Has it all changed????

[thegirlyarwood]

We have been to Orlando for the last 3 years (May this year being the last)and have entered the US by using the green form. Has this now changed as I am now reading information about an ESTA.

Can someone clear this up for me please!

[wifey]

After 12th January 2009 the green I 94 forms as far as I can gather are going to be obsolete you will need to complete the mandatory ESTA online 3-9 months before you travel but once it's done it's valid for up to two years and you can amend it online too. Does this make more sense for you?

[thegirlyarwood]

Thats great. Does anyone have a link to the correct forms please??

[wickesy]

Here you go - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_cE99198CD-DE8E-675F-E258-B4BDCAD70B2B_kC58D0E8F-1ADD-C84B-0B8C-732733D68895

[Girlsontour]

I have never heard of this before (obviously spent too much time away from you all!!) - started to fill it in, but at the telephone number it keeps saying...

Telephone Number contains invalid characters.

Anybody any ideas as to what i am doing wrong? I have tried putting 0044 - and then tried just my number missing off the first 0.

[wickesy]

I have never heard of this before (obviously spent too much time away from you all!!) - started to fill it in, but at the telephone number it keeps saying...

Telephone Number contains invalid characters.

Anybody any ideas as to what i am doing wrong? I have tried putting 0044 - and then tried just my number missing off the first 0.

You need to put 44 in the country code box and then in the telephone number box put your telephone number without the first 0 and without spaces.

[Girlsontour]

Thanks - it was the space that caused it!

[wickesy]

Glad you got it sorted. :thumbsup2

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

This is all really helpful! :thumbsup2

I am going to the USA twice in the next year, once in December and then in May . . . as it stays valid for two years will I need to complete the form for both trips or will once do, do you think?

Actually, as I am going in December and it doesn't start until Jan I will probably get stuck with the cursed green forms again, wont I?! I hate those things!!

[UKDEB]

Does the ESTA obviate the need for the Visa Waiver forms, or are both required for the time being?

[Elise79]

ESTA is only optional at the moment. The green forms are required until the US Government authorises their withdrawal which is when ESTA will become mandatory.

Here is a nice website that seems to explain it all quite nicely: Visit USA (http://www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/esta.aspx)