VISA Waiver Program to USA

[amaroo]

I was going to say, yes. But I'm not sure, I found a site that said it's not required.

Passport Validity for Travel to USA: What You Need To Know

The expiry date on your passport matters a lot. But Visa and ESTA applications require different a different validity date and here’s how that affect you.

usaestaonline.com

Looks like Canada is 3 months .... but that could be a dodgy google result.

FWIW, I would get a new passport

 

[Dr Ralph]

Hopefully this is the correct place to post. Is there a minimum period your passport needs to be valid for to enter the US. At the time of entry MissM’s passport will have about 4 months before the expiry date. When I booked the flights MEL-NRT-ORD on JL with QF points there were no warnings or notices that popped up when entering APIS data. I booked the return flights today LAX-SIN-ADL with SQ and the SQ site popped up a message indicating as there is less than 6 months on the passports entry may be refused.

I could not find info on the web and even ran through a dummy ETSA application process without issue. Is there a requirement to have a minimum of 6 months on a passport for the US, also if it make a difference we are also going to Canada. I am not fussed if we need to renew MissM’s passport prior to travel.

As far as I am aware, under ESTA, your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay in the US. IE. There is no 6 month requirement. But be aware that some airlines impose the 6 month rule arbitrarily:

Passport validity and foreign visas

Can I use my passport until the day it expires? Not necessarily. Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. Some airlines also impose this rule on their own initiative. It can apply even if you’re just transiting or...

www.passports.gov.au

Also:

I almost couldn't go overseas, despite having a valid passport. Here's why

Just one week out from jet-setting off on the trip of a lifetime, with what she thought was a valid passport, Melanie Vujkovic discovers she needs at least six months validity to travel — cue panic.

www.abc.net.au

 

[MEL_Traveller]

From TIMATIC, courtesy of Emirates:

Visa & Passport Information
Destination - United States (US)
Passport
Passport required.
Passport Exemptions:
Passengers with an Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States (Form I-512).
Nationals of Australia with an emergency passport.
Document Validity:
Passports issued to nationals of Australia must be valid for the period of intended stay.
When nationals of Australia travel with an emergency passport, it must be valid for the period of intended stay.
When passengers travel with an authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States (Form I-512), it must be valid on arrival.
Additional Information:
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-embarkation inspection:
- will take place when coming directly from Guam or Virgin Isl.;
- may take place when coming directly from Puerto Rico.
Minors:
Children younger than 16 years and who are nationals of Australia are not allowed to enter the USA on their parents passports.
Minors traveling unaccompanied, or accompanied by one parent or a person other than parent/legal guardian, can prevent possible delays if holding a notarized letter of authorization signed by absent parent(s). For more details refer to https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/3643/kw .
Visa
Visa required.
Visa Exemptions:
Nationals of Australia with a biometric passport (with an electronic chip symbol on the cover) and an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). They must travel as a tourist, on business or in transit, for a maximum stay of 90 days.

• This does not apply to nationals of Australia with an emergency passport.

Passengers with an Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States (Form I-512).
Passengers admitted to the USA on a visa, returning to the USA after a visit of maximum 30 days to Canada or Mexico or to adjacent islands (except for Cuba) . Holders of F or J visas must present an endorsed SEVIS Form I-20MN for M visa holders; SEVIS I-20AB or SEVIS DS-2019 for F or J visa holders.
Additional Information:
The following applies to those traveling under the US Visa Waiver Program:

• Passengers must have a biometric passport (with an electronic chip symbol on the cover).
• Detailed information on ESTA restrictions can be found on Electronic System for Travel Authorization | U.S. Customs and Border Protection#
• A return/onward ticket (or electronic ticket record) must be to a final destination country other than Canada, Mexico or contiguous (adjacent) countries or territories situated in or bordering the Caribbean Sea . If a passenger holds proof of residence in Canada, Mexico or a contiguous (adjacent) country or territory and is transiting the USA to that country or territory, then an onward/return ticket to that country or territory is accepted.
• Passenger can make side trips to Canada, Mexico or Caribbean countries/islands if they first enter the USA on a carrier participating in the VWP. No additional time is given (extension) based on the departure to contiguous (adjacent) territory .

A passenger may enter the USA with a valid visa in an expired passport, if also holding a valid passport of the same nationality. Transfer of a valid visa to a valid passport is highly recommended in all cases.
Warning:
Passengers must obtain an ESTA authorization at Home | Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Visitors must hold a return/onward ticket to qualify for a visa exemption.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

As far as I am aware, under ESTA, your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay in the US. IE. There is no 6 month requirement. But be aware that some airlines impose the 6 month rule arbitrarily:

Passport validity and foreign visas

Can I use my passport until the day it expires? Not necessarily. Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. Some airlines also impose this rule on their own initiative. It can apply even if you’re just transiting or...

www.passports.gov.au

If you were flying non-stop AU-USA and an airline denied you boarding solely because your passport was valid less than 6 months, it would be a case of involuntary denied boarding.

If you are flying via a third country, the airline can reasonably request you satisfy the transit/entry requirements for any country en route.

 

[Matt_01]

@amaroo @Dr Ralph and @MEL_Traveller thanks for your responses. As she will need another anyway, I will get MissM a new one early to mid next year, that way she will be covered for this trip without issue and it will also be the last of the child’s passports.

 

[amaroo]

@amaroo @Dr Ralph and @MEL_Traveller thanks for your responses. As she will need another anyway, I will get MissM a new one early to mid next year, that way she will be covered for this trip with out issue and it will also be the last of the child’s passports.

Having just done it for one of my kids, at 16 it's still a child passport application, but it's valid for 10 years.

 

[Matt_01]

Having just done it for one of my kids, at 16 it's still a child passport application, but it's valid for 10 years.

Unfortunately MissM will not qualify for the 10 year validity, she will still be under 16.

 

[get me outta here]

This is interesting, how do we effect a transfer of a valid (esta?), “A passenger may enter the USA with a valid visa in an expired passport, if also holding a valid passport of the same nationality. Transfer of a valid visa to a valid passport is highly recommended in all cases.”.

Or, do we just apply for a new one on a new passport?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

This is interesting, how do we effect a transfer of a valid (esta?), “A passenger may enter the USA with a valid visa in an expired passport, if also holding a valid passport of the same nationality. Transfer of a valid visa to a valid passport is highly recommended in all cases.”.

Or, do we just apply for a new one on a new passport?

I think the ESTA is tied to the passport (unlike a visa).

So new passport = new ESTA.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I think the ESTA is tied to the passport (unlike a visa).

So new passport = new ESTA.

This has been my experience.

 

[Flashback]

Yes, you definitely require a new ESTA.

 

[AisleSeat]

I think the ESTA is tied to the passport (unlike a visa).

So new passport = new ESTA.

This. But then on that new ESTA you'll have to fill out the details of your old passport as well (There's a question about having entered the USA on a different passport) Although that may only be relevant if its a passport for a different country, I forget.

 

[Matt_01]

......
Minors:
Children younger than 16 years and who are nationals of Australia are not allowed to enter the USA on their parents passports.
Minors traveling unaccompanied, or accompanied by one parent or a person other than parent/legal guardian, can prevent possible delays if holding a notarized letter of authorization signed by absent parent(s). For more details refer to https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/3643/kw .
......

I was not aware of bold section (by me) before. When we have been to the US in the past we have never actually arrived on the same aircraft, i.e. one of us was already in country or we travelled on seperate routes, from memory I can not recall providing MrsM with a letter nor has she mentioned delays at US immigration.

 

[Himeno]

Got notice that my ESTA is expiring in a month.
Normally, I'd be right on renewing it ahead of what would have been a RTW holiday in a few months.
I'd assume I should just sit on it until its good to travel again and the US isn't as crazy with pandemic stupidity, as to not waste time on the 2 years.

Should have another 3 years on my Canada ETA.

 

[flymetothemoon]

Got notice that my ESTA is expiring in a month.
Normally, I'd be right on renewing it ahead of what would have been a RTW holiday in a few months.
I'd assume I should just sit on it until its good to travel again and the US isn't as crazy with pandemic stupidity, as to not waste time on the 2 years.

Should have another 3 years on my Canada ETA.

They should grant an extra year expiry date on everyone's visa due to the pandemic haha. Wishful thinking!

 

[FishFood]

My previous ESTA just expired, for a trip I was unable to take, so I just applied for another for a trip this June. Luckily the extended processing was a lot quicker than last time and I got it after about an hour

 

[SuePa]

Could someone please explain ESTA to me?
I have applied for an ESTA and been approved.
Is this all I need to do to enter the USA? Is it attached to my passport electronically?
I understand that Border Control will make the final determination on arrival, but is this likely?
So many documents and boxes to tick this time, I feel quite nervous about my trip.
Thanks for any advice.

 

[ausfox]

Carry a hard copy and produce this if asked. Don't be anxious, it is just another border.
Have your attestation completed before you go to the airport and carry a copy of this as well. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Flashback]

Definitely have a soft or hard copy with you, I've been asked for it at check in for all of my trips to the US over the last few years.

 

[FishFood]

I just entered USA with an ESTA, the Qantas check in agent asked if I had an ESTA but didn't sight it. The Customs and Border Patrol officer just wanted my passport and asked me a bunch of questions.