06/10/2026
✈️ A VERY important ESTA reminder if you’re travelling to the USA 🇺🇸
I flew home from Orlando last night and, when I boarded the plane, I found myself sitting next to a guy who had arrived in Florida that very same morning.
And yep… you guessed it. He was being deported back to the UK.
Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions, this wasn’t because he was some “bad guy”. He had an arrest on his record from when he was in his 20s and genuinely believed that, because it was so long ago, it was no longer relevant when applying for his ESTA.
Unfortunately, it was.
On arrival in Florida, he was taken aside by US Customs and Border Protection, questioned for several hours and ultimately told he would not be permitted to enter the USA. His passport and phone were taken while this was dealt with, and he was put on the first available flight back to the UK.
He was escorted onto the aircraft and had to wait until we were fully out of US airspace before his belongings were returned. Understandably, the whole experience was incredibly frightening for him.
And the reason I’m sharing this is absolutely not to gossip about his circumstances. I’m sharing it because it is a really important reminder about travelling to the USA.
🇺🇸 An ESTA is not simply a formality.
You need to answer the questions honestly and accurately. Certain criminal convictions, arrests and other circumstances can mean that you are not eligible to travel under ESTA and may need to apply for a visa instead.
And please don’t assume that something from years ago doesn’t count, or that because you have travelled to America before, you’ll automatically be fine this time.
If you are unsure whether something in your past could affect your eligibility, please check before you travel. Contact US Customs and Border Protection or seek appropriate advice rather than taking a chance.
I always recommend getting your ESTA sorted before booking your trip, or immediately after booking. They are valid for up to two years in most circumstances, so there really is no benefit to leaving it until the last minute.
And if you discover that you need a visa, please don’t leave it until a few weeks before your holiday. Visa applications can take considerably longer and you need to allow plenty of time.
The reality is that you can have your flights booked, your dream Florida holiday planned, Disney tickets in hand and your bags packed… and still be refused entry to the USA if you don’t meet the entry requirements.
The man I sat next to was travelling alone, but yesterday there was also another passenger being returned to the UK who had travelled with his children.
Imagine finding yourself in that situation on what was supposed to be your family holiday. 😔
So please, please take your ESTA seriously. 🇺🇸❤️
And if you’re booking a USA holiday through me and you’re unsure whether something may affect your ESTA eligibility, tell me before you book. I would much rather we check things properly at the beginning than have you discover there’s a problem at the airport.
