US to charge USD14 for ESTAs as from 9 September

[kpc]

Quick Q: I did my ESTA last month as I will be transitting through LAX next month en route to Vancouver; I wrote that I was in transit en route to YVR as my US address. I'm planning to drive to Seattle (day trip) to visit the Boeing factory whilst in Vancouver. Do I need to update my ESTA prior? Again, I'll be transitting LAX when I return to Sydney, and would I have to update my ESTA again? thanks

You can update the address field if you desire.

I do.

Some have reported there is no need. In any case you still need to put something on your customs declaration.

Thanks. Did some searching. I found this on the Virgin website:

Once granted, an ESTA authority is valid for 2 years (or less if the passport expires during this period). Before each new trip to the US, the passenger can update travel plans and contact details via the ESTA website, though this is not currently mandatory.

Virgin Atlantic Airways - Popup

If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and you enter the U.S. by land from Mexico or Canada, you are only required to complete the paper I-94W form at the land border crossing. ESTA is currently required for air and cruise ship travel only.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1132/kw/land%20crossing

 

[Masonic Phantom]

United States-New Entry Requirements

United States-New Entry Requirements - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Bulletin

 

[serfty]

From 4 September 2010, the United States government will charge a US$14 as payment for the mandatory ESTA for all individuals proposing to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The fee is payable by credit or debit card and, it is very important to make payments through the official website. ESTA’s official website can be accessed here. We caution against using links in emails or from other websites to get to this site. ...

Hmmm, is it the 4th? or the 9th?

 

[Foreigner]

Hmmm, is it the 4th? or the 9th?

The 4th of the month.

I haven't read thru all posts in this thread but I made a fresh application even though my current authorisation is valid thru 2011. Today's application was authorised within seconds and is valid until 27 August 2012.

 

[straitman]

The 4th of the month.

I haven't read thru all posts in this thread but I made a fresh application even though my current authorisation is valid thru 2011. Today's application was authorised within seconds and is valid until 27 August 2012.

Foreigner,

Thanks for the prompt. I need to update my one year old application due a new passport or submit a new one. I think the new one will be the winner.

I have gone and completed the new applications AND read the Help section. With a new passport there is a requirement to complete a new application so my comments above are irrelevant. Also the Help section only mentions that a fee may be applicable in the future :!:

Reference the starting date of needing to pay for the application I have found the following:
At the US Embassy Australia web site it says the 9th September.
At the US Embassy London web site it says the 8th September.
At the DFAT web site it says the 4th September.

Suffice to say that they all agree that it is $US14 and that sometime in early September the fee will be applied :!:

 

[Foreigner]

Foreigner,

Thanks for the prompt. I need to update my one year old application due a new passport or submit a new one. I think the new one will be the winner.

No questions about that...submitting a new one gives you another year.

 

[dajop]

of needing to pay for the application I have found the following:
At the US Embassy Australia web site it says the 9th September.
At the US Embassy London web site it says the 8th September.

These two are not necessarily inconsistent, given time zones

 

[serfty]

Redid mine over the weekend lest there be issues with a last minute rush.

This morning, I rechecked my initial Jan 09 one and it now comes up "Approval Expired" (same Name, PP etc).

 

[notzac]

Timely reminder. Redid mine just now; left blank all the fields regarding carrier for flight to the US and address in the US - came back as approved straight away.

 

[Mal]

Timely reminder. Redid mine just now; left blank all the fields regarding carrier for flight to the US and address in the US - came back as approved straight away.

Did mine on Sat. No issues. Needed to renew it anyway, as my home country has changed back to Oz.

 

[Fifa]

Redid mine over the weekend lest there be issues with a last minute rush.

I did too!

 

[FuzzyAUS]

Thanks All..

This thread has just reminded me (just in time i hope) to get a new one..

I have even learned from here that they last for 2 years.. I have been doing one twice a year..

Thanks again
Fuzz

 

[equus]

Just did it now - without charge - so DFAT's claim of 4th September for charging was wrong.

 

[straitman]

Just did it now - without charge - so DFAT's claim of 4th September for charging was wrong.

I would believe the US gov't web sites before DFAT for US information.

 

[anat0l]

Just applied for mine. Was approved on the spot.

 

[drron]

Though today in the US-7th Sept.the application page is down for maintenance.Shouldn't have left it until the last day.

 

[RSD]

Only just saw this thread so was unaware of the about to be imposed charge. Hopefully they will get the website up and running again shortly.

 

[Ewing]

I did mine yesterday afternoon.

Site was running so slowly that I was almost willing to pay the US$14 later on (I have 9 months left on mine).

Came back as Authorization Pending though. I'd say this must be overload related, because it's the same info as my last ESTA except I didn't put travel details (and my record is spotless) - and my last ESTA was approved instantly.

I still have 11 months until my next planned US trip anyway, so I'm not worried

Update: I've checked it now that the site's back online and it's approved

 

[Foreigner]

I did mine yesterday afternoon.

Site was running so slowly that I was almost willing to pay the US$14 later on (I have 9 months left on mine).

I would think there are lots of last-minute applicants online which made for slow response. Glad site didn't crash, though down for "maintenance" may be just that.

 

[drron]

well I did get on and my application is decision pending but mrsdrron was authorised immediately.