ESTA Question

[wilma-bride]

We fly out on 11th August, however Daniel's ESTA expires on 23rd August. I am fairly sure that ESTA is only to allow entry into the USA and, therefore, we would not need to renew his before we go but wondered if anyone had any experience of their ESTA expiring during their visit or know for a fact that we will be OK.

I know we could renew it but his passport runs out at the beginning of next year so will only have to apply again when his passport is renewed.

Can anyone confirm that the ESTA only has to be valid on the date of entry to the USA.

 

[queendisney]

you are correct , it is only for entry...here is a FAQ on one of the ESTA sites..

Q: Do travelers need to update their ESTA if it will expire before they depart the United States?
A: If an ESTA expires before the traveler leaves the United States, the traveler is not required to apply for another ESTA. However, the traveler will need to apply for a new ESTA for future travel.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/business_pleasure/vwp/faq_vwp.xml

 

[zippy99]

What a fantastic bit of news - our ESTAs expire on 29th August. We plan to fly out on 20th and return on 3rd so I thought we would have to renew.

With 4 of us due to expire at the same time that is very welcome news indeed!

 

[wayneg]

What a fantastic bit of news - our ESTAs expire on 29th August. We plan to fly out on 20th and return on 3rd so I thought we would have to renew.

With 4 of us due to expire at the same time that is very welcome news indeed!

No, ESTA's are only to get you thru immigration and in the country, once you are there they can expire, that will save you a few £

 

[wilma-bride]

Thank goodness for that. I was 90% sure but you know what it's like when you start to doubt/question what you have read.

 

[wickesy]

To be pedantic, ESTA is only to get you TO the USA, it's still down to the immigration officer on the day as to whether you actually get in.

 

[wilma-bride]

To be pedantic, ESTA is only to get you TO the USA, it's still down to the immigration officer on the day as to whether you actually get in.

Don't I know it - I always worry that they will decide they don't like the look of me and send me home again