Apply for ESTA if you have a Visa?
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 43
Apply for ESTA if you have a Visa?
As i knew i would get denied an ESTA due to criminal convictions, i just went straight for the Visa which i now have.
When i now book holidays to America, do i need to apply and get denied for my ESTA to 'be on the system', or can i just ignore the ESTA stuff and get on the plane with my VISA?
When i now book holidays to America, do i need to apply and get denied for my ESTA to 'be on the system', or can i just ignore the ESTA stuff and get on the plane with my VISA?
#2
Re: Apply for ESTA if you have a Visa?
As i knew i would get denied an ESTA due to criminal convictions, i just went straight for the Visa which i now have.
When i now book holidays to America, do i need to apply and get denied for my ESTA to 'be on the system', or can i just ignore the ESTA stuff and get on the plane with my VISA?
When i now book holidays to America, do i need to apply and get denied for my ESTA to 'be on the system', or can i just ignore the ESTA stuff and get on the plane with my VISA?
#3
Re: Apply for ESTA if you have a Visa?
And give your self plenty of time if you're connecting flights. Be prepared to be sent to secondary.
#4
Re: Apply for ESTA if you have a Visa?
You have already got all the advice you need, but just to round out the information, an ESTA is specifically for those people who are eligible to travel without a visa, so if you already have a visa then applying for an ESTA is wholly unnecessary. Worse, USCIS might wonder what you're doing, and while I doubt I would create a problem, the only possible outcome I could see would be that it is more likely that you'll be sent to secondary because of an unnecessary application for an ESTA.
FWIW I don't think that in most cases it is typical for those with a B-2 visa held because of a criminal conviction, which makes them ineligible for an ESTA, to be sent to secondary. There would have to be some additional factor, so perhaps the first time you use the visa.
FWIW I don't think that in most cases it is typical for those with a B-2 visa held because of a criminal conviction, which makes them ineligible for an ESTA, to be sent to secondary. There would have to be some additional factor, so perhaps the first time you use the visa.
#5
Re: Apply for ESTA if you have a Visa?
Expect to not to be able to check-in online and to have to show your visa at check-in and boarding.
#6
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Joined: Jun 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 4,891
Re: Apply for ESTA if you have a Visa?
FWIW I don't think that in most cases it is typical for those with a B-2 visa held because of a criminal conviction, which makes them ineligible for an ESTA, to be sent to secondary. There would have to be some additional factor, so perhaps the first time you use the visa.
This is great advice. While ESTA's can be checked and verified electronically, any kind of visa has to be physically inspected by staff at the airport.
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 57
Re: Apply for ESTA if you have a Visa?
I would confirm that a secondary visit is quite normal, five trips, each time to secondary.No problems at secondary and nothing to be afraid of.Yes you cannot check in online or even print boarding pass at the airport kiosk.BA say (for the past few years) that they are working on this issue.