ESTA for the USA

[Vipers]

Googling for a site to get my ESTA form for the states, so many sites, and vastly different prices, anyone found a reasonable priced one.

Bit dubious as well as to whether some of the sites are genuine.

[Vipers]

Thanks guys, looks like the one to use, from what I can make out its $14 each, also clearly explains why some do charge a lot more.

Just reiterates, if you want to find out something, just go to PH's.

[Vipers]

Done and dusted, $14 each, tks guys.

[Vipers]

Btw, how long is it valid for?

[Vipers]

LHRFlightman said:

2 years.

Tks.

[Vipers]

Deva Link said:

You don't have to put travel details in at all, so you're not required to update them, although you can if you want to - it'll help to find you in the event of an emergency at home.

Done mine two days ago, had to put in the airline Carrier ie BA and flight number?

Or did I miss something.

[Vipers]

Deva Link said:

When you say "had to" - would the form not submit unless you completed those fields? I think you'll find you can leave them blank.

The thing is, you're supposed to apply for an ESTA before you make travel arrangements - you'd be a bit stuffed if you booked the holiday of a lifetime for the whole family at WDW and then your ESTA bounced.


ETA See: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1219/... - says you can leave it blank.

Although, to be fair, and as always seems to be the case with anything to do with this stuff, there is contradictory information which says you should include your approximate destination.

Edited by Deva Link on Sunday 14th April 12:05

You could be right, just filled in all fields.

[Vipers]

Interesting question, lifetime visa, out of date passport, as we all know the current rules say the ESTA is valid for 2 years, providing the passport doesn't run out first.

[Vipers]

Talking about Americans, don't bother taking American Express travellers cheques when you go over to visit, trying to find a bank who will change them is a rare as rocking horse st.

One even asked if I had a bank account with them, I said "No I am a tourist, hense the American Express travellers cheques"

"We are very sorry sir we can't change them"................... doh.

But their pertol prices are worth the visit

[Vipers]

Deva Link said:

With cars doing lower MPG and their gallon being smaller than ours, cost per mile is probably pretty similar to UK now. Especially in California. And everywhere is further in the US!

Interpret this as you will.

Colorado last September, unleaded petrol was $4.59 a gallon. Taking all the conversion factors into account, including smaller US gallons, that equates to about 76 pence per litre. Currently, unleaded in the UK is about £1.40 per litre.

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Looks good to me. I will enjoy my visit this year, I do like their multiple occupancy lanes as well.

Yes, we did exchange some in Maceys, no,probs.

[Vipers]

Deva Link said:

Vipers said:

Interpret this as you will.

Colorado last September, unleaded petrol was $4.59 a gallon. Taking all the conversion factors into account, including smaller US gallons, that equates to about 76 pence per litre. Currently, unleaded in the UK is about £1.40 per litre.

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Looks good to me. I will enjoy my visit this year, I do like their multiple occupancy lanes as well.

I would go just for the bigger parking spaces.

We usually get a full size SUV and they do around 14-16 (US) MPG, so fuel might be half the price but I'm using at least twice as much per mile as I would at home!

Makes sense, fortunately I usually hire a smaller vehicle, mind you I do fancy one of those Ford SUV.

[Vipers]

Perec said:

Just got back from Florida. We were cruising about in a (surprisingly good) Chrysler 300c. The hire company charged me 78p per litre for gas when I returned it. The Americans thought that was a rip-off.

The cars on the roads around Orlando were shocking though. The 300c was one of the nicest cars we saw and American car design has seriously lost the plot. It's amusing to see the names of some iconic cars on small jelly mould Jap clones. Chevy Impala anyone:

I have booked an Impala myself for my trip.

[Vipers]

Perec said:

If I could have one like this, I'd hire one next time.

I wish.

[Vipers]

0.082 US gallons to 1 imperial.

[Vipers]

GCH said:

Pulse said:

So... We've had nothing back, despite them saying we'd hear back within 72 hours. Is that normal?

You should be able to log in with the reference # it gave you when you applied and check the status. IIRC you don't even need the reference #- you can do it with passport number.

So glad I don't have to deal with this crap anymore!

Had the same 72 hour wait, logged back in later, all sorted out.