How could I have traveled to the US without having my ESTA checked? Is it really needed?

How could I have traveled to the US without having my ESTA checked? Is it really needed? - Focused young man pointing at map while searching for route with multiracial friends in Grand Central Terminal during trip in New York

So I went on holiday to the USA last summer. I filled out an ESTA application online, which cost me 14 dollars due to processing costs and whatnot. I printed a copy of the approved PDF and put it in my backpack. I took it with me where ever I went, just in case.

Nobody, in the 15 days that I was there, asked for my ESTA application. Not during customs, not during my check-in at hotels, not during my flight back to where I live, never.

  1. Why did I fill out that form?
  2. Was it accidental that nobody asked for it?
  3. In what situation would a person of authority ask for it? Do you need to have a printed copy with you at all times?
  4. Who are the persons who may ask for validation of an ESTA application?





Pictures about "How could I have traveled to the US without having my ESTA checked? Is it really needed?"

How could I have traveled to the US without having my ESTA checked? Is it really needed? - Young African American male tourist pointing away while searching for direction with diverse fiends standing in railway station terminal with paper map in hands
How could I have traveled to the US without having my ESTA checked? Is it really needed? - Side view of unrecognizable young female tourist holding hand of boyfriend and running in city park during romantic date in New York
How could I have traveled to the US without having my ESTA checked? Is it really needed? - Serious diverse couple searching way on map



What happens if you travel to the US without an ESTA?

If you forget to apply for your ESTA, then you will not be allowed to travel. Usually, you will be stopped at your departing airport as you will not have the required travel authorisation to enter the US.

Can you still get ESTA during Covid?

If you do get COVID-19The ESTA cost cannot be refunded if you are unable to travel due to coronavirus. However, you can then still use your ESTA for your next trip.

Can you lie on ESTA?

What are the potential consequences if I lie on the ESTA form? It is a criminal offence to provide false information for the purposes of obtaining a visa waiver or visa to the US. In the worst case scenario, you will be prosecuted.



What is the experience of traveling on an ESTA?




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: William Fortunato, William Fortunato, Samson Katt, Samson Katt