B1/B2 vs ESTA - Airline
A few days ago I received an email from Customs and Border Protection. I stated that I got on September 25, 2012 a B1 / B2 visa, expiring on September 24, 2022. I booked my trip from November 20, 2017 to February 20, 2018 with final destination to Hawaii.
A few hours before the departure date (November 19, 2017) I tried to check in online on the American Airlines website, for me and my girlfriend. Her check-in went through, but not mine. They asked me to fill the Visa Waiver Program, even though I had a visa for 6 months.
I tried to call somebody in Italy to have some explanation, but because it was Sunday, I didn’t get any answer. I was very worried so I went online and I filled the form of for the Visa Waiver Program.
When I did the check-in at the airport, I asked and they didn’t see any problem about my B1/B2 visa. They told the maybe it was some technical problem.
Only last night when I got that email I realized that my passport was stamped with the 90 days ESTA visa, and not for my girlfriend. Maybe someone can help me to understand. Are airlines allowed and forced to use the ESTA if I still have a B1/ B2 visa?
What are the consequences, if next year I wish fly back to the USA? Can I use my B1/B2 instead of the ESTA (which is valid for 2 years)?
I will leave the USA on time, before the visa waiver expires. Please let me understand what I need to do.
Best Answer
The airline should be able to handle travelers from VWP countries who have visas, but many airline systems seem to have been designed by people who have failed to take into account the fact that such travelers exist.
The next time you enter the US, present your passport to the passport inspector open to the page where the B-1/B-2 visa has been placed. Avoid using automated passport control if you can.
Because you plan to leave before the 90-day limit, you should not worry about any negative consequences of your having been admitted in the wrong status.
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Do I need ESTA if I have B1 B2 visa?
Do I need to apply for an ESTA? If you already have a B1/B2 or any other valid visa and you are traveling for the purpose in which it was issued, you do not need to apply for an ESTA authorization.Is ESTA same as B1?
Basically the ESTA visa waiver permits all the same business activities as the B1 business visa, except the maximum period allowed in the US under the ESTA visa waiver is 90 days whereas the B1 visa will allow trips of up to 6 months at a time.Is ESTA the same as B2 visa?
A B-2 visa is a visa for tourist activity. An international entering the US on B-1 or B-2 visa may request admission to the US for a stay of up to 180 days. The Visa Waiver Program, sometimes called ESTA, permits citizens of over 30 countries to enter the US for business or tourist activity without a visa.Can I travel to US with B1 B2 visa?
If you have a B1/B2 visa, you can visit the United States whenever you want to \u2013 as long as your passport is valid. The B visa is a multiple entry visa, which means you can use it to enter the United States more than once.Español - De viaje (B1-B2 con subtítulos )
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