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Several US airport immigration queues seem to differentiate between "first-time ESTA visitors" and "returning ESTA visitors" – what exactly is the definition for that distinction? This is my third trip to the US, I have had fingerprints taken before, however all my previous trips to the US were with an older passport and an older ESTA.

(Bonus question: How much faster can the "returning ESTA" line at EWR be expected to be vs. "first-time ESTA"?)

Crazydre
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FDMS
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2 Answers2

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According to my experience it is "first time using a particular ESTA". I used a second ESTA with the same passport but the machines in the "returning ESTA" path refused me.

Update with more details.

  1. First visit on first ESTA. Fingerprints taken by CDB officer.
  2. Second visit on first ESTA. Returning ESTA worked fine. (Don't remember whether the machine took fingerprints)
  3. First visit on second ESTA. The machines at returning ESTA path gave me a receipt but it was clearly invalid, I think it had a big cross over it. Had to go back to the other line.
Anders
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Returning ESTA means you've previously entered as a VWP visitor since 2008 with your face and fingerprints on record. Depending on the software version, the kiosks may or may not recognise you if on a new passport. These days they mostly should, and apparently the trend is now for "returning ESTA" to be scrapped, with all VWP visitors eligible to use kiosks

Crazydre
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