|
Trip Planning Florida Florida Holiday Planning Questions, Suggestions and Tips. |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Display Modes |
16 Feb 20, 11:21 AM |
#1
|
|
slightly serious Dibber
|
ESTA - how far in advance of trip would you book?
My ESTA's are due for renewal but not sure whether to renew them now or wait until nearer to our trip so that the 2 years window could be maximised in case we do another trip. What is a sensible amount of lead time do I need?
|
|
|
16 Feb 20, 11:23 AM |
#2
|
|
VIP Dibber
|
I would tend to do it at least 6 months in advance. That’s how long I think would be safe to allow for a visa should there be any issues.
|
|
|
16 Feb 20, 11:29 AM |
#3
|
VIP Dibber
|
My personal opinion is to do them before you commit any serious money to a holiday that's not recoverable in the unlikely event that your application is refused. Secondly as sha9 suggests maybe 6 months in advance in case there's a refusal needing to apply for a visa.
The chance of refusal is so slight as maybe not measurable but over all my years on here since they were introduced I have seen it happen. Once by a massive software fail at SFB but more commonly by applicant's carelessness. We've had live ESTAs since they were introduced and honestly wouldn't risk losing a holiday for trying to optimise lots of uses out of a £10 document. Mick
__________________
|
16 Feb 20, 11:29 AM |
#4
|
|
Imagineer
|
I do it when we book our flights which was back in September last year for August this year. We don't go every year so would need to do it each time anyway.
__________________
Paul 2020 canceled - 2018 - 2015- 2012 - 2004 - 1998 - 1995 - 1993 Has it really been 8 years? - Trip Index August 2015-Trip Index |
|
|
16 Feb 20, 11:32 AM |
#5
|
|
Imagineer
|
I keep mine active all the time even if I haven't got a trip planned! just incase those 6 numbers come up!
|
|
|
16 Feb 20, 11:36 AM |
#6
|
VIP Dibber
|
Our thoughts exactly. We're lucky enough to go twice a year anyway most years . Don't do the lottery now but we do have premium bonds and I'd hate to think we couldn't book and go next week if we won £1m because of a lapsed ESTA.
Mick
__________________
|
16 Feb 20, 12:31 PM |
#7
|
|
Imagineer
Join Date: Jun 09
|
Before you pay out any non refundable money
|
|
|
16 Feb 20, 12:52 PM |
#8
|
Imagineer
Join Date: Feb 13
|
I would never book a holiday without an esta in place for my dates.
|
16 Feb 20, 12:58 PM |
#9
|
|
Imagineer
|
I did my first one before I booked my flight just in case.
__________________
June 06, August 07, September 18, January 19, September 19, February 20, December 21, February 22, December 22, February 23, February 24 |
|
|
16 Feb 20, 01:10 PM |
#10
|
|
Imagineer
Join Date: Nov 09
Location: Wigan
|
After lots of people have asked the question and lots of debates around it, people have got good at summarising. This is a good summary, especially in the description of the chance of refusal for someone normal. The other posts back it up nicely.
Maximising the chances of a "free" trip is something which seems a good idea, but in my mind when you look properly isn't. If you get your ESTA 6 months ahead of your planned trip, you give yourself time to get a VISA if you need one, and you still have 18 months when you get back to use it again if all goes normally. If you did ESTA last minute, that 18 months extends to maybe 23 months, but if you do need a visa, you haven't got time to sort one. Whilst the odds of needing a VISA are indeed very small, the consequence is catastrophic. You are risking the first holiday for the possibility of saving a tenner should you decide to go between 18-23 months after you get back. To me not worth it, like lumping your house on a strong odds on favourite so you can win next to nothing.
__________________
Should I stay or should I go ! Edited at 01:12 PM. |
|
|
|
DIBB Savings |
AttractionTickets.com
Get £10 off each Disney Ticket with the code ATDIBB10 Get up to £50 off per room at Disney or Universal with the code DIBBHOTELS |
theDIBB Blog |
Guests can book their 2025 Hotel and Ticket package early to enjoy Free Dining &... Read More »
The iconic 1900 Park Fare restaurant is opening its doors once again at Disney’s Grand... Read More »
One of the the five worlds found in Epic Universe, How to Train Your Dragon... Read More »
|
theDIBB Menu |
Exchange Rates |
US Dollar Rates
Euro Rates |
DIBB Premium Membership |
Did you know you can help support theDIBB with Premium Membership? Check out this link for more information and benefits, such as... "No adverts on theDIBB Forums" Upgrade Now |