Anybody travelled on an ESTA thats about to expire?

[silent majority]

Has anybody travelled to the USA whose ESTA expired whilst they were there? Mine does and I wondered if it caused any problems when entering the USA.

[The L J Monk]

"If your ESTA expires while in the US it will not affect your departure"

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1126/~/esta---length-of-approval

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

I don't think it does, but then I've never used one, as I worked in the US so had a VISA, even a VISA allows you 3 months after expiry so I'd imagine it's ok as long as it's valid when you arrive.

[silent majority]

Thanks everybody. I had read that somewhere but I was after any direct experience as I don't trust the border guards in the US at all. Despite reading on their site that you didn't need to update travel information for an ESTA they took great pleasure in telling me otherwise on my last visit.

Plus my wife also has a visa for the US but that didn't stop the guard telling her she couldn't travel on it, he was later corrected by a more senior individual.

[phllvslc]

I know it says it won't affect your departure, but I'd just renew it incase.

[Old Popsider]

Recent advice given to a pal at work who entered States in May and his ESTA was due to expire 2 weeks after his arrival.

He was told by the guy checking his documents at the airport arrivals that he could enter this time, but, at some point this year US Government may be changing that leeway to say all ESTA must be valid for the whole of the stay.

Not in force yet but I'd be inclined to renew anyway before travelling, rather than risk being refused entry.