I'm off to the US (landing at LAX) next week and given the number of media reports about delays and people being interrogated and sometimes sent back, I was wondering if anyone has any real-world experience of this in the last month?
Do they still allow MPC for ESTA holders and What are the wait times?
I am going to a conference so should I say this is business? I'm not working there, and don't want to say the wrong thing.
My next door neighbors have just returned from a US trip. Flew into Dallas.. only questions they were asked were where are you going, where are you staying and do you have a return to Aust ticket.. through in 5 mins. Personally I wouldn't mention that it's a business trip.
Regarding the conference, this is a "temporary business activity". You may need to get a new ESTA if the application for your current one did not reveal such an activity, otherwise all should be OK. Be prepared for questioning on arrival as to details of the conference and whether or not you intend to pursue any other business activity (whether it is actual work or not) while you are there - which I assume you do not because otherwise depending on what's involved you may need a B1/B2 visa.
Honesty is the best policy. Say, it is for business, the officer would want to know what conference, you say the industry, and off you go. Plus, comparing LAX and DFW is comparing apples and oranges!
LAX is hopeless. However, if you have entered on ESTA before, MPC is a game changer. Usually less than 1-2 minutes. Get your phone swithced on when you land, submit MPC declaration while you are walking to the counter, and you are done!
lkennedy
lkennedy
Member since 16 Dec 2011
Total posts 45
I'm off to the US (landing at LAX) next week and given the number of media reports about delays and people being interrogated and sometimes sent back, I was wondering if anyone has any real-world experience of this in the last month?
Do they still allow MPC for ESTA holders and What are the wait times?
I am going to a conference so should I say this is business? I'm not working there, and don't want to say the wrong thing.
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 297
To my knowledge MPC remains available for ESTA holders with the usual caveat - not on your first arrival into the U.S .
Racala
Racala
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 May 2018
Total posts 67
My next door neighbors have just returned from a US trip. Flew into Dallas.. only questions they were asked were where are you going, where are you staying and do you have a return to Aust ticket.. through in 5 mins. Personally I wouldn't mention that it's a business trip.
tommygun
tommygun
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
Member since 16 Oct 2017
Total posts 297
Regarding the conference, this is a "temporary business activity". You may need to get a new ESTA if the application for your current one did not reveal such an activity, otherwise all should be OK. Be prepared for questioning on arrival as to details of the conference and whether or not you intend to pursue any other business activity (whether it is actual work or not) while you are there - which I assume you do not because otherwise depending on what's involved you may need a B1/B2 visa.
lkennedy
lkennedy
Member since 16 Dec 2011
Total posts 45
I am going to a conference. The MPC app lets you choose business or pleasure. Business is allowed on ESTA. I don't want to get called out for lying.
mspcooper
mspcooper
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2013
Total posts 464
Honesty is the best policy. Say, it is for business, the officer would want to know what conference, you say the industry, and off you go. Plus, comparing LAX and DFW is comparing apples and oranges!
LAX is hopeless. However, if you have entered on ESTA before, MPC is a game changer. Usually less than 1-2 minutes. Get your phone swithced on when you land, submit MPC declaration while you are walking to the counter, and you are done!
Rc
Rc
Member since 19 Oct 2019
Total posts 16
Went thru immigration at NY in 10 mins
a few standard questions thousands questions
Thousand go thru everyday