USA ESTA

[straitman]

You still need an ESTA or Visa though to be cleared there.



Do note that Canada also has an ETA that is now required, was brought in around 2 years ago IIRC.

To note also. The Canadian ETA “lets you travel to Canada by air or transit through a Canadian airport”
Not required if arriving other ways.

 

[MikeG]

Does anyone know what happens with the ESTA US VIsa applications one puts in if your travel is cancelled? Can the ESTA be cancelled or deferred to a future travel date?

I think the ESTA lasts for two years right?

 

[I love to travel]

Lasts for two years. Cant be cancelled or deferred.

 

[Pushka]

Does anyone know what happens with the ESTA US VIsa applications one puts in if your travel is cancelled? Can the ESTA be cancelled or deferred to a future travel date?

I think the ESTA lasts for two years right?

Easy answer. US doesn't care if you travel or not.

 

[Himeno]

US ESTA lasts for 2 years from date of approval or life of passport, whichever is shorter.
It can be used for any US travel, where Visa Waver is allowed, during that 2 year period.
Once approved, it can't be deferred or extended. The holder can't cancel it, though the US can revoke it.

 

[serfty]

@MikeG... also, it just needs to valid when entering the USA. It can expire while you are in the USA.

 

[It’s Not You It’s Me]

Hope this is the right forum

If you get a travel exemption for compelling and compassionate reasons to travel to the USA as an Australian passport holder as long as you stay out for 3 + months - how does that work with an ESTA visa as it is my understanding you can only be in the USA for 90 days. Once your exemption is granted can you change your flights to come back say in 89 days to comply with US immigration?

 

[Lynda2475]

Given the risk around flight cancellations or changing arrival caps, it would be wise to get an actual visa for the USA (say 6 months) rather than assume you can return within ESTA period.

In fact one would think possession of a visa (or US passport) that allows you to stay in the USA for > 3 months would aid your exemption approval, as would indicate genuine reason to need to be away > 3months.

 

[It’s Not You It’s Me]

Thank you for the reply. I am going to apply for an I130 visa and was advised if I apply for a different visa from an ESTA in the interim and get denied I would then be ineligible for any type of visa. I agree with what you are saying - will have to put more research. Thank you

 

[tinkybelle]

has anyone here been able to travel to USA for business reasons I have a client needing to inspect a site in USA we have a booking inplace but I see the application to leave oz is a 3 mth one he only needs to be there for 3 weeks. what is the story here??any advice appreciated.

 

[justinbrett]

has anyone here been able to travel to USA for business reasons I have a client needing to inspect a site in USA we have a booking inplace but I see the application to leave oz is a 3 mth one he only needs to be there for 3 weeks. what is the story here??any advice appreciated.

The 3 month rule is just one of the categories for exemption:

• your travel is as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid
• your travel is for your business/employer
• you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia
• you are travelling outside Australia for a compelling reason for three months or longer
• you are travelling on compelling or compassionate grounds
• your travel is in the national interest.

 

[justinbrett]

Hope this is the right forum

If you get a travel exemption for compelling and compassionate reasons to travel to the USA as an Australian passport holder as long as you stay out for 3 + months - how does that work with an ESTA visa as it is my understanding you can only be in the USA for 90 days. Once your exemption is granted can you change your flights to come back say in 89 days to comply with US immigration?

If you do find yourself in a position where you will overstay your visa, leaving the North American continent and returning will reset your 90 days. Central America is OK but not Caribbean.

 

[Nee24]

I'm in some groups on facebook with other people separated from their partners and many have mentioned that the US is currently extending ESTAs for people who have not been able to depart during COVID as long as you apply for the extension before the 90 days has ended.
Unfortunately travelling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean still counts towards the 90 day ESTA. They changed this recently.

Look for the group on fb called Australian Travel & Exemption Support.

I've just submitted an exemption request to travel for my business/employer. Wish me luck.

 

[Mitch_W]

Travelling to Canada & Alaska on 31/8/22. Flying into Vancouver and joining an Alaskan cruise for 7 Days then 7 days land travel (Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali NP, Fairbanks etc). Then flying Fairbanks to Seattle then Seattle/SIN/SYD.
Applied for our ESTA for the US 2 weeks ago and still pending (website states decision within 72 hours).
Problem seems to be that I ticked the box that I had been to one of the countries on the "evil" countries list ie Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, North Korea since 2011.
I now have only one week before I need to cancel all the travel plans so I can get a refund/credit. It was suggested I apply for a Visa but looking into that found that I cant get an interview at the US Consulate in Sydney until April 2023!
Guess I will wait it out until the last day of Canx and hope & pray we are approved.
Would love some advice if anyone has some?
Cheers,
Mitch

 

[Anna]

I'm sorry but I don't think you will be approved for ESTA. You'll likely need an interview. Maybe try other cities for the appointment.

 

[serfty]

Problem seems to be that I ticked the box that I had been to one of the countries on the "evil" countries list ie Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, North Korea since 2011.

I agree with @Anna - you are going to need that interview.

Advising them you have been to one of those listed countries immediately disqualifies you from the Visa Waiver Program (which is what an ESTA is really an application for).

 

[Quickstatus]

Agree with above, you can’t use ESTA.
There are 4 US consulates in AU.

I had a friend who needed an urgent visa to US. He flew SYD-PER-SYD because Perth consulate was the earliest available.

Perth Consulate prioritises WA residents but will serve non WA residents.

Basically never pay for travel OS, unless visa has been approved or where there has never been a problem obtaining one in the past - either a sticker on passport or VWP (it’s a misnomer really, should be a sticker waiver program)

 

[MJHoops]

Yes, seems you are not eligible unless you can fall within the exception - here are the FAQ from the CBP website regarding travel to those countries affecting eligiblity

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act Frequently Asked Questions

Securing America's Borders

www.cbp.gov

 

[levelnine]

I've had friends in the same situation. People who have visited those countries require a visa and visa interviews are impossible to get at the moment. They had to cancel their trip to the US.

Sorry, you won't be going on your trip.

 

[UP4014]

As others have said, no good outcomes I think, no visa waiver if you visit certain countries as you need to provide a rationale for the visiting.

You could cancel the US sections and stick to direct Canada flights, but looks like that could be a whole change of your trip.