Esta and Social Media

[Mr Andy]

Originally Posted by mick

Yes you'll normally get an email 30 days ahead of expiry.

Sadly you can't renew an existing ESTA. Brand new application and another $14 investment.

Make sure you use the official site. esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

There are sites out there who offer to "help" and charge you around $80

Mick

PS you don't have to wait until it's expired to start a new one

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Thank you that's helpful

[tiggers friend]

Originally Posted by mick

The reason for all the "new" questions is that they are gathering data to ensure the ongoing protection of the USA borders.

Why would they want to know Joan's dad's name who died in 1966 and they can't possibly access any database to check?

Why do they ask where Joan last worked when she retired in 2006 when again they have no way of checking?

Mick

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A number of years ago, and prior to the ESTA change that requested employment details, we were passing through Immigration when the officer asked my DW what her employment was, before she could answer he glanced at his screen and said "oh your a housewife". When he processed me he knew I was an IT Manager. At the time there was no where on any forms that you completed that requested that sort of info - so where did it come from?

I guess they may know more than we think!

[Maret]

How long in advance can you apply for an esta? Not been to Florida since 2013, not going until next October?

[400ixl]

Originally Posted by Maret

How long in advance can you apply for an esta? Not been to Florida since 2013, not going until next October?

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An ESTA is valid for 2 years, so up to that time in advance.

[mick]

Originally Posted by Maret

How long in advance can you apply for an esta? Not been to Florida since 2013, not going until next October?

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Whenever you like really. They last for 2 years from approval or until you get a new passport. They are approval to travel to the USA - not to enter it and don't relate to any specific travel date.

The consensus of Dibbers over the past 11 years or so is do them around 6 months out and before you commit serious non-refundable money to a holiday.

I guess from DIBB experience that 99.99% are approved and rejections are usually due to carelessness sadly. The 6 month opinion is simply in case you are refused and need a visa. If you fail to get an ESTA your insurance company won't usually reimburse your loss hence doing it before you risk losing money.

We've had live ESTAs since they were made compulsory in Jan 2009 simply because we like to go regularly and if the Premium Bonds are good to us we can pack a case and go tomorrow - except of course we can't.

Mick

[eggsRspecial]

If you did ESTAS for a trip this year that is now cancelled and book for next year, do you have to amend the ESTAS? I ask because we put down our place of residence (Disney hotel) during our stay this year and that will now be a different place next year.

[400ixl]

No they get the updated info from your airline booking. ESTA remains valid.

[Grump$]

Originally Posted by eggsRspecial

If you did ESTAS for a trip this year that is now cancelled and book for next year, do you have to amend the ESTAS? I ask because we put down our place of residence (Disney hotel) during our stay this year and that will now be a different place next year.

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If you log into your ESTA application you can edit the address you're staying at.

[Rachv38]

Do you have to put social media details down for children too?

[mick]

Originally Posted by eggsRspecial

If you did ESTAS for a trip this year that is now cancelled and book for next year, do you have to amend the ESTAS? I ask because we put down our place of residence (Disney hotel) during our stay this year and that will now be a different place next year.

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I guess that at least 90% of Dibbers never edit their USA accommodation details on an ESTA. Loads put "unknown" anyway or have travelled into different states without changing it. As 400ixl says they can get that information from your API anyway.

Mick