ESTA expiring 3 days after arrival - leave to Mexico and come back
My ESTA expires on 5 Sept and we arrive in LA on 3 September...I am aware this is fine - it only has to be valued for entry
However, we intend to go to Tijuana, Mexico for the day on 11 September so when we get back, on foot, to immigration on 11th will I be refused entry as my ESTA says 5 September, even though my passport says I entered on 3rd and have 90 days ?
(I know you can not reset the 90 days by doing this)
Thanks
Richard
Best Answer
ESTA is only required if you enter the US by plane or onboard a cruise ship.
If arriving by a land border, you don't need an ESTA, but may need to complete a paper I-94W (you shouldn't in your specific case, in theory).
From the official ESTA site
IF I AM IN CANADA OR MEXICO AND WANT TO DRIVE TO THE U.S., DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR ESTA?
If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and you enter the U.S. by land from Mexico or Canada, an ESTA is not required.
First entry via land border without a valid ESTA - You will be required to complete the paper I-94W form and proceed through a manual entry process at the land border crossing.
First entry via land border with a valid ESTA - You will not be required to complete the paper I-94W form, but you must still proceed through a manual entry process at the land border crossing.
Reentry via land border with a valid I-94W or valid stamp in passport from a previous admission – If you reenter the U.S. after a trip of less than 30 days to Mexico or Canada, you will not be required to obtain a new I-94W and your entry process is expedited.
(emphasis mine)
Pictures about "ESTA expiring 3 days after arrival - leave to Mexico and come back"
How long do you have to leave the US before returning on an ESTA?
Therefore, the length of time of your total stay, including the short trip, must be 90 days or less.Can you leave and come back on ESTA?
Minimum waiting period between two trips to the USA with an ESTA. Travellers are not allowed to leave the United States for a short while and then come back solely to refresh the 90-day validity period. Even so, there is no official minimum required waiting period between two trips to the USA with an ESTA.What if my ESTA expires during my trip?
As long as you received an ESTA authorization to travel, you do not have to reapply during the validity period. If your ESTA expires while in the United States (U.S.) it will not affect your departure. It is important to PRINT a copy of the document for your records.Can I leave and come back after 90 days on ESTA?
There is no limit on the number of times you may enter the U.S. under either ESTA of a visa. However, if reentering the U.S. using ESTA soon after staying for nearly 90 days, you can expect to be questioned in detail by the immigration officer about the purpose of your visit.What 10 things YOU must to know about ESTA travel authorization. Visa Waiver Program
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Gustavo Fring, Becerra Govea Photo, Becerra Govea Photo, Oleksandr Pidvalnyi