Travel To U S A

[brainiac]

Does anybody know what happens after you've applied for the ESTA visa-waiver online for travel to the USA and paid the fee?

Do they send a reference number or something else you have to take with you?  A bit worried it might be a QR code, as I don't have a mobile phone to put it on.  

[Clementino]

After you've applied for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to travel to the United States, you can expect the following: 

Application number

You'll receive an ESTA application number after you've submitted your form and paid the fee. 

Notification

You'll receive an email notification when your application has been processed. 

Status check

You can check the status of your application on the CBP website using your application number. 

Approval or denial

You'll receive a response that your application was approved or denied. If your application is approved, you'll be authorized to travel to the U.S. If your application is denied, you'll need to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy. 

ESTA applications are usually processed quickly, but it's recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your departure. This allows time for any unexpected delays. 

An approved ESTA is usually valid for two years, but if your passport expires sooner, your ESTA will be valid until your passport expires. You can use an approved ESTA to visit the U.S. multiple times within the validity period, and you can stay up to 90 days per visit. 

[calmck]

Unless things have changed, once you have paid you then print out the form and take it with you. Be aware that even with the Visa Waiver you can still be denied entry when you arrive though this does not happen very often. Also as you fill out the form write down your "application number" so you don't have to backtrack on the form and have to start all over again

[brainiac]

Thanks for the replies.  It seems that the ESTA is held in 'the system' electronically and advisable to write down the ref # they give you.   Glad there doesn't seem to be a QR code, which are everywhere these days!