With the Foreign Office issuing new rules to UK tourists over obtaining an ESTA for travel, experts have revealed the most common mistakes to avoid during the application process. If you’re a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you’ll need an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before you can board your flight to the USA/
The travel experts at Journeyscape have shared the most common mistakes to avoid when applying for an ESTA, as well as tips to simplify the process.
Common Mistakes That Might Delay Your ESTA Approval
Incorrect Passport Information: This is the number one cause of rejections. Even a single-digit mistake in your passport number can result in a denied application.
Failing to Disclose Previous Travel History: Some travellers omit past visits to countries like Iran, Iraq, or Cuba, thinking it might complicate their application. However, failing to disclose this information can lead to denial. Always be honest.
Not Checking the Status of an ESTA Application: After applying, you should monitor your application status on the official website. If your application is pending, follow up and make sure everything is in order before your travel date.
Applying Too Close to Your Travel Date: Although some approvals are instant, applying just hours before your flight is risky. Unforeseen technical issues or data entry mistakes can cause delays that may prevent you from boarding.
In January 2021, the U.S. designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. As a result, if you have visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, you may not be eligible for an ESTA. This change means you will likely need to apply for a full visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate instead.
If you’ve travelled to Cuba since the rule change, your ESTA application might be denied, and you may have to undergo the traditional visa process. Keep this in mind when planning your travels to avoid any surprises.
Tips for a Smooth ESTA Application Process
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Apply Early, But Not Too Early: While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. It’s wise to apply at least a week before your trip. However, don’t apply more than 90 days before your travel date, as the ESTA is only valid for two years, and applying too early could mean needing to renew sooner than necessary if you frequently visit the US.
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Double-Check Your Information: A common cause of delays or rejections is incorrect or incomplete information on the application. Be sure to:
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Match your passport information exactly, including your full legal name, passport number, and expiration date.
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Provide an accurate email address since that is where your approval notification will be sent.
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List the correct country of citizenship.
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Use the Official U.S. Government Website: Only use the official ESTA website ( https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ ) to avoid additional fees from third-party services. The application fee is $21, and some third-party sites charge significantly more without adding any real value.
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Know Your Travel Plans: While it’s not mandatory to have a confirmed flight and accommodation, it’s helpful to have some information about your travel itinerary ready. You will be asked where you will be staying in the U.S., even if just a city name.
ESTA is an automated system used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine the eligibility of visitors from VWP countries to travel to the United States without a visa for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
While ESTA approvals often happen within a few minutes, some applications may take up to 72 hours to process. Factors such as incomplete information, system errors, or specific travel history may contribute to longer wait times. If your application status shows as “Pending,” don’t panic—it’s common and typically resolves within a day or two.
The good news is that an ESTA is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per visit.
This means that savvy travellers can often beat the busy travel periods that may impact the approval process by applying months ahead of their trip.
What to Do If Your ESTA is Denied
If your application is denied, it does not necessarily mean you are barred from travelling to the U.S. Here’s what to consider:
Reapply if It’s a Simple Mistake: If you believe your application was denied due to a minor error, you can reapply with the corrected information. There’s no waiting period for reapplication.
Apply for a U.S. Visa: If your ESTA is denied for more complex reasons (such as travel history to restricted countries), you’ll need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.
Contact CBP for Clarification: In cases where you believe your ESTA denial was a mistake, you can contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further guidance. While they may not reverse the decision, they can clarify the reasons for the denial.
Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at Journeyscape said: “Navigating the ESTA process can indeed be smooth and hassle-free if you take a proactive approach. The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials.
Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba. Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the U.S. is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimizing stress and maximizing your trip’s success.”
Common ESTA Myths
ESTA Approval Guarantees Entry to the U.S.
Many travellers assume that an approved ESTA means they’re automatically allowed to enter the U.S. In reality, ESTA approval only grants permission to board a U.S.-bound flight. Once you arrive, a CBP officer at the port of entry will make the final decision on your entry based on additional checks.
You Can Travel to the U.S. Immediately After Applying for ESTA
While some applications are approved instantly, others may take up to 72 hours. Always apply a few days in advance to account for any delays.
Only Tourists Need ESTA
Even if you’re travelling to the U.S. for business meetings or as a layover to another country, you still need an ESTA if you’re from a VWP country. The same rules apply regardless of the reason for your visit.