Esta ---- Compulsary?

[Shogun]

Sorry to sound a bit dense but all we have ever done is fill out a green card on the flight. (not been for 6 years)
Do we now have to submit an ESTA before we go or can we still fill out a green card on the flight?

[kirkdalewdw]

no you need to do the Esta

[Bubba31]

You must fill out an ESTA before traveling, it also tells you if you've been accepted or denied entry.

[MissVincent]

Originally Posted by Bubba31

You must fill out an ESTA before traveling, it also tells you if you've been accepted or denied entry.

See more...

It doesn't - it gives you or denies you permission to travel. The immigration officer once you arrive in usa will decide if you can enter the country.

You won't get on the plane without an esta or visa.

[Shogun]

Thanks guys. Good job I asked before I got to the airport.

[FlorayG]

Correct, they won't even let you get on the plane if you don't have an ESTA.
Make sure you get it from the official site (link at the top of the Dibb page) and only pay $14 each, no more. And get it well in advance just in case they refuse you!

[loves2plan]

As others have said, the ESTA is 100% compulsory. Don't leave it until the last minute to do though as if any of them are denied for any reason then a full visa will be needed and that can take 6 months+ to organise.

Also, check all the passports and make sure none of them need renewing before you go. If they do, then you need to renew and then do the ESTA. If you do it now, then it won't be valid on the renewed passport.

Finally, check on the new rules for passports as there are some that were issued between 205-206 that may no longer be valid for travel to the US.
travel.state.gov/content/visa...r-program.html
gov.uk/foreign-travel-ad...y-requirements

[Nimbus]

The ESTA is compulsory if you wish to travel to the US via the Visa Waiver Program. You don't have to fill in the ESTA if you have a valid Visa, usually obtained from the US Embassy. Most Brits visiting the US will travel under the visa waiver program.

The ESTA replaces the old I-94W green visa waiver card you used to fill in on the plane. Now, instead of filling in the green form, you fill in the electronic form before you travel instead.

BTW, you will still have to fill in the white Customs Declaration form whilst on the plane. They haven't converted that into an electronic format yet.

Originally Posted by Bubba31

You must fill out an ESTA before traveling, it also tells you if you've been accepted or denied entry.

See more...

The ESTA does not tell you whether you've been accepted or denied entry. It merely tells you whether or not you are authorised to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. The immigration officer at the airport will determine whether you are allowed to enter the country or not.

[disney332]

Originally Posted by Shogun

Sorry to sound a bit dense but all we have ever done is fill out a green card on the flight. (not been for 6 years)
Do we now have to submit an ESTA before we go or can we still fill out a green card on the flight?

See more...

Don't forget your API Shogun


Disney 332

[MJ6987]

No, only compulsory if you don't have, or intend to get, a Visa I believe.