esta

[saz331]

Hi

Needing some help on these blooming forms online!!

Do i need to pay for it? is it $49.95? is this per person or per family? how soon can i apply? were going the 21st June

Any help would be great!!!!!

Thank u!

S xx

 

[wayneg]

No you don't pay for it, there are a few sites trying to charge but its free(for now)
You can apply now, valid for 2 years I believe, I still haven't even looked at the site we go in 7 weeks, will try do it today.

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta....C11185A_k546ADB84-C9CB-F82B-13DF-883C0F62D5DB

 

[irongirlof12]

thanks for the link, have to do this soon

 

[wicket2005]

As Wayneg says it is FREE, follow his link. There are sites trying to take advantage of people by charging them.

 

[jockey]

I completed this for our previous trip in Jan and was a waste of time still needed the green forms, I suggest you do both

 

[Macl1uk]

I completed this for our previous trip in Jan and was a waste of time still needed the green forms, I suggest you do both

I do not know when you went in January, but the ESTA only became compulsory in mid January and replaces the green form. However you are still required to give advance passanger information to the airline.

VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
You must complete this at least 72 hours before you fly, suggest a minimum of a week before departure. If you fail to complete this you are more than likely to be refused entry to the USA
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Do not forget to give your airline the advanced passenger information as soon as possible, they still need this information in addition to the ESTA form.

 

[SimonV]

This IS designed to replace the green I-94W form in future but both are still required for the time being. And definitely don't pay for it. It is VERY simple to fill in online and those companies trading on people's ignorance of the situation should be ashamed of themselves. You will also still need to fill in your API information online with your airline beforehand, too, but this should also be phased out in future (although there is no timetable for when).

 

[wayneg]

Just done mine thru link I posted, really easy, took under 10 mins to do all 3. Then did API with AA, another 5 mins.
Just wish they would so away with the forms on the plane now.

 

[jockey]

I do not know when you went in January, but the ESTA only became compulsory in mid January and replaces the green form. However you are still required to give advance passanger information to the airline.

VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
You must complete this at least 72 hours before you fly, suggest a minimum of a week before departure. If you fail to complete this you are more than likely to be refused entry to the USA
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Do not forget to give your airline the advanced passenger information as soon as possible, they still need this information in addition to the ESTA form.

We went on 21st Jan, the ESTA was supposed to start on the 12th. We were told by check in staff and staff on board we did not need green forms, was a real hassle having to fill 4 of them in when we arrived in the states. The API was required in addition to the ESTA. I will have the green form too just to be sure this time!

 

[Portugal1000]

Thanks for link. My husband and son have different last name to me on passport so not sure about the Family Name section. I can't never remember if I have to fill in one form or 2 and always end up doing both to be on the safe side. Can't remember which one they took at customs in December.
Any ideas?
Thanks

 

[maleficent_man]

I wonder if it would be worthwhile the mods creating a sticky with all the helpful ESTA info on it for this board? I know I'd really appreciate it - just a thought.

 

[Fozzie Bear]

This IS designed to replace the green I-94W form in future but both are still required for the time being. And definitely don't pay for it. It is VERY simple to fill in online and those companies trading on people's ignorance of the situation should be ashamed of themselves. You will also still need to fill in your API information online with your airline beforehand, too, but this should also be phased out in future (although there is no timetable for when).

Sorry. Whats the API ?

 

[wayneg]

Sorry. Whats the API ?

Advance Passenger Information. You have to give it to the airline before they allow you to fly, I believe they all do it online now. I just did it online with AA today but it said could be done at checkin also. Saves time online.

 

[jockey]

Advance Passenger Information. You have to give it to the airline before they allow you to fly, I believe they all do it online now. I just did it online with AA today but it said could be done at checkin also. Saves time online.

It's a must if you want to do on line check in, even if you don't check in on line do it in advance, saves time at the airport

 

[Princess_Melanie]

We travelled on January 13th 2009 - nightmare with Virgin!!

We completed the ESTA forms online in September 2008 - no problems, nice and easy - got our application accepted back almost right away.

Then got "told off" by Virgin security person at the twilight check in for not having our "forms" with us. There were none to print!! She was adament that we HAD to have them, and I showed her our application numbers generated by ESTA and said time and time over - we did not have anything to print!!

The check in staff said we'd still have to do the green forms - they were running both side by side for 6 months or so.

When we got to Orlando - we didn't even need our ESTA application number thing - it came up on the immigration screen that we were good to enter!!

SO yes - DO fill in ESTA well before you go

DO complete your API

And yes, DO be prepared to fill in those fiddly green forms (I've done so many but still worry about messing them up lol!!)

I can't believe some places are CHARGING to do the ESTA registration....wow....

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

I agree with the other's you should NOT pay for your ESTA.
Haven't filled our's out yet but have done the API's.

 

[laura_<3]

What is the API? I've already done ESTA, that's all fine and dandy, but have never heard of API. How do I go about doing that?

 

[wayneg]

What is the API? I've already done ESTA, that's all fine and dandy, but have never heard of API. How do I go about doing that?

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/passengerinformation/index/index.jsp
(if not correct page click on Advanced passenger info on left)

I think you can do it online with all airlines now or can be done at check in but saves a lot of time and hassle doing it online.

 

[feline figaro]

We leave for WDW in 33 days , we ve filled out the API info but have nt filled in the ESTA forms yet. Once filled in do we need to print the esta forms out?? Or is it just a case of writing a ref number down?

 

[wayneg]

We leave for WDW in 33 days , we ve filled out the API info but have nt filled in the ESTA forms yet. Once filled in do we need to print the esta forms out?? Or is it just a case of writing a ref number down?

On the site it says its not needed to print but there are lost of stories of Virgin insisting you show a copy of the form. I have printed and will take them with me.