Denied entry when flagpoling
Oct 28th 2011, 8:03 pm
#1
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,404
Denied entry when flagpoling
So I've asked on the Canada forum, but someone suggested I ask on here too.
In April this year, we completed our Canadian immigration and to activate our Permanent Residency, we "flagpoled" at the Blaine border crossing.
As is usual, we were refused entry and sent on our way back to Canada.
Nothing sinister about it- no criminal issues etc.
Now, we're heading back to the UK this year, and we fly from Halifax to Philadelphia, and then on to Manchester.
The ESTA website asks if we've ever been refused entry to the US.
Clearly we have, but it was more of an administrative process than anything else.
Do I have to declare this on our ESTA application? In other words, should I say Yes or No. The obvious answer seems to be to mention it, but I've read conflicting stories about what to do. Some people have been told they dont need to, others have been told they do.
I just wanna do the right thing and not have a headache when we get to Philly, as we only have 2 hours between landing and taking off again.
Thanks for your help...
In April this year, we completed our Canadian immigration and to activate our Permanent Residency, we "flagpoled" at the Blaine border crossing.
As is usual, we were refused entry and sent on our way back to Canada.
Nothing sinister about it- no criminal issues etc.
Now, we're heading back to the UK this year, and we fly from Halifax to Philadelphia, and then on to Manchester.
The ESTA website asks if we've ever been refused entry to the US.
Clearly we have, but it was more of an administrative process than anything else.
Do I have to declare this on our ESTA application? In other words, should I say Yes or No. The obvious answer seems to be to mention it, but I've read conflicting stories about what to do. Some people have been told they dont need to, others have been told they do.
I just wanna do the right thing and not have a headache when we get to Philly, as we only have 2 hours between landing and taking off again.
Thanks for your help...
Oct 28th 2011, 8:29 pm
#2
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,848
Re: Denied entry when flagpoling
So I've asked on the Canada forum, but someone suggested I ask on here too.
In April this year, we completed our Canadian immigration and to activate our Permanent Residency, we "flagpoled" at the Blaine border crossing.
As is usual, we were refused entry and sent on our way back to Canada.
Nothing sinister about it- no criminal issues etc.
Now, we're heading back to the UK this year, and we fly from Halifax to Philadelphia, and then on to Manchester.
The ESTA website asks if we've ever been refused entry to the US.
Clearly we have, but it was more of an administrative process than anything else.
Do I have to declare this on our ESTA application? In other words, should I say Yes or No. The obvious answer seems to be to mention it, but I've read conflicting stories about what to do. Some people have been told they dont need to, others have been told they do.
I just wanna do the right thing and not have a headache when we get to Philly, as we only have 2 hours between landing and taking off again.
Thanks for your help...
In April this year, we completed our Canadian immigration and to activate our Permanent Residency, we "flagpoled" at the Blaine border crossing.
As is usual, we were refused entry and sent on our way back to Canada.
Nothing sinister about it- no criminal issues etc.
Now, we're heading back to the UK this year, and we fly from Halifax to Philadelphia, and then on to Manchester.
The ESTA website asks if we've ever been refused entry to the US.
Clearly we have, but it was more of an administrative process than anything else.
Do I have to declare this on our ESTA application? In other words, should I say Yes or No. The obvious answer seems to be to mention it, but I've read conflicting stories about what to do. Some people have been told they dont need to, others have been told they do.
I just wanna do the right thing and not have a headache when we get to Philly, as we only have 2 hours between landing and taking off again.
Thanks for your help...
Is it possible for you to call the airport and find out? If so, you may be able to enquire with the US Immigration staff before you complete the ESTA form.
PS: I've just googled the airport and yes, the US Immigration does pre-clearing for flights to the US and you arrive there as a domestic passenger:
http://www.flyhalifax.com/ (see the Travel to the USA section). I would call the airport and ask if there is any way you could contact the US Immigration officers by phone, e-mail or maybe even in person if you live near the airport?
Last edited by Englishmum; Oct 28th 2011 at 8:33 pm.
Oct 28th 2011, 9:12 pm
#3
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,404
Re: Denied entry when flagpoling
Thanks!
Oct 29th 2011, 1:27 pm
#4
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,391
Re: Denied entry when flagpoling
My grandson cleared US immigration/customs in Newark, NJ when he flew in from Halifax to visit.
Oct 31st 2011, 1:08 am
#5
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Denied entry when flagpoling
So I've asked on the Canada forum, but someone suggested I ask on here too.
In April this year, we completed our Canadian immigration and to activate our Permanent Residency, we "flagpoled" at the Blaine border crossing.
As is usual, we were refused entry and sent on our way back to Canada.
Nothing sinister about it- no criminal issues etc.
Now, we're heading back to the UK this year, and we fly from Halifax to Philadelphia, and then on to Manchester.
The ESTA website asks if we've ever been refused entry to the US.
Clearly we have, but it was more of an administrative process than anything else.
Do I have to declare this on our ESTA application? In other words, should I say Yes or No. The obvious answer seems to be to mention it, but I've read conflicting stories about what to do. Some people have been told they dont need to, others have been told they do.
In April this year, we completed our Canadian immigration and to activate our Permanent Residency, we "flagpoled" at the Blaine border crossing.
As is usual, we were refused entry and sent on our way back to Canada.
Nothing sinister about it- no criminal issues etc.
Now, we're heading back to the UK this year, and we fly from Halifax to Philadelphia, and then on to Manchester.
The ESTA website asks if we've ever been refused entry to the US.
Clearly we have, but it was more of an administrative process than anything else.
Do I have to declare this on our ESTA application? In other words, should I say Yes or No. The obvious answer seems to be to mention it, but I've read conflicting stories about what to do. Some people have been told they dont need to, others have been told they do.
Seems to me that a refusal is just that => you have to declare it on ESTA. If ESTA still grants you clearance, you are ok. If not, you need US tourist visas until you get Canadian passports.
