Major ESTA meltdown IRAQ

[Guest]

Originally Posted by DizneyDarling

That maybe our only option, he ha spring he’s never stepped foot in Iraq until now, also all his work documents etc. Jst waiting on hearing back about a visa, he’s filled the Ds 160

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If you've already given the US authorities enough details about your visa need for them to be able to identify your OH then I'm afraid this option isn't open to you, his immigration record will have "query about Iraq" and "visa needed" stamped all over it.

It's one thing to go there unaware that you would be denied entry, it's an entirely different prospect of you "give it a go" knowing you are ineligible.

One is a "send home on the next plane" punishment the other is a "don't send home send to a US immigration jail" punishment.

Expend all your energies on sorting a visa, the ESTA route is dead to your OH for the foreseeable future (10 years at least)

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Scully

Since the trip has been paid for, I'd be tempted to go with the existing passport / ESTA.

Surely the worst that can happen is that they'll spot the stamp and he'll be refused entry.

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So long as the traveller hasn't already alerted the US authorities to the issue by calling about a visa and filling in forms.

In this case you'd be lucky to get off with a couple of nights in jail and a massive fine. More likely something altogether more serious.

The US don't like Iraq and they don't like people who bend/break their rules. Equally the UK foreign office will not lift a finger to help in these circumstances

Similarly at check-in and security in the UK airport the likelihood of a passport with a recent activity in Iraq being allowed through is very minute if they know you are going to the US and don't have a visa

[RickT]

and having travelled to Iraq and then going to USA within days / weeks will not help matters either.

I suggest you follow the official route or request compensation from his new company to cover any loses to re arrange your trip. (on the basis they were aware of this trip.)

[Scaramouche]

Originally Posted by Scully

Since the trip has been paid for, I'd be tempted to go with the existing passport / ESTA.

Surely the worst that can happen is that they'll spot the stamp and he'll be refused entry.

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I wouldn’t take this risk at all. Surely this will have further implications for all future travel?

I would get his company to reimburse the costs for this trip and he won’t be going.

[Scully]

Yeah, you can't really plead ignorance if you've already bought it to their attention.

Sounds like you'll need to delay the trip a year whilst he applies for a visa.

[princess allie]

Gosh I really hope you get something sorted out x

[DizneyDarling]

I/ he will be taking to proper avenues. I will not risk anything. He is in contact with the Iraq US embassy to help him with his visa. Fingers crossed his visa gets done and we can have our family holiday at Disney world!

[HappyPanda]

Fingers crossed that you manage to get it all sorted. It's a bit naughty of his employer to send me to a country like that without warning him of the implications. My friend's husband often has to travel to Iraq and Iran and is always informed each time that it may affect his ability to freely travel to some countries as a result.

[DizneyDarling]

Originally Posted by HappyPanda

Fingers crossed that you manage to get it all sorted. It's a bit naughty of his employer to send me to a country like that without warning him of the implications. My friend's husband often has to travel to Iraq and Iran and is always informed each time that it may affect his ability to freely travel to some countries as a result.

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Fingers crossed. We had no idea, it’s a new job too! New employer! So needless to say I am not best pleased.

[jas72]

Fingers crossed for you OP best of luck