What happens if I arrive in USA without an ESTA?
What happens if I arrive in USA without an ESTA? VWP travelers who have not received an ESTA approval may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission at a U.S. port of entry.
Can you board a flight without a visa?
Nearly all airlines will refuse to let you board their planes if you lack a required visa, and none of them will refund your fare since they consider it your mistake. Most will switch the booking to a later flight that you can take after getting a visa, but they may charge a fee for the change.
Is the ESTA mandatory?
Visa Waiver Program travelers are required to apply for and receive an approved travel authorization via ESTA to board a plane or vessel bound for the United States. (A travel authorization via ESTA is not a guarantee of admission into the United States.