Panic, no esta and at Gatwick

[Quensabob]

So glad you have managed to sort it,its the first time I have managed to get back on,and I have been thinking about you all day!

[Rachy]

Originally Posted by toonarmani

Not unpopular, just unnecessary.

If an ESTA is valid for the duration of the stay (plus a few days extra in case any delay leaving etc) then that is sufficient.

Having a new one would be no different to the original one. So not foolish in the slightest IMO.

They could have had a valid one for 2 full years and had an issue locating it and be in the same predicament.

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I checked and we only needed an esta for the day of travel. It’s not like a passport where you need 3 months left on your passport. This was something I did check.

The OP saying I was foolish doesn’t really help the situation.
I had enough esta left and not sure if we will visit the US in the next 2 years so why reapply when there was absolutely no need to.

[Hidden mickey]

Have just read all through, first I am glad you have flights booked for tomorrow and am so sorry for your experience. I think it’s so hard to know what you would do until you are in any given situation. At Christmas neighbors of ours moved (she didn’t want to) they had booked a Caribbean holiday for a week over Christmas for a treat, this was three days after move, she couldn’t find her passport, dad and boys went without her, she couldn’t get new passport as Friday beforehand Christmas and she couldn’t join them! It made me so sad, so in short understand you all staying together x

[kateh134]

So glad you’ve managed to sort out flights for tomorrow. I hope you all have a fabulous time and I’m sure Mickey will spread some Disney magic once you’re there. Pineapple dole whip also has magical restorative powers!

[Rachy]

We have a 4 with an extra day Disney ticket. Then a cruise then was going to go universal after and had a day spare. Just on phone to Disney now to see if we can use the 5th day when we get back from the cruise so we don’t miss out x

[toonarmani]

Originally Posted by Chair1519

Just to clarify. An ESTA only needs to be valid on the day of entry to USA, not for the duration of stay.

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Extra few days on top of original planned date of entry would be advisable in case of delays arriving in the US. But previous poster suggesting a complete new ESTA is unnecessary.

[taylaboo]

Have just read thru this. Oh Rachy, what a day. So glad you got flights sorted and will soon be on your holiday. I'll be checking our Estas right up until flight day. Have an amazing holiday and go get yourself a big glass of wine.

[excitedbunny79]

I've just caught up with this thread. I'm so pleased you're sorted, have an amazing holiday!

[THOR1]

Originally Posted by jim jehosofat

Ive read the whole thread and my thoughts, probably unpopular with most of the other posters on this thread, are that it seems very foolish, with so much at stake, to depend on an Esta that's only got a few weeks validity remaining rather than spend $14 on a new application.

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I think that is both ridiculous and incredibly unfair

I am one of those constantly advising folk to get an ESTA before they commit to any expense, but even I can see no good reason to apply for a new one when there is already one in date that will cover the travel.

Indeed as this poor lady's story illustrates doing so may cause more harm than good if for any reason the new one isn't completed or fails

Shame on you.

[NewtoOrlando]

Just read start to finish. What a nightmare for you all, I would have been in bits! So glad you sorted a flight for tomorrow! Enjoy your evening with a few vinos, and safe flying tomorrow!x