Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Esta application fucking nightmare

37 replies

Monicawasbetterwithrichard · 16/11/2023 21:02

What the fuck? Asking me the US point of contact? Is that just the address of the hotel I'm staying in? The apartment number? Erm I have no contact in America I'm just staying in a hotel? Then you try to check your email for the validation code and go back to it but can't so have to start the whole thing again? What if I end up applying for two at once then use the wrong one?! How accurate does the contact thing have to be because when I put the hotel name in it says not valid?

Freaking out that I'll get to the airport and be turned away? Never done this before and really don't want to get it wrong I'll be nervous enough as it is.

Help!!

OP posts:
NewtonPulsifer · 16/11/2023 23:29

Glad it is approved. Have a great time.

We had to do ESTA for a land crossing into the US from Canada. We were going shopping and to a restaurant. We put down our accommodation as the restaurant as that is where they would find us. Back to Canada same day 😆

SwedishEdith · 16/11/2023 23:30

Monicawasbetterwithrichard · 16/11/2023 22:36

Done online now pending approval. I have a worry though! It asked for social media usernames and apparently it's now mandatory so I provided my Facebook name... which is a nickname not my real one. With a profile picture of a tree so not me. Nothing sinister just something I keep as an online photo album and I didn't want a load of friend requests as I don't like social media and my name is a bit unusual. Will it get rejected do you think?!

Did you give this username as well 😃

My esta got refused first time as clicked the Yes box in one of the drop down boxes by mistake. Nervous few days waiting to update that.

DibbleDooDah · 16/11/2023 23:34

@XelaM An ESTA is not a visa. It is an electronic visa waiver, or travel authorisation. If you’ve ever applied for a US visa then you’ll be very thankful if you only need an ESTA 😂😂😂

Subjectivist · 17/11/2023 02:58

XelaM · 16/11/2023 23:27

My daughter has just come back from New York and no one even asked to see her Esta. As visas go, it's one of the easiest and quickest to get approved. It's honestly nothing to worry about.

The E stands for electronic which is why no one asked to see it

MonikerBing · 17/11/2023 06:36

oh god, I flew to central America via the US (but not leaving the airport - just swapping planes) this year and didn't realise I needed an ESTA. Had to apply at the airport before I could even check in and hope it came through in time for my flight. I'd also been to Cuba and had to disclose that. Luckily it did come through in time, but my stress levels took some time to recover (I was flying with my children for our family holiday!). On my flight were some other travellers who'd done the same, but had missed their flight as the ESTA didn't come through in time.

KinS24 · 17/11/2023 06:44

Enjoy your trip!
The UK is introducing our own version now. Started with a test nationality and will be fully introduced next year. I hope it’s more user friendly. Make sure all your visitors are aware when it comes in.
These things are linked to your passport number and the airline and arrival country border staff can see you have it. No need to print them.

Tumbleweed101 · 17/11/2023 06:57

Be prepared at US security to be asked questions as to why you are visiting by someone who sounds scarily strict. After a long flight it can catch you off guard. They will also ask for finger prints and a face scan at your first arrival point.

Bloomingmagnolia · 17/11/2023 07:02

As long as you are white and not Muslim, you’ll be fine. Interrogations start from London if you are. US border control are the most brutal I’ve ever met. Nobody gives a toss about hotel names. Put the one you are staying in (although I later changed hotels and didn’t inform anyone).

fedupwithbeinghot · 17/11/2023 07:49

Border control definitely ask a lot of questions. In my case, during the last 10 years:

  1. Why did you go to Russia twice?
  2. Why did you go to Turkey?
  3. What did you do in Morocco?
  4. How long are you staying in the U.S.?
  5. How did you meet the friend you are visiting?
  6. Did you bring any food with you?
  7. Do you have any relatives in the US
  8. What do you do for business?
gotomomo · 17/11/2023 08:02

The esta is easy if you just work through it line by line. The accommodation (first night if a road trip) is what you need to know, google the zip code. Took about 2 hours to be approved last time.

Canada was quicker, 2 mins max, never done India but Sri Lanka is similar, having your hotel address in front of you again is key.

mondaytosunday · 17/11/2023 10:25

When I travel I make up a folder with copies of our passports, copy of travel insurance with relevant phone numbers, visas, and booking confirmation from any hotels or activities. I don't want to end up at a ski resort with no WiFi or whatever if there's an issue.
I've never had a problem with ESTA but US passport control can be pretty officious.

MariaLuna · 17/11/2023 11:23

When I travel I make up a folder with copies of our passports, copy of travel insurance with relevant phone numbers, visas, and booking confirmation from any hotels or activities

Me too. Can't be having my mobile needing charging when I need that info.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page