I’m heading to the US tomorrow for a weeks holiday..
I fly into Boston, where I stay for two nights, and then head to upstate New York (Lake George) for another 2 days before going to New York City for the final 3 days.
The thing is, I booked the hotel in NYC first, so I have used that on my ESTA application and subsequently on KLM’s website when checking in.
For those who go there often, do you think this is going to give rise to lots of questioning at passport control in Logan?
I will take the hotel bookings with me, but they aren’t in my name, and the nights in upstate NY are going to be in Motels, which ain’t booked yet.
Either way i’m going to have to take what comes but would be nice to know some views. I’ve never had issues in the past but these guys can be a bit funny
Cheers
By: abutcher1985 - 30th January 2009 at 14:52
Thinking about it, when I flew out there with BA a couple of years ago, the advice given by the crew if you didn’t have a confirmed first night’s accommodation was to look in the in flight magazine and just pick a hotel address from there!
By: lukeylad - 30th January 2009 at 13:24
First nights address is all thats needed address wise.
As far as im aware for Esta there is a seven month grace period before the rules are properly introduced.
By: NCL_Chris - 30th January 2009 at 11:52
Well, I did a bit of looking around the FAQ..
“What if my destination addresses or itineraries changes after I obtain ESTA travel authorization?
Applicants may update their destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their ESTA has been approved, although this will not be required.”
By: NCL_Chris - 30th January 2009 at 11:36
updating the ESTA would be great…but got knows where the number is!!
Will just have to wait and see. What’s the point of an online app AND a green card asking the same questions? :confused:
By: Skymonster - 30th January 2009 at 11:22
In an ideal world, the address you provide (both on the ESTA, and on the green I94W form you fill in on the flight), should be the address you are staying at on the FIRST night in the USA. If they want to be bloody minded about it and asked to see your booking confirmations, then you could have a bit of an issue. However, practical experience suggests that it’s unlikely to be a problem. Just make sure that the address you used for the ESTA and the address you write on the I94W form are the same – if necessary, update the ESTA.
Andy
By: NCL_Chris - 30th January 2009 at 09:40
Yeah, I figured that would be the case to be honest. But you hear some real stories!
I was at MSP a few months ago and that was no problem, and I was staying for a month!
I just was hoping to keep things consistent to avoid hassle, I’m sure the confirmation forms, return ticket etc should be enough if they question it though
That’s another point, I thought the whole point of ESTA was to do away with the green card?
By: abutcher1985 - 30th January 2009 at 09:14
In my experience the border control at Logan is pretty friendly!
I’ve been there a couple of times including a stay of a couple of months last summer and getting in was quite straight forward (unlike JFK where I’ve been hastled every time!)
The question is where you should put as your address on your landing card (the green form that you fill out on the plane). I’d recommend doing as it says and putting the address of your first night’s stay, even if that doesn’t match what you filled out online.
After all, plans change, and they know that… but they’re quite good at picking up on Bullsh*t so be honest and you won’t have a problem!
Andrew
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January 30, 2009 at 9:04 am