Not a seasoned traveller by any stretch, last time I went to the states we all filled a form in just before landing for Customs. Is this still the case or does filling out the online ESTA application suffice?
The ESTA seems a long drawn out process, what happens if I don’t have one when arriving at US customs?
Cheers

You won’t be let on the plane without an ESTA or visa

Ooh good job I checked then!

You’ll still need to fill out the customs form on the plane too 🙂

You will still have the form on the aeroplane to fill in and make sure you get the official ESTA site when you go online. There are a number of sites that will charge you extra on top of the official charge if you use their sites.

The ESTA seems a long drawn out process

It takes about 5 mins online

Make sure you find the correct Esta site. Last time I needed one there were several clever clones that got you to fill your details in just like the ESTA but also charged a fee for it in addition to the $14 ESTA fee.

The form on the plane is just for customs stuff now. Are you bringing in dodgy goods etc.

No form to declare you’re a terrorist. Always wondered if anyone ever does tick that box.

No form to declare you’re a terrorist. Always wondered if anyone ever does tick that box.

Aha! That’s the trap. Because clearly no terrorist or agent convicted of spying for a foreign government or anyone guilty of moral turpitude (what? isn’t that a posh word for paint thinner?) would tick that box, a proper cunning spy would. And be waved through on that basis.

OP, do it. Means you get seen almost immediately in a private room without having to queue with everyone else.

Need one for Canada now as well.

Yes apply online $14. Just make sure you use the correct site (there are numerous sort of fake “we’ll help you apply” sites which are a waste of time) then it’s a five mins job https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Also you won’t be able to use the TSA electronic face recognition machines when you arrive first time but you will on subsequent times. They are one of the most efficient enter machines for any country.

Pucker site – https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Also you won’t be able to use the TSA electronic face recognition machines when you arrive first time but you will on subsequent times. They are one of the most efficient enter machines for any country.

Varies massively by airport. I’ve been through enough to know. 🙁

stumpyjon – Member
Need one for Canada now as well.

Didn’t know that, but looks like there’s a grace period until the autumn where you’re allowed on the plane as long as you have valid travel documents and passport. Not sure if their eTA is still worth getting, e.g. less grilling when you get there.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada/entry-requirements

As for face recognition machines, yet to go through one that isn’t more hassle than it’s worth. US or Brit ones.

Varies massively by airport. I’ve been through enough to know.

17 times to the USA last year and 4 times already this year. It does vary by airport. LAX last week was crap and the week before at Rayleigh – Durham was great. However first time ESTA – no face recongition

If you are travelling a lot to the US, British citizens can now register as part of the Global Entry system. Through Orlando arrivals in about 5 minutes last week, and eligible for TSA pre-check for internal flights.

I’ve heard that immigration at JFK is a PITA. By comparison Newark was a breeze. Of course if you’re not going to NYC then that’s irrelevant.

Calgary was just slow

17 times to the USA last year and 4 times already this year. It does vary by airport

As far as the official line is first visit on the passport means no electronic gate, you have to talk to the armed thug. Not something you frequent fliers would spot I reckon.