[AdobeCreativeSuite]

I've been trying to retrieve my ESTA number from the US government website so I can check mine is still valid. It kept telling me it couldn't retrieve my application number. I exchanged a few emails with their support team who told me they found it...with a Q at the end of my given name. Yet I still got into America with it last year???

[thehhhyips]

Tried giving the American Embassy a call? They should be able to check for you.

[AdobeCreativeSuite]

Tried giving the American Embassy a call? They should be able to check for you.

I did, that's the whole point of this thread. Their reply was:

Response (Officer Menz) 09/01/2011 08:17 AM
It appears the reason you are unable to retrieve your ESTA application xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx is due to the first name being entered as RALPHQ. If this is incorrect you will need to submit a new application with the required fee.

I'm not sure who is worse, me or them for not noticing my name was spelt wrong. After weighing it up, I suspect it's me.

[VrQsgM7c]

It's a big scam. They just want you to pay another $14 or whatever it is. I note US citizens aren't obliged to return the favour

[didrexx]

I did, that's the whole point of this thread. Their reply was:

Response (Officer Menz) 09/01/2011 08:17 AM
It appears the reason you are unable to retrieve your ESTA application xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx is due to the first name being entered as RALPHQ. If this is incorrect you will need to submit a new application with the required fee.

I'm not sure who is worse, me or them for not noticing my name was spelt wrong. After weighing it up, I suspect it's me.

Homeland Security sucks.

All you can do is to follow their procedures and don't make a drama out of it.. You won't win.

[AdobeCreativeSuite]

Homeland Security sucks.

All you can do is to follow their procedures and don't make a drama out of it.. You won't win.

I'm not trying to win anything, I'll just get a new one. I'm just surprised I got through with it in the first place.

[VrQsgM7c]

I'm just surprised I got through with it in the first place.

Like I say, scam. I filled mine in at the airport, got on the plane 20 minutes later. They ran useful checks on everyone who did that? I doubt it

[AdobeCreativeSuite]

Like I say, scam. I filled mine in at the airport, got on the plane 20 minutes later. They ran useful checks on everyone who did that? I doubt it

I can't imagine they are a scam as they were free (although they charge $14 now for "administration"). I think all they do is check the police national computer in the UK for any serious crimes as I've known people get in with all sorts of things, but then I've also heard of people being rejected on entry.

[thehhhyips]

I meant to actuallty pick up a telephone and speak directly to a person who may be able to do something about it, either correct the error or set up another entry..

[AdobeCreativeSuite]

I meant to actuallty pick up a telephone and speak directly to a person who may be able to do something about it, either correct the error or set up another entry..

If you want to try ringing the embassy, good luck (seriously, give it a go if you've got a few hours to kill). It's all done online these days, you don't just ring your friendly neighbourhood consulate. Let me lay out the process so far for you nice and clearly.

1) I have an existing visa waiver.
2) I couldn't remember when it expires.
3) I tried to retrieve my ESTA (visa waiver programme) number through their website so I could check my existing details.
4) I couldn't, so I emailed them to set up a "case".
5) They replied saying that my application is there so I must have the details wrong.
6) I replied saying they let me into the US last year so I don't see how they could be wrong.
7) They replied saying that they have now found it but there was a Q on the end of my first name.
8) They advised I needed to re-apply to correct it.
9) I have corrected it.
10) The world makes sense once more.

EDIT: The point of this thread was not to seek advice or help on rectifying the situation, I was merely expressing amazement that I got in last year with this error.

[thehhhyips]

So, happy, happy, joy, joy all round

I would say we agree on the poorly thought out and implimented "security" - so many basic flaws, apart from that, and so much inconvenience. That said, who knows how many attacks or other actions they've also prevented.
Some airports can do a departure check, to avoid being held up in when you reach the States, but I assume you know that.

[AdobeCreativeSuite]

So, happy, happy, joy, joy all round

I would say we agree on the poorly thought out and implimented "security" - so many basic flaws, apart from that, and so much inconvenience. That said, who knows how many attacks or other actions they've also prevented.

My personal theory is that US border control (and most other countries) pretend to be a little bit dumber than they are a lot of the time.

[VrQsgM7c]

My personal theory is that US border control (and most other countries) pretend to be a little bit dumber than they are a lot of the time.

Mine is that massive bureaucracy is ****ing dumb most of the time... And its still a scam.