ESTA Charge!!!
May 4th 2009, 2:00 pm
#1
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Location: Cornwall >>> Marin, CA >>> Cornwall!
Posts: 740
ESTA Charge!!!
Just been speaking with Mum who's panning to isit in June.
She has been doing the ESTA onine and said it cost $45!!!!!!!
WTF????
Is the US Govt trying to keep out tourists aswel as immigrants now??
Sheesh!
She has been doing the ESTA onine and said it cost $45!!!!!!!
WTF????
Is the US Govt trying to keep out tourists aswel as immigrants now??
Sheesh!
May 4th 2009, 2:03 pm
#2
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Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Toasty in Texas
Posts: 4,240
Re: ESTA Charge!!!
I know that there was a rumour that USCIS were going to start charging for the online ESTA, but wasn't aware that they'd started 
May 4th 2009, 2:19 pm
#3
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May 4th 2009, 2:25 pm
#4
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,605
Re: ESTA Charge!!!
A scam site, charging $49.25 for the privilege.
I agree to pay ESTA.US $49.25 for one ESTA Travel Authorization Application Guide, which can be shared by multiple travelers. I acknowledge that ESTA.us is an information provider specializing in the Visa Waiver Program and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
May 4th 2009, 4:11 pm
#6
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: ESTA Charge!!!
ESTA - Travel Authorization Application Guide
We have a 30 day full refund policy. If you wish to obtain a refund, please email us and include your full name, order number, date of purchase and reason for canceling your purchase. We work directly with all banks and the credit card companies (VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express) and will issue a refund directly to your credit card within 2-4 working days. Please contact our Billing Department for a refund request. Do not contact your credit card company. We reply to all billing related emails within one (1) working day.
We have a 30 day full refund policy. If you wish to obtain a refund, please email us and include your full name, order number, date of purchase and reason for canceling your purchase. We work directly with all banks and the credit card companies (VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express) and will issue a refund directly to your credit card within 2-4 working days. Please contact our Billing Department for a refund request. Do not contact your credit card company. We reply to all billing related emails within one (1) working day.
May 4th 2009, 8:03 pm
#7
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Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Re: ESTA Charge!!!
While this is obvisously a scam it isn't clear to me that the site is doing anything that is actually fraudulent or illegal.
Just be thankful she didn't sign up for the "Premium Processing service" for $249.25 ...
Just be thankful she didn't sign up for the "Premium Processing service" for $249.25 ...
May 4th 2009, 8:30 pm
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace
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Location: Avon Lake, OH
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Re: ESTA Charge!!!
In reality it's not a scam. There is no law or other saying that people can't charge for filing ESTA applications on your behalf or verifying that you are qualified to use the VWP first. It's no more different than paying a lawyer to file paperwork for you. People just need to keep their wits about them and pay for what they actually need.
May 4th 2009, 10:42 pm
#9
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Location: Cornwall >>> Marin, CA >>> Cornwall!
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Re: ESTA Charge!!!
Thanks for the links. In the end they didn't complete because the card was not accepted! Ha! Poetic.
And my dad has now booked his ticket aswell so looking forward to seeing them both with an extra $100 in their pockets
And my dad has now booked his ticket aswell so looking forward to seeing them both with an extra $100 in their pockets
May 5th 2009, 12:00 am
#10
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Re: ESTA Charge!!!
May 5th 2009, 1:33 am
#11
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,605
Re: ESTA Charge!!!
In reality it's not a scam. There is no law or other saying that people can't charge for filing ESTA applications on your behalf or verifying that you are qualified to use the VWP first. It's no more different than paying a lawyer to file paperwork for you. People just need to keep their wits about them and pay for what they actually need.
May 5th 2009, 1:52 am
#12
L2, GC, Surrey, OH, TX!
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Surrey to Dallas (via Ohio)!
Posts: 6,363
Re: ESTA Charge!!!
the UK travel agents actually link you through to their 'pet' site to complete esta and charge you for the pleasure. They simply neglect to tell you it can be done for free elsewhere and most people think they are getting soime kind of service just cough up. My mum and dad did it before i could warn her about it.
