Is an ESTA linked to my passport or should I have paperwork with the passport?
I applied and got an ESTA last year I cannot remember whether there was paper work; I cannot find any. Can I visit with just my passport? Same question about the Canada eTA.
Best Answer
Answer for the US ESTA:
Whether you have an ESTA or not will only be checked during the check-in process with your airline. Once you arrived in the US, you do not need to show that you have an ESTA. The immigration authorities can look this up in their computer if necessary.
Many airlines have an automatic process to check for the existence of a valid ESTA registered with your passport details on check-in. Hence, you then do not need to show any printouts or the like. However, not all airlines have this, and hence, it is sometimes necessary to have a print-out of the approval confirmation with you when you travel to the US.
Pictures about "Is an ESTA linked to my passport or should I have paperwork with the passport?"
Is my ESTA automatically attached to my passport?
An ESTA approval is always linked to a passport and the corresponding passport number.Do I need to take a copy of my ESTA with me?
Do I need to bring a printed copy of my ESTA application with me to the airport? The United States regulation does NOT require a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) traveler to present a printed copy of the ESTA authorization page in order to travel. However, it is recommended that you print a copy for your records.Do I need to renew ESTA with new passport?
Applying for a new ESTA is required when your passport has been reissued or the content of your passport (i.e., your name, gender, or nationality) has changed.Do you need an ESTA if you have a U.S. passport?
If you are a U.S. citizen and hold a passport from a visa waiver country, you do not need an ESTA and should travel to the United States using your U.S. passport.Passport Eligibility Questions on an ESTA Application
More answers regarding is an ESTA linked to my passport or should I have paperwork with the passport?
Answer 2
ESTAs and eTAs are essentially electronic passport registrations; hence, you only need your passport.
A few airport handling agents may not be able to verify your ESTA/eTA, however, in which case you should print the confirmation page (or present it on the phone).
If you want to be sure, you can email the handling agent in advance of your trip.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ivan Samkov, nappy, Nataliya Vaitkevich, Nataliya Vaitkevich