ESTA denial for Pilots

[Plane_Sailing]

I know if you've visited certain countries including Iran, Iraq and Syria you will be denied an ESTA approval. Does this count for pilots? What if you've just done turnarounds? Has anyone encountered problems? Any suggestions as how to mitigate or circumvent?

[flyinthesky]

Well, since Iran is a turnaround and you dont enter the country, then I take the view that I have not visited said countries and say the same on my ESTA application. Had no problems so far.

[luvly jubbly]

Originally Posted by flyinthesky

Well, since Iran is a turnaround and you dont enter the country, then I take the view that I have not visited said countries and say the same on my ESTA application. Had no problems so far.

I guess as long as you stay airside and don't go through immigration.....
A tech problem or diversion resulting in a nightstop might prove problematic.

[MacSheikh]

Did a night stop some time back in Tehran courtesy of a tech problem, stayed in town. Not been a problem for me.

[halas]

Renewed ESTA in January. No problem.

If it gets denied then apply for a visa that lasts longer than ESTA anyway.

halas

[luvly jubbly]

Originally Posted by MacSheikh

Did a night stop some time back in Tehran courtesy of a tech problem, stayed in town. Not been a problem for me.

Having thought about this logically, I can't see this affecting aircrew. BA etc night stop there and I'm sure they can all still use ESTA. I went on vacation with a full page Iranian visa in my passport.
Fill in the ESTA application. If it's approved then great.

Anyway, as Halas says, I just got a B1/B2 visa, with zero problems and as it lasts me 10 years, I don't have to go online every 2 years to renew the ESTA..

In the other thread, I just wanted to bring it to people's attention that OBAMA!! changed the rules, and a B1/B2 may now be needed if you work in or visit Iran.

[luvly jubbly]

My email from CBP

Just FYI. These are CBPs changed rules on ESTA




ESTA Status Change

You are receiving this message because you are no longer authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

In the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travelers in the following categories are no longer eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program:
Those who have had presence in, or travel to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria on or after March 1, 2011
Those nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria
Please view additional details regarding the new requirements at www.cbp.gov/ESTA.

If you do not believe these new restrictions apply to you, you may contact CBP with questions regarding your individual case. Please see additional details and contact information at https://help.cbp.gov/app/ask.

Please note, you still may be eligible to travel to the United States with a valid nonimmigrant visa. You should evaluate any current or future travel plans to the United States, and, when possible, apply for a nonimmigrant visa approximately three months in advance of your desired travel. If your travel is imminent, most U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide have short wait times for visa interviews, and expedited appointments are available at most locations for urgent business, medical, or humanitarian travel.

To begin the process to apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, you will find information and application materials at travel.state.gov.