First time US traveller questions

[UP4014]

It's definitely nowhere near as bad as JFK!

I've never been through JFK, always seem to end up on a flight at Newark which is a breeze to use. (getting to and from a bit more difficult though)

 

[awilcockson]

I've never been through JFK, always seem to end up on a flight at Newark which is a breeze to use. (getting to and from a bit more difficult though)

I was worried what I was going to do with my 5 hour connection and no lounge access ... in the end I made the connecting flight with 30 minutes to spare! Absolutely atrocious lines.

 

[QF029]

I've got my first trip to the US in 13 years next month. What's the deal with arrival documents? I assume they hand out some sort of arrival card on the flight? Do you also need a copy or number of the ESTA visa waiver?

 

[travelislife]

I've got my first trip to the US in 13 years next month. What's the deal with arrival documents? I assume they hand out some sort of arrival card on the flight? Do you also need a copy or number of the ESTA visa waiver?

Just complete the ESTA online. Make sure it is the proper US government site and not a third party agency. Theoretically you don't need to print out anything, but if you are like me it is nice to have something. You won't have to fill out any forms when you arrive for immigration, only customs forms. I filled out one of the old (still current for nationalities not covered under the ESTA) immigration forms in January and the agent told me he is sick of the airlines still giving them out to people who are admitted under an ESTA and threw it straight in the bin.

 

[QF029]

Just complete the ESTA online. Make sure it is the proper US government site and not a third party agency. Theoretically you don't need to print out anything, but if you are like me it is nice to have something. You won't have to fill out any forms when you arrive for immigration, only customs forms. I filled out one of the old (still current for nationalities not covered under the ESTA) immigration forms in January and the agent told me he is sick of the airlines still giving them out to people who are admitted under an ESTA and threw it straight in the bin.

Thanks. So they just check your passport against the ESTA database?

 

[travelislife]

Thanks. So they just check your passport against the ESTA database?

Yep and take your fingerprints!

 

[serfty]

Take a printed copy of your ESTA approval with you - sometimes they ask to see it at check in.

No longer any need for the Green I94W form if you have the ESTA.

There is still the white Customs declaration form to fill in.

 

[QF029]

Thanks Serfty. Is the customs form required even if nothing to declare?

 

[travelislife]

Thanks Serfty. Is the customs form required even if nothing to declare?

Yes, just as in Australia it is needed, as you are 'declaring' you have nothing that is prohibited.

 

[VHOEJ]

Yes, the ESTA online thing really does make the green form redudant but fill it out if given. Do the official ESTA site and print it out but I have never been asked for it.

The other form is a blue/white form for customs - declare food etc.