ESTA print-out

[epcot.girl]

This question is for a member of the family traveling later in the year rather than myself:

Do you have to print out your ESTA 'authorization approved' page and take it with you as proof at the airport(s)?

We (bf and myself) say no, because it says you don't need to on the authorization page, but this family member doesn't believe us because someone she works with claims to have needed it when she flew earlier this year.

So who is correct?

 

[Claire L]

Nope, no need to print it out. We have travelled twice on the same authorization twice now and no problems.

Claire

 

[kristieuk]

I don't think the printout is necessary, but if printing it is possible, I do purely as a precaution. The information is submitted and confirmed once you complete the form, and is held on file. Purely a matter of choice I think!

 

[wayneg]

When ESTA 1st came in there were posts saying checkin staff were asking to see the print outs, I think it was teething probelms, the site clearly says no need to print.

Q: Do VWP travelers need to bring a paper printout of their ESTA™ approval to the airport?
A: No. However, DHS recommends that travelers print out the ESTA™ application response in order to maintain a record of their ESTA™ application number and to have confirmation of their ESTA™ status.

Taken from here http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/about_esta/esta_faq.ctt/esta_faq.pdf

 

[epcot.girl]

Thanks guys! The family member was starting to make me question myself

 

[Trouty]

Also I have heard you STILL have to fill in those daft forms on the plane as well so a pointless excercise methinks.

 

[Mrdudecool]

You do still fill in the green form (I-94) but they are going to gradually phase this out hence why ESTA has been brought in.
ESTA is basically online I-94.

 

[Trouty]

You do still fill in the green form (I-94) but they are going to gradually phase this out hence why ESTA has been brought in.
ESTA is basically online I-94.

Very gradually..... still filling them in 8 months after ESTA started hehe. Should be like England we let anyone in....

 

[tink too]

I printed ours out for our trip in April (even though the website said you don't have to) and no-one asked to see them at all - in fact no-one even asked if we'd bothered to complete them.