Visa question!

Dear all,

I'm travelling to the US in Oct and am a Dutch citizen (so, EU member). So, two questions:

• I have stamps in my passport from a variety of countries, including Syria, a Syrian visa extension and most of the Middle East. Does anyone know if this is a problem these days? Or am I being over-cautious? Last time I went to the US I had a working visa, which made things very different. So would anyone recommend getting a new passport? My current one expires next year anyway and they're not too expensive, so this would be relatively easy.
• As a Dutch citizen, do I need to do the VWP ESTA online registration thingie? And if so, how long beforehand do I need to do this? Am asking because of question 1; I wouldn't have my new passport & passport number until very close to my travelling date, as I need to collect it in NL and I will be abroad for some time...

Any advice is VERY MUCH appreciated!

1. The US doesn't deny people entry solely based on the stamps in their passports. (Well, there have been exceptions to that, but you'll be fine.) You will be asked a bunch of questions, for sure, but if you can answer them adequately, you'll get in.

2. Yes, you must do the ESTA registration. Everyone who plans on entering via the VWP must.

--M.

Edited by: mrpenney

The stamps in your passport don't matter. It is legal for US citizens to travel to Syria, and even if it wasn't, there are no restrictions on entry by foreign citizens based soley on past travel. If you get asked about the reasons you went to Syria or any other country, answer truthfully. A new passport wont make any difference, since your previous passport info is stored in US computers.

According to the US Homeland Security (emphasis added)

A new ESTA authorization is required if:

You are issued a new passport,
You change your name (first and/or last)
You change your gender
Your country of citizenship changes
Your circumstances change, e.g., you are convicted of a crime of moral turpitude or you develop a contagious disease. Such a change may require you to get a visa to travel to the U.S. You must re-apply and your application must reflect the change in your circumstances or you may be denied entry upon arrival in the United States.

AND

The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel.

Does anyone know if this is a problem these days?

The US does not deny entry based on foreign stamps alone. Unlike what #2 says, however, they do matter, as they are grounds for further questioning (which may cause denial, or not). Answer truthfully, but don't volunteer info not requested.

So would anyone recommend getting a new passport?

Based on what I previously said, it's not necessary.

Since it is about to expire anyway, it is up to you.

do I need to do the VWP ESTA online registration thingie?

Only if you plan on entering the US at some point under the VWP, including transiting.

how long beforehand do I need to do this?

Minimum three days.
I'd recommend a month, so you (may) have time to get a visa if you are denied online.