / ESTA approval? How the airlines are implementing this I do not know, but I'd guess it's not public knowledge for security reasons in any case (i.e. spec. published, hacker attacks ...).
I did ask the ESTA folk if one registered during the trial period whether you need to reregister after 12 Jan, no reply yet, does anyone know?
There's a plane at JFK, to fly you back from far away
all those dark and frantic transatlantic miles
all those dark and frantic transatlantic miles
For the link between the airline and ESTA to work, there would have to be something unique, which I assume is the passport number, as name is not reliable, and you don't enter flight info for ESTA. Just wondering if you will have to prove to the airline that you are authorised for travel in some way.
quote:Originally posted by slinky09
I did ask the ESTA folk if one registered during the trial period whether you need to reregister after 12 Jan, no reply yet, does anyone know?
I can't see why you would. When I did our ESTA applications it said it was valid for 2 years, with no mention of having to re-apply from when it becomes compulsory.
Neil
I did ask the ESTA folk if one registered during the trial period whether you need to reregister after 12 Jan, no reply yet, does anyone know?
I can't see why you would. When I did our ESTA applications it said it was valid for 2 years, with no mention of having to re-apply from when it becomes compulsory.
Neil
My understanding is post Jan 12, no ESTA, no travel.
Is it just me though, or have I not seen much in the way of reminders about it?
Is it just me though, or have I not seen much in the way of reminders about it?
Thanks
Darren
Darren
quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
My understanding is post Jan 12, no ESTA, no travel.
Is it just me though, or have I not seen much in the way of reminders about it?
I just had a little Virgin plane buzzing round my screen to tell me. They don't bother telling there's a sale though!
My understanding is post Jan 12, no ESTA, no travel.
Is it just me though, or have I not seen much in the way of reminders about it?
I just had a little Virgin plane buzzing round my screen to tell me. They don't bother telling there's a sale though!
How much does it cost to do the online ESTA thingy? Have I missed the link?????
Sorry foks, got the link now! The Virgin bumpf though, says you can try it out for free until 12th Jan - but does that mean it won't be valid if I register now???
quote:Originally posted by catsilversword
Sorry foks, got the link now! The Virgin bumpf though, says you can try it out for free until 12th Jan - but does that mean it won't be valid if I register now???
ESTA is not something that you will be charged for, it is just to replace the current green visa waiver forms.
When you do the application and if you are approved then it will be valid for 2 years although they do suggest that you update your travel information for every trip, but that isn't compulsory.
Neil
Sorry foks, got the link now! The Virgin bumpf though, says you can try it out for free until 12th Jan - but does that mean it won't be valid if I register now???
ESTA is not something that you will be charged for, it is just to replace the current green visa waiver forms.
When you do the application and if you are approved then it will be valid for 2 years although they do suggest that you update your travel information for every trip, but that isn't compulsory.
Neil
quote:Originally posted by Neil
ESTA is not something that you will be charged for, it is just to replace the current green visa waiver forms.
Well, it's free for the moment anyway...
quote:Currently there is no fee to apply for a travel authorization. However, there may be an application fee in the future.
ESTA is not something that you will be charged for, it is just to replace the current green visa waiver forms.
Well, it's free for the moment anyway...
quote:Currently there is no fee to apply for a travel authorization. However, there may be an application fee in the future.
I think it's only a matter of time before they do start charging a fee to get an ESTA. You've had to pay for an Australian ETA for years now.
Just checked my ESTA status and it says mine expires 05/08/2010, so I guess any applications made before Jan 12th will still be valid once they 'go live'.
Also, if it's going to be anything like the Australian ETA system it might be worth while taking a print out confirming your approval with you as well, as several years ago when I checked in for a flight from KUL to SYD on OS, they could not determine that I had approval electronically. They did let me check-in once I showed them the print out you get showing I was approved for travel.
Things are likely to fall down in the first few days once they do go live on Jan 12th especially with the large number of airlines and entry points into the US [:w]
Regards
Just checked my ESTA status and it says mine expires 05/08/2010, so I guess any applications made before Jan 12th will still be valid once they 'go live'.
Also, if it's going to be anything like the Australian ETA system it might be worth while taking a print out confirming your approval with you as well, as several years ago when I checked in for a flight from KUL to SYD on OS, they could not determine that I had approval electronically. They did let me check-in once I showed them the print out you get showing I was approved for travel.
Things are likely to fall down in the first few days once they do go live on Jan 12th especially with the large number of airlines and entry points into the US [:w]
Regards
Regards
James Mitchell
James Mitchell
quote:Originally posted by locutus
[quote]Originally posted by Neil
ESTA is not something that you will be charged for, it is just to replace the current green visa waiver forms.
Well, it's free for the moment anyway...
[quote]Currently there is no fee to apply for a travel authorization. However, there may be an application fee in the future.
That's what I thought when I read that. Ah well, best get in now then [:)]
[quote]Originally posted by Neil
ESTA is not something that you will be charged for, it is just to replace the current green visa waiver forms.
Well, it's free for the moment anyway...
[quote]Currently there is no fee to apply for a travel authorization. However, there may be an application fee in the future.
That's what I thought when I read that. Ah well, best get in now then [:)]
Hi Folks,
Re ESTA.
Is such a shame so many people either have not heard of this new application or whats involved in it.
Would like to share some of points with those who might be needing to do an application sometime in the future.
Information that is asked for in the form is as follows:
Name, DOB, Country of Citizenship, Gender, Telephone number, Email Address ( I did not receive any emails from ESTA, your approval comes via a webpage), Passport Number, Passport Valid from/Expiry Date, Boarding City, Carrier Code, Flight Number, Address while staying in the USA and you have to answer some fairly straightforward questions (Identical to those on the Green Waiver Form)
It is valid for 2 years upon apporval (Mines was immediately).
You will be given an Application number upon completeion and approval of the form. I would like to point out the words 'Application Number' I think it would be fair to say that this (Even upon approval) is only an application form and it does not mean that some folks will not be turned away from the USA upon arrival at Passport Control. ( I am unaware of how often this happens in realty!)
The cost is free.
I would also suggest that it may be prudent to print of your succesful application and take it along with you on holiday, just in case there is some disagreement over your application/approval etc.
I hope this is of some use.
I too would like to know what happens for people that are not computer literate. I have had to fill out two application forms for my parents who wouldn't know one end of a computer from the other and have never understood what the World Wide Web is all about!!!
My understanding is that even with the new ESTA form being completed you still have to fill out the green visa waiver card on the plane, although if anyone believes differently please let me know.
Re ESTA.
Is such a shame so many people either have not heard of this new application or whats involved in it.
Would like to share some of points with those who might be needing to do an application sometime in the future.
Information that is asked for in the form is as follows:
Name, DOB, Country of Citizenship, Gender, Telephone number, Email Address ( I did not receive any emails from ESTA, your approval comes via a webpage), Passport Number, Passport Valid from/Expiry Date, Boarding City, Carrier Code, Flight Number, Address while staying in the USA and you have to answer some fairly straightforward questions (Identical to those on the Green Waiver Form)
It is valid for 2 years upon apporval (Mines was immediately).
You will be given an Application number upon completeion and approval of the form. I would like to point out the words 'Application Number' I think it would be fair to say that this (Even upon approval) is only an application form and it does not mean that some folks will not be turned away from the USA upon arrival at Passport Control. ( I am unaware of how often this happens in realty!)
The cost is free.
I would also suggest that it may be prudent to print of your succesful application and take it along with you on holiday, just in case there is some disagreement over your application/approval etc.
I hope this is of some use.
I too would like to know what happens for people that are not computer literate. I have had to fill out two application forms for my parents who wouldn't know one end of a computer from the other and have never understood what the World Wide Web is all about!!!
My understanding is that even with the new ESTA form being completed you still have to fill out the green visa waiver card on the plane, although if anyone believes differently please let me know.
I knew it! Simon Calder (journo, writes in the Independent I believe, FTers dislike him I think) has a travel show on LBC radio Sunday afternoons. Yesterday had a man from US embassy talking about ESTA and visas. This man confirmed that if you came home with your green visa waiver slip still in your passport it matters not a jot, because 'we get this information from the airlines anyway'. Ha ha, always suspected the same ...
There's a plane at JFK, to fly you back from far away
all those dark and frantic transatlantic miles
all those dark and frantic transatlantic miles
Well today is launch day. We'll see what the TR's show.
Word of warning though. There are sites out there that look very official but charge $250 to fill the form out for you. http://www.esta.us is one.
Word of warning though. There are sites out there that look very official but charge $250 to fill the form out for you. http://www.esta.us is one.
Thanks
Darren
Darren
This was on the BBC news website last night. They are expecting a bit of trouble.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/ ... 822794.stm
Someone on the Dibb did Twilight check in last night and was asked for a copy of their application(which they had fortunately) and were told by a check in girl and a supervisor that they didn't know what they would do if someone didn't have a print out!!! It is clearly printed that you don't need to copy anything.
So, Virgin aren't up to speed yet.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/ ... 822794.stm
Someone on the Dibb did Twilight check in last night and was asked for a copy of their application(which they had fortunately) and were told by a check in girl and a supervisor that they didn't know what they would do if someone didn't have a print out!!! It is clearly printed that you don't need to copy anything.
So, Virgin aren't up to speed yet.
On a slightly related note, and one to warn your friends and family about is the number of 'agencies' popping up on the Internet to 'assist' with the ESTA process.
For example, I noticed this one yesterday:
http://www.esta.co.uk
Bargain $49.99 each to download the ESTA 'application form', or $249 each for them to process your application (once you've submitted all your personal information).
For example, I noticed this one yesterday:
http://www.esta.co.uk
Bargain $49.99 each to download the ESTA 'application form', or $249 each for them to process your application (once you've submitted all your personal information).
quote:Originally posted by timboab
My understanding is that even with the new ESTA form being completed you still have to fill out the green visa waiver card on the plane, although if anyone believes differently please let me know.
I thought it was running in parallel until today and then, per a paragraph in the BBC link, the I94 form is replaced. The VH and Trailfinders websites also have a statements that the I94 will no longer be available onboard aircraft, and according to the Daily Telegraph website only travellers entering the US overland from Canada or Mexico will continue to fill in the old green I-94 visa-waiver forms.
Interestingly though, according to one of the comments attached to the latter, a US Immigration Officer indicated to a traveller that both forms would be required.
So, that's clear then.
Paul
My understanding is that even with the new ESTA form being completed you still have to fill out the green visa waiver card on the plane, although if anyone believes differently please let me know.
I thought it was running in parallel until today and then, per a paragraph in the BBC link, the I94 form is replaced. The VH and Trailfinders websites also have a statements that the I94 will no longer be available onboard aircraft, and according to the Daily Telegraph website only travellers entering the US overland from Canada or Mexico will continue to fill in the old green I-94 visa-waiver forms.
Interestingly though, according to one of the comments attached to the latter, a US Immigration Officer indicated to a traveller that both forms would be required.
So, that's clear then.
Paul
We can get better, because we're not dead yet
quote:Originally posted by slinky09
I knew it! Simon Calder (journo, writes in the Independent I believe, FTers dislike him I think) has a travel show on LBC radio Sunday afternoons. Yesterday had a man from US embassy talking about ESTA and visas. This man confirmed that if you came home with your green visa waiver slip still in your passport it matters not a jot, because 'we get this information from the airlines anyway'. Ha ha, always suspected the same ...
Yeh. Somehow I always knew they didn't have some poor soul sat in the depths of every US airport tallying off green visa waiver slips with the entry part.
There was a trial of the electronic US VISIT exit scheme at ATL about 2 years ago. You went up to a kiosk similar to those seen in check in areas, scanned your passport and it produced a receipt for you. One wonders if they will implement this system with the the new ESTA, ie: giving you a receipt on boarding the aircraft.
I knew it! Simon Calder (journo, writes in the Independent I believe, FTers dislike him I think) has a travel show on LBC radio Sunday afternoons. Yesterday had a man from US embassy talking about ESTA and visas. This man confirmed that if you came home with your green visa waiver slip still in your passport it matters not a jot, because 'we get this information from the airlines anyway'. Ha ha, always suspected the same ...
Yeh. Somehow I always knew they didn't have some poor soul sat in the depths of every US airport tallying off green visa waiver slips with the entry part.
There was a trial of the electronic US VISIT exit scheme at ATL about 2 years ago. You went up to a kiosk similar to those seen in check in areas, scanned your passport and it produced a receipt for you. One wonders if they will implement this system with the the new ESTA, ie: giving you a receipt on boarding the aircraft.
quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion
On a slightly related note, and one to warn your friends and family about is the number of 'agencies' popping up on the Internet to 'assist' with the ESTA process.
For example, I noticed this one yesterday:
http://www.esta.co.uk
Bargain $49.99 each to download the ESTA 'application form', or $249 each for them to process your application (once you've submitted all your personal information).
Sad to say there are bottom feeders who dine on the misapprehension of muppets!
Slinks
On a slightly related note, and one to warn your friends and family about is the number of 'agencies' popping up on the Internet to 'assist' with the ESTA process.
For example, I noticed this one yesterday:
http://www.esta.co.uk
Bargain $49.99 each to download the ESTA 'application form', or $249 each for them to process your application (once you've submitted all your personal information).
Sad to say there are bottom feeders who dine on the misapprehension of muppets!
Slinks
There's a plane at JFK, to fly you back from far away
all those dark and frantic transatlantic miles
all those dark and frantic transatlantic miles
flew to MIA yesterday. I had filled in the ESTA form last week and got the authorisation within seconds. Still, UC checkin gave me the old green and white forms. I filled them in and that's all they wanted at MIA. They did not care for the ESTA form or reference number at all. My colleague, who for whatever reason was not gicen a form a checkin a few minutes after I passed through, had to fill the forms at the airport...
Mike
Mike
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