How do I make a correct ESTA application for a US flight?

Have a travel question? Ask our travel expert Simon Calder

New York: ESTA allows the American authorities to see the background of prospective visitors

Q I wonder if you can advise on ESTA application. I am flying to New York in May from Bristol Airport to New York, but via Amsterdam airport. On the ESTA do we have mention that we are going Amsterdam? I don''t want to put incorrect details and find there is a problem at the airport.

Name withheld

A The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is basically designed to allow the American authorities to have a good look at the background of prospective visitors before deciding whether to let them board a plane to the US. Among the information you will be asked for are your travel plans. But that is merely to give a broad idea of what you may be planning, rather than setting in stone your intentions. So as far as I am aware, it will not make any difference whether you say you are going via Amsterdam or leave that detail out. And if your plans change (for example you decide to fly via Dublin, or direct from Heathrow) the US Customs and Border Protection people will not mind. Just remember that a valid ESTA is simply permission to fly to America and apply for permission to enter. You will be questioned, fingerprinted and photographed when you arrive - unless you fly in via Dublin, in which case you go through US formalities before you take off for America.

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