esta forms

[maisy]

Just to let you know
Travelled with virgin Jan 15 filled in esta forms before travel this made no difference still had to fill in green forms
Also anybody interested coldest weather in jan for yesrs

[dcnurse]

WE were told at Atlanta that the esta did come into effect from Jan 12 but they were just reminding people that these should be completed before travel at the moment (hence airlines still getting passengers to complete green visa waiver form) but before long airlines will be fined if passengers travel without registering.

[ShirleyD]

You will still have to fill in the green form for some time yet. I guess they want to iron out all the problems before they stop the paper.

[Sniff]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by dcnurse
WE were told at Atlanta that the esta did come into effect from Jan 12 but they were just reminding people that these should be completed before travel at the moment (hence airlines still getting passengers to complete green visa waiver form) but before long airlines will be fined if passengers travel without registering.
[/quote]
I mentioned this in another thread...I am not sure airlines can be fined for something over which they have no control. If a passenger tells them they have registered, the airlines have no way of verifying the truth or otherwise of that claim.

[steph_goodrum]

They do Keith as they will just have to ask the guest to provide their ESTA registration number prior to boarding.

[Sniff]

Steph, will they be able to verify that it's a valid registration number and for the person concerned, though? I'm not aware that the check-in agents will have access to the ESTA database.

[steph_goodrum]

They may not be able to verify it but having a number that has been given to them should exonerate them from charges as they will have made best efforts to comply. Much as in the same way as at present they have no way of checking if people who use the Visa waiver to enter are legitimately entitled to do so.

[DevonWoody]

ESTA became compulsory for travellers from the UK to the USA from 12th Jan 09 who are in the Visa Waiver Program. If you do not complete the ESTA before you travel then you WILL NOT be able to board your flight. It should be completed at least 72 hours before departure so its best to complete your ESTA as soon as you have booked your flights. You will get a quick response to your application.You do not need to take any registration number with you but this number will be needed to access your online details to edit future applications. Your ESTA lasts for 2 years. In the future once airlines are fully linked to receive ESTA details you will no longer have to fill in the green forms before entry to the USA.

[ShirleyD]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by DevonWoody
If you do not complete the ESTA before you travel then you WILL NOT be able to board your flight.
[/quote]

This maybe what the paperwork says, but in reality, people are being allowed to travel without it at the moment. Airlines are being asked to tell passengers they might have a delay in immigration without it.

[Sniff]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by DevonWoody
In the future once airlines are fully linked to receive ESTA details you will no longer have to fill in the green forms before entry to the USA.
[/quote]
That's my point...I don't believe that the USA will ever provide access to their ESTA database for the airlines, so they will never have a way of verifying it.