ESTA, claimed to be in transit but actually visiting
I have put down on my ESTA that I am travelling in transit to another country when I'm not, I am only going on holiday for two weeks.
Will I still get in? There is no address where i'm staying in the US
Best Answer
You might get in, the online part of the ESTA is not so important.
But you will need to fill out a landing card. You will be asked to give your address on it and then it will be read by a US Customs and Border Protection Officer (usually twice: once at passport control and again at customs). If you are really transiting it is normal to give the address of the airport when you are transiting.
The officer may question your onward intentions. In the past when transiting to Brazil via New York I have being asked to state where I'd be staying in Brazil and my reasons for going to Brazil, including a brief plan of what I intended to do there. It was a friendly conversation that lasted a couple of minutes, but only because I wasn't lying.
In that instance my US entry stamp was limited to one day, which of course was perfectly sufficient since I was transiting and left about two hours after I arrived. (In every other entry I've been given ninety days.)
It is better to give an approximate address on the US CBP form and explain yourself about it when questioned rather than be caught lying about transiting.
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Do you need an ESTA if you are in transit?
ESTA is required in all cases of entering the U.S. Travelers must apply for and receive ESTA even when transiting in the U.S. to a third country without a visa. You must apply for ESTA in any of the following cases: transit, transfer, or stopover (layover).Is your travel to the US occurring in transit to another country mean?
What is your travel to the US occurring in transit to another country meaning? If you are planning to stop for a short period in a country on the way to your destination, it means that you will be in transit. This can happen if your plan has to refuel or if you have to change flights.Is a transit ESTA different from an normal ESTA?
A transfer refers to a passenger switching planes at the airport to continue their trip. During a transit, you land in the USA and wait inside or outside the aeroplane before proceeding to your final destination in the same plane. An ESTA, visa or American passport is required for a transfer and a transit.Can I transit with an ESTA?
Travelers who qualify for visa free travel under the Visa Waiver Program may transit the United States. Prior to boarding the air or sea carrier you are required to obtain travel authorization under ESTA.Five Mistakes NOT to Make at your Immigration Interview
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