ESTA - one return and one new

bloominadversit · 5 Apr 17, 06:25 PM

Hi all,

I have an ESTA as I went to New York back in October. In JFK they had a "new ESTA" queue, and a "returning ESTA" queue.
Do both of these exist in MCO? If so I would be going down the returning ESTA, however my SO has not travelled to the USA before so will have a new one. Will we have to go into the queues separately?

chmurf · 5 Apr 17, 06:49 PM

the returning ESTA is a line for the automated kiosks

if your SO has not entered the USA since 2008 they will not be able to use the kiosks.

At MCO you'll be asked if you've been to the US before. Just say no or go to the regular line, not the automated kiosks line

go with your SO through that regular line. There is no sense in you, using the returning ESTA line, as you will need to wait for ages for your SO who will need to go through the regular line.
Stick together, especially if you have the same adress, you're considered family and go together in front of the CBP officer.

bloominadversit · 5 Apr 17, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by chmurf

Stick together, especially if you have the same adress, you're considered family and go together in front of the CBP officer.

Thanks chmurf, that was my thought process too! He's never been through US customs and holiday planning is my thing so if they asked him the plans he'd have no clue!

Guest · 5 Apr 17, 09:03 PM

Just jumping in on this. Myself and gf went to New York last year and our ESTA still has hotel address on it. Do we need to change the address to Orlando or will it not cause any problems?

Guest · 5 Apr 17, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by Adrob86

Just jumping in on this. Myself and gf went to New York last year and our ESTA still has hotel address on it. Do we need to change the address to Orlando or will it not cause any problems?

Absolutely not. Address will be updated from API.

chmurf · 6 Apr 17, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by bloominadversit

I have an ESTA as I went to New York back in October. In JFK they had a "new ESTA" queue, and a "returning ESTA" queue.

oh, forgot something about this

if you return to the US in a couple of years, it will be under a *new* ESTA, but you'd still be eligible for the *returning ESTA* lane

Returning ESTA means : I have entered the USA before, under ESTA, and today I have an ESTA even if it's not the same one I entered the US last time.

As long as all party members have entered the USA at least once since 2008 under ESTA, they are "returning ESTA" even if the ESTA application is not the same application used on previous visits.

If one party member does not qualify, the party does not qualify

Guest · 6 Apr 17, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by chmurf

oh, forgot something about this

if you return to the US in a couple of years, it will be under a *new* ESTA, but you'd still be eligible for the *returning ESTA* lane

Returning ESTA means : I have entered the USA before, under ESTA, and today I have an ESTA even if it's not the same one I entered the US last time.

As long as all party members have entered the USA at least once since 2008 under ESTA, they are "returning ESTA" even if the ESTA application is not the same application used on previous visits.

If one party member does not qualify, the party does not qualify

Hi there
Does this apply regardless of age? We were last there in California in 2014, but my kids were 17 & 14 then, but can't remember how they were recorded. Now 20 & 17 are they new or returning?
Many thanks

chmurf · 6 Apr 17, 09:05 AM

Each passenger under the Visa Waiver Program requires an ESTA regardless of age

So if they entered under ESTA in 2014, they'll be eligible for APC (Automated Passport Control)

If they entered under some kind of visa or other program, then I'd ask CBP beforehand.

5 Apr 17, 06:49 PM	#2
	5 Apr 17, 06:49 PM chmurf Imagineer
chmurf Imagineer Join Date: Dec 12	the returning ESTA is a line for the automated kiosks if your SO has not entered the USA since 2008 they will not be able to use the kiosks. At MCO you'll be asked if you've been to the US before. Just say no or go to the regular line, not the automated kiosks line go with your SO through that regular line. There is no sense in you, using the returning ESTA line, as you will need to wait for ages for your SO who will need to go through the regular line. Stick together, especially if you have the same adress, you're considered family and go together in front of the CBP officer. Edited at 06:50 PM.

5 Apr 17, 09:03 PM	#4
	5 Apr 17, 09:03 PM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	Just jumping in on this. Myself and gf went to New York last year and our ESTA still has hotel address on it. Do we need to change the address to Orlando or will it not cause any problems?

6 Apr 17, 09:05 AM	#8
	6 Apr 17, 09:05 AM chmurf Imagineer
chmurf Imagineer Join Date: Dec 12	Each passenger under the Visa Waiver Program requires an ESTA regardless of age So if they entered under ESTA in 2014, they'll be eligible for APC (Automated Passport Control) If they entered under some kind of visa or other program, then I'd ask CBP beforehand.