King Gimp

Hey - I've got to head back to the UK at short notice. I have PR status.

Just been looking on the Virgin Atlantic website which states the following:

"# ESTA is now mandatory when travelling to the US.
# If you are a US resident holding a permanent resident card you will be required to supply details from your card for travel to the USA. "

Source: https://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/g...ckin/index.jsp

Look like it applies to me - I've seen conflicting information regarding whether I need an ESTA or not. Do I need an ESTA to get back to the US or no?

I'm thinking not but just want to make sure.

Thanks and have a lucky Friday 13th!

JSL8610

Looking at the source, it appears those are two separate points.

1: •If you are a Non US resident visiting the USA you will need to supply details of where you are staying on your first night in the USA. ESTA is now mandatory when travelling to the US.

2: •If you are a US resident holding a permanent resident card you will be required to supply details from your card for travel to the USA.

So you don't need an ESTA since that's for visitors. You will need to provide details from your card though. No idea when, I presume at check-in.

Noorah101

No.

Rene

King Gimp

Nice - thought not. Thanks anyway!

sir_eccles

Bottom line is you probably won't be able to check in online on the way back and you will have to go to an agent at a desk for him to check your greencard. Some airlines are catching up but often they are unable to distinguish between tourists with UK passports and PRs with UK passports. No idea what Virgin is like.

rpjs

Expect to have to show your green Card at check in and possibly boarding, but no you don't need an ESTA.

Egon

This has been my experience with Virgin, having to check in with an agent rather than doing it online or at one of the self service portals.

janette

You can fill in your green card details on the Virgin Advanced Passenger Information page. Once this is done, it will usually allow you to check in online (I know this is not usually possible with a visa,) but I haven't found it to be an issue with a green card. I usually travel with Virgin about 4 times a year, last time in March, and everything was fine.

King Gimp

Thanks for that will certainly give it a shot. Might make things easier on the way back.