Existing ESTA questions

[WTF0ver]

I got an ESTA for a US trip in October 2017. Am now heading to Las Vegas next Saturday to meet up with my long distance fiance to get married.

I have a few questions, am wanting this trip to go smoothly as I am getting hitched!

The ESTA expires the day I get back from the US. Is this ok? I'm assuming it's just required for getting into the US and isn't required for anything afterwards so wont be a problem?

Also I read something on MN about needing to have your middle name on the ESTA. Mine isn't there, is it a requirement, might I have issues?

The ESTA has our US friend's home address where we stayed when we visited in 2017 - it's not in Nevada. Is this ok?

Just wondering if it's ok to use this nearly expired ESTA or do I need to get a new one? Thanks.

you can update your existing esta with new address

your name on your passport needs to match the esta, my middle name isnt on my passport so not on my esta

i dont think you can apply for a new one while one is still valid

I don't think estas ask for middle name.

Suppose the only issue might be if your trip gets delayed and you're there longer than you expect eg weather etc- then you won't have the "visa" required

You need to apply for a new ESTA - its only £14.

If your ESTA had longer to go, you just login to the website under 'check existing application' and change the address. It takes a couple of minutes

You definitely can get a new one while you have an existing one because if you get a new passport its not transferred. Had this issue on wednesday with someone. I would just get a new one. They are 14 dollars so wont break the bank!

"Also I read something on MN about needing to have your middle name on the ESTA. Mine isn't there, is it a requirement, might I have issues?"

No, no middle name needed

"The ESTA has our US friend's home address where we stayed when we visited in 2017 - it's not in Nevada. Is this ok?"

Yes, you likely won't be able to amend that part of the ESTA form in any case.

I would update your current ESTA form with the address of where you will be staying this visit using the official US govt website which is
esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The Authorization Approved screen displays your travel authorization expiration date.

Your ESTA authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years (starting the date that you are approved) or until your passport expires, whichever comes first*. This means that as long as you received an ESTA authorization to travel, you do not have to reapply during the validity period.

If your ESTA expires while in the U.S. it will not affect your departure.
Note: It is important to PRINT a copy of the document for your records. The printout is not required upon arrival into the United States, as the officers have the information electronically.

Thanks for the comments. If the existing ESTA is already in date won't it flag in their system or something if I try to apply for a new one?

Just copied this from the website:

Your ESTA authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years (starting the date that you are approved) or until your passport expires, whichever comes first*. This means that as long as you received an ESTA authorization to travel, you do not have to reapply during the validity period.

If your ESTA expires while in the U.S. it will not affect your departure.

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hmm

It lets you apply while you have a valid one as mine didn't expire until Sept 12th this year, but I travel next to the US on the 13th so applied for a new one last week and it was fine

You can apply for a new ESTA while already holding a valid ESTA.

It flags in the system saying that a valid ESTA already exists for that passport but if you pay again it gives you an updated one.

The first name filed is confusing on the ESTA form because it specifically says ‘First name’ not ‘First names’ or ‘ all given names as they appear in the passport’ but if you click on the information tab it explains that ‘first name’ means ‘all given names as they appear in the passport’. ...I think their form designers could do better!

ESTA is a pre-approval to allow you to travel to the US to request permission at the border to enter. It’s not a visa and does not guarantee entry. It only needs to be valid the moment you arrive. Once you arrive at the border the CPB Officer will determine whether you will be admitted or not. Your I-94 will determine your length of stay, regardless of when the ESTA expiration date is. For a VWP entry (visa waiver program - which is what you are using) the I-94 stamp will be for 90 days. That’s the date you must leave by.