ESTA for USA

[SeaDog-46]

Be aware that if you apply for your ESTA for USA on their official site -

US Customs & Border Protection https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta it will cost you A$14

 

Should you use - http://www.esta.us/australia it will cost you A$87

 

Using a 3rd party is just a waste of money.

[icat2000]

Be aware that if you apply for your ESTA for USA on their official site -

US Customs & Border Protection https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta it will cost you A$14

 

Should you use - http://www.esta.us/australia it will cost you A$87

 

Using a 3rd party is just a waste of money.

 

And its not legal either. So basically a scam.

 

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is designed for those seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. On September 8, 2010, a fee of $14.00 was introduced for Visa Waiver Program Travelers registering under ESTA. The fee includes $10.00, collected pursuant to the Travel Promotion Act (TPA) and a fee of $4.00 for administering ESTA. Please note that there is only one official ESTA website and that is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Third-party companies who are charging a fee to assist travelers in registering under ESTA are NOT operating on behalf of the U.S. government.

[The_Big_M]

And its not legal either. So basically a scam.

 

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is designed for those seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. On September 8, 2010, a fee of $14.00 was introduced for Visa Waiver Program Travelers registering under ESTA. The fee includes $10.00, collected pursuant to the Travel Promotion Act (TPA) and a fee of $4.00 for administering ESTA. Please note that there is only one official ESTA website and that is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Third-party companies who are charging a fee to assist travelers in registering under ESTA are NOT operating on behalf of the U.S. government.

 

The quote below didn't say it was illegal or a scam.

 

As the other poster said though, you're likely paying more than you need to.

[GUT2407]

You really need to be careful.

 

I have heard of people who buy off non authorized sites being denied entry (not saying the site above is unauthorised' no idea but just be cautious )

[MicCanberra]

Also be aware that you have to follow up (after a day or so) on the website if you wish to print them up. They no longer send you the approved/completed paperwork in an email and if you wish a paper copy, this must be printed off the site.:D

Edited August 17, 2015 by MicCanberra

[The_Big_M]

You really need to be careful.

 

I have heard of people who buy off non authorized sites being denied entry (not saying the site above is unauthorised' no idea but just be cautious )

 

Fully agree. Always safer going through the official channels.

 

Just thought it worthwhile to clarify that not being the official channel doesn't make it a scam. Third parties provide a variety of government services, such as tax agents and migration agents, that you could also do yourself directly through the official channel.

[Haoie]

Not quite a scam, but certainly a massive ripoff. I've always used the official website.

[bubbles2014]

It is so easy using the website I don't know why folks don't do it

 

US Customs & Border Protection https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

 

it will cost you A$14

 

think I better go and see if fellow passenger have got their yet...thanks for the post

Edited August 18, 2015 by bubbles2014

[MicCanberra]

It is so easy using the website I don't know why folks don't do it

 

US Customs & Border Protection https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

 

it will cost you A$14

 

 

Agreed, we have always done it through the official site.:D

[tickford]

I think the reason some fall for the other site is that it is so close to the top when you google and it looks oh so good and official.

[MicCanberra]

Google (and other search engines) promote the best payers to the top of the search.