Do you have to print off an ESTA?

[Guest]

We visited the US in July 2016 and are going again in Oct 2017, 2 of us are covered by existing visas and 2 of us will need a new one. I have gone on the website to check the status of them but it's asking for an application number, which I don't have. Ive searched through old emails but can't see anything. Am I best just applying for new ones to be safe? Also, are you supposed to take a print out with you or will it just be on their system that you are covered?
Thanks

[Welshjim22]

Some do

[nickbeaan]

Originally Posted by sueb

We visited the US in July 2016 and are going again in Oct 2017, 2 of us are covered by existing visas and 2 of us will need a new one. I have gone on the website to check the status of them but it's asking for an application number, which I don't have. Ive searched through old emails but can't see anything. Am I best just applying for new ones to be safe? Also, are you supposed to take a print out with you or will it just be on their system that you are covered?
Thanks

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You can use your passport numbers to log on and check

[P&S]

Although you don't have to print them I always have as I like to have a copy. I do recall the computers going down at Manchester airport and people with printed ESTAS were able to go through but those without had to wait quite a while to go through.

[mick]

As Nickbeaan says you can easily retrieve your existing status from the official web site but you'll need passport numbers and DOB.

There have been instances of Dibbers being asked at check-in for a print out (I recall TC and Thomson) which is totally unnecessary because a swipe of your P/P is all it needs. But we do take a print out of ours just in case we encounter such jobsworths. Easier to produce it than have a stand up row.

However don't know how much legal status a print out will have beyond that. Here's what the official site says.

Do I need to bring a printout or digital copy of my travel authorization to the airport?

No. DHS will be able to communicate a traveler's ESTA status to the carriers. However, DHS recommends that travelers print out the travel authorization application response in order to maintain a record of their traveler authorization application number and to have confirmation of their ESTA status.

U.S. regulation does NOT require a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) traveler to present a printed copy of the ESTA authorization page in order to travel. However, it is recommended that you print a copy for your records. If you applied for ESTA and you have forgotten your application number, you may retrieve the application through the ESTA website by entering the applicants name, date of birth, passport number and passport issuing country.

Mick

[plastic orange]

We've been asked before, so best take a copy just in case.

Pete

[ERICSMUM]

You don't have to but it's easy and doesn't take up much room so I just do it.

I also print off travel insurance docs, api screen, booking details, hotel details, copy passport and driving licence, car hire details. Anything really that I might need in an emergency. I also keep copies on my I-pad.

I'm not a control freak, I travel solo so I just feel safer having all this to hand !

[amandajane10]

No but i always take a copy.

[Wappum]

On the 1st scan of my sons passport at immigration last month it said there was no valid ESTA. The officer did ask if I had a print out of it, which as I did, he asked to see. He then did something on his computer- rescanned the passport and said it was now accepted. We'd had issues during check in with my son not being allowed to check in online or with the kiosk machines so I'm assuming it was all linked
We're going again in August - on the same ESTAs so we'll see if we have the same issues again - but I'd recommend having a print out

[Guest]

Not obligatory but I carry a copy with my passport - you never know. Also I know when it expires.