What to do if you make a mistake on your ESTA application?

Even when you’re careful, mistakes can happen while filling out the ESTA electronic travel authorization, which you must complete at least 72 hours before flying to the United States. So what do you do if you make an error? There are three very different scenarios:

1/ Errors you can correct

• If you made a mistake in your email address, you can access your application and correct it directly on the ESTA website. You’ll need your application reference number and passport number.
• The same applies if you made an error in your US hotel address, or if you change hotels at the last minute: you can simply update this information in your application. You won’t need to pay the $40 ESTA fee again—it’s just a correction.

2/ Errors that require a new ESTA

• If you made an error on your identity—especially a mistake in the spelling of your name, date of birth, nationality, or passport number—you’ll need to submit a new ESTA.
• Your previous ESTA will be replaced, and only the most recent one will be considered. You’ll have to pay the $40 ESTA fee again. So try to get it right the first time!

3/ Eligibility questions

• Among all the ESTA questions, there’s a small questionnaire with “eligibility” questions. You’re asked whether you intend to commit a terrorist act in the United States, whether you’ve participated in war crimes, or whether you suffer from serious contagious diseases like plague. Obviously, you need to answer “no” to all of them!
• Unfortunately, some people accidentally check “yes” on one of these questions. It happens more often than you’d think. If you submit your ESTA application with a “yes” to any of these questions, your ESTA will be automatically rejected.
• What should you do? First, call the official ESTA call center and explain your mistake. The number is 00 1 202 325 8000. The representative can decide whether to allow you to submit a new ESTA application.
• If they refuse, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the nearest US consulate. A careless mistake on the eligibility questions can be very costly.

Tip: review before you pay

Before you submit and pay for your ESTA, you’ll have a chance to review all the information you entered. Take the time to check everything carefully and catch any errors before submitting. It’s the best way to avoid problems later.