VISA Waiver Program to USA

[Dr Ralph]

Sorry if this is already covered elsewhere in this thread.

I am flying to London from SYDT via LAX - 3 hours connection or so.

I am still not clear it I need an ESTA and would appreciate clarification. The Qantas site states:

IMPORTANT - For travel to, from or within United States there are a number of necessary requirements you must complete before travelling.

• For travel to, from or within the United States, including transferring to an international flight, you require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa. If you're eligible for an ESTAThis will open a new tab or window in your browser., we recommend you apply at least 72 hours prior to departure.
• You are required to provide Secure Flight and Advance Passenger Information (APIS) - enter additional information.

I am still not clear as none of the above criteria apply to me. I am travelling THROUGH, not to, from or within. And I am perhaps not transferring to an international flight as I am going from one to another.

Edited to note: the prevailing view seems to be YES; however, this is the forum I trust. Any other related tips also welcome. I am considering removing all social media apps from my phone. Is this too much?

Cheers, Steve

You definitely need an ESTA. You ARE travelling to, from and within the US. These absolutely apply to your trip.

The risk of social media apps is minimal. But even if removed this doesn't delete there existence and potentially may indicate that you were trying to hide something.

 

[SYD]

Now I am trying to upload my passport and receiving the following error message:

View attachment 461312

Have used many browsers, many reboots, different photos etc. Anyone else had this experience?

Uploading to where? The ESTA website? If so, just try manually entering PP info.

There is an Official ESTA app that wasn’t uploading (reading) my PP but got there in the end scan the full two pages (photo page and its neighbour).

The MPC app is a must have. Set it up BEFORE you leave Oz. You can also enter arrival info before you board your QF flight. It saves the info ready to lodge when land. You’ll need wifi or data to submit (the app will also prompt for a selfie). Following signs or ask directions to the MPC lines.

 

[stevenaive]

Hopefully as assistance to others, I got my application through using the app on my phone. Desktop site did not work. Took ages and I started to complete a bunch of fields on my social media footprint, only to realise all these fields were optional!

From the poster above I assume you are referring to the Mobile Passport Control app?

 

[SYD]

From the poster above I assume you are referring to the Mobile Passport Control app?

Yep. Should save you some time!

 

[Flashback]

No need to remove social media apps , recently returned from 3 weeks in the US and my phone wasn't even looked at.
Also download the MPC app , and fill in the form on arrival. Even though it's a transfer in the US, you still have to clear immigration.

MPC won't work for your first arrival on any time a (new) ESTA is issued. It'll work on the subsequent second entry though.

 

[I love to travel]

MPC won't work for your first arrival on any time a (new) ESTA is issued. It'll work on the subsequent second entry though.

Did not know that. I thought it was as long as the passport has been used before MPC was fine

 

[blackcat20]

MPC won't work for your first arrival on any time a (new) ESTA is issued. It'll work on the subsequent second entry though.

I used it last year on a new ESTA just fine. And it was a new passport too.

 

[Flashback]

Did not know that. I thought it was as long as the passport has been used before MPC was fine

Odd, when I was asked I was told each ESTA. I was on a new passport as well. You'll know if it works or not as soon as you submit anyway.

I used it last year on a new ESTA just fine. And it was a new passport too.

Strange! Definitely didn't work for me. When I came back in the 2nd time, worked without issue.

 

[SYD]

MPC won't work for your first arrival on any time a (new) ESTA is issued. It'll work on the subsequent second entry though.

Just arrived using MPC and new ESTA.

The requirement for “returning ESTA” visitor seems to be that you’ve just entered the US under the ESTA program at some point.

My enter/departure records go back several PPs (they’re linked).

I94 - Official Website

i94.cbp.dhs.gov