ESTA on the news today.

There was info about the ESTA today on BBC news, shock horror new rules and all that.

Is it the same as API and what do you think about it. Apparantley we can voluntarily register on line from Aug and from after Jan 12th its do it or stay at home.

Doesn't bother me as long s there are no drug barons or fundamentalists using my name on the register,

The news made it out to be a major inconvenience.

Simon Calder mentioned it today too... here

Be interesting to see how well it works on the 2nd visit, as you will already be approved (within two years or passport expiring).

It wasn't clear, but can you sign up any time in advance, even without knowing your flight details, on the basis that almost certainly at some point in the next two years you'll be travelling to the US, possibly at short notice?

Strangely ironic is the bit about it being in response to the perceived threat of European religious extremism. A bit rich if you ask me, both bearing in mind the hotbeds of religious extremism already within the US, and the US constitutional rights within the First Amendment regarding religious freedom.

This is one of those technolgical progressions: the old green paper visa waiver that takes an hour for the US authorities to check is replaced by an online version that takes three days. What a crock!

Cheers, H

[mitchja]

I guess it will work in the same way the Australian ETA system works, where it's linked to airlines check-in software and so wont let you check-in at the airport or online until you do have approval.

I personally dont see this as an inconvience as it will replace the I-94 green landing card system from 2009.

It will still only be voluntary from Aug 1 2008 to Jan 12 2009 when it becomes mandatory. That's also the date when the green I-94's should disappear too.

There's quite a lot of info about ESTA here

Regards

[Decker]

Originally posted by Howard Long
It wasn't clear, but can you sign up any time in advance, even without knowing your flight details, on the basis that almost certainly at some point in the next two years you'll be travelling to the US, possibly at short notice?

From James' link

Travelers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States under the VWP before they apply for an ESTA authorization.

Thanks chaps. In which case this will indeed be more convenient than the rather tiresome chore of trying to fill out an I94W after two or three of pints of Champagne. Bearing this in mind I will endeavour to keep my religious extremism quiet both during and after the drinking process.

H

So what happens if you get rejected before you fly and after you have your ticket? Will you get a refund? Oh, hang on, I know. No. At least before, you had your flight, before being sent back.

Originally posted by Howard Long
Thanks chaps. In which case this will indeed be more convenient than the rather tiresome chore of trying to fill out an I94W after two or three of pints of Champagne. Bearing this in mind I will endeavour to keep my religious extremism quiet both during and after the drinking process.

[:D] I totally agree ... no more asking for a second, or a third green form to correct mishtakes made on the firsht!

Originally posted by slinky09

Originally posted by Howard Long
Thanks chaps. In which case this will indeed be more convenient than the rather tiresome chore of trying to fill out an I94W after two or three of pints of Champagne. Bearing this in mind I will endeavour to keep my religious extremism quiet both during and after the drinking process.

[:D] I totally agree ... no more asking for a second, or a third green form to correct mishtakes made on the firsht!

I thought that was just me ! [:D]

David

So, there I was with a day off work, twiddling my thumbs. Sounds like time for v-flyer [:)]
Reading through some old posts, I came across this one re the VWP and decided to give it a go. Went to the ESTA website and completed the necessary online form in a couple of minutes for each of us. Mine came back immediately, approved for travel to the US (though not guaranteeing entry [?]). However, the present Mrs Treelo was allocated 'authorization pending' status. Had they detected a previous life of organised crime, drug-dealing or jaywalking? Fortunately(?) nothing was out of place, and 10 mins later she too was elevated to the exalted 'authorization approved' status.
This process is an absolute walk in the park - anything that dispenses with those pesky green I94Ws has got to be an improvement. Go for it guys [:D]

My wife and I are travelling Man - Mco ( First time UCS ) in February and have tried to apply today. Both our passports were issued in August 2003 and expire in Jan 2014. The Esta system won't accept them because they are have over 10 yrs on them. Any help would be appreciated.

Steve

[Decker]

Mail ESTASupport - I have but haven't heard back yet. Same problem - Jan 2008->Oct 2018

[mitchja]

Also have the same passport issue problem here as well.

May 2004 > Jan 2015

Also mailed support and awaiting an answer too. They clearly haven't taken into account the extra couple of months UK passport holders are able to carry over when re-newing.

Regards

That has got to be prety common. Both my wife's and my passport have more than ten years because, of course, like most people surely, we don't wait until the last minute to re-new them.

Originally posted by Decker
Mail ESTASupport - I have but haven't heard back yet. Same problem - Jan 2008->Oct 2018

Have you got the email address please? I've looked everywhere but can't find it [:I]

[Darren Wheeler]

It's [email protected]

Same issue here, Oct 2002 to July 2013.

One web designer need kick!

Thanks [:D]

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by Decker

Originally posted by Howard Long
It wasn't clear, but can you sign up any time in advance, even without knowing your flight details, on the basis that almost certainly at some point in the next two years you'll be travelling to the US, possibly at short notice?

From James' link

Travelers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States under the VWP before they apply for an ESTA authorization.

When I looked at the form, although the aircraft details were optional the address in the States bit was marked with a red asterisk and therefore mandatory. [:(!] I notice that most of you have travel planned to the US. I haven't but would still liked to have the authorisation. Is there something i have missed?

[mitchja]

I can't see any reason stopping you entering any hotel name to gain initial appproval, then when your travel plans are confirmed, go in and amend your hotel details?

Regards

Originally posted by mitchja
I can't see any reason stopping you entering any hotel name to gain initial appproval, then when your travel plans are confirmed, go in and amend your hotel details?

Regards

The was I read it, this is exactly the way the system is designed, James. Adresss is one field which can be amended (as opposed to submitting a new application. [:)]

I like the birth year options, starting in 1883, made me feel young!

Huh! Application pending! It's only my ninth stateside trip I am planning for next week and I can't be verified [:#].

So - having got approval for my next trip to the US is that me for two years - or do I have to update it each time? The flight and address will be the same with just the dates training. I'm asking as it says approval is good for multiple entries....


Dom

[mitchja]

OK had a response back from ESTA and apparently they are aware of the passport issue date error and it's due to be fixed shortly.

They suggest you try and apply again in about 3 days time.

Regards

[mitchja]

Update 05/08/08 - The passport issue/expiry date error has now been fixed.

Just applied here and surprise surprise the response I get is:

'Authorization Pending'

Regards

[Darren Wheeler]

Same here too [?]