U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Securing America's Borders
CBP INFO Center
I made a mistake on my ESTA application
How do I correct a mistake on my ESTA application?
1. Information about your passport- such as the expiration date or passport number, biometric information (your name, date of birth, sex or country of citizenship) is wrong.
The only way to correct that type of error is to reapply and pay for new ESTA. You should be able to make a new application if your previous application was approved. Just go into the application system and click on "Apply" button. You cannot use the update function to make a change on your passport or biometric information. If your previous application was approved, the system will not let you reapply until you close your browser after the first try. If you just applied, and are having difficulty changing something, try closing your connection to the Internet, and then opening it again. You might be told that an existing application is already in the system. If any biographic information in not correct, the application is not valid and you must click continue to proceed with the new application. Once you submit a new application, the old one will automatically be voided.
Note: It is important to PRINT a copy of the document for your records. The printout is not required upon arrival into the United States, as the officers have the information electronically. Some airlines require the printout upon check-in, please check with your respective airline.
If for some reason, you are unable to reapply - even after closing and reopening your browser, click on the "Ask a Question" button on the right side of the screen, and submit the original application number, if you have it; the full name; passport number; date of birth of the applicant; contact phone number (including country code), as well as a description of what was entered incorrectly. We will review your application, and notify with next steps.
Beginning September 8, 2010, the associated fee* of $14 will be charged for each new application submitted.
2. Information about your email or street address, phone number, or the details of your travel is wrong or has changed.
You may update your information through the "Update or Check Status" button. Your ESTA authorization is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, no matter whether or not any of this type of information changes. It is not required for you to provide us updates, but it is requested. There is no associated fees for updating an ESTA application.
3. You answered a question about your eligibility to travel to the U.S. under the visa waiver program incorrectly and were denied authorization as a result.
If you misunderstood the question, or thought something in your background was a reason to be denied and found out later that it was not, we advise you to contact us so we can review your answer. You should send us an email (see instruction below) explaining why you selected "yes" to that question, and asking for clarification on next steps.
If you discover that you are not eligible to come to the U.S. under the visa waiver program, because of a CIMT (such as fraud, or possession of narcotics) or other reason, your only option is to apply for a visa. At that time your previous actions, along with your current situation will be assessed, and the embassy may determine that you are now eligible to come to the U.S. on a visitor or other type of visa. If you lie on your ESTA application and are able to board a plane because of the deception, when you arrive, you will be removed and banned from entering the U.S. for up to 5 years.
You can look here for a more detailed description of CIMTs.
To email us about the eligibility portion of the application, please submit a question by clicking on the "Email us your Question" button from the current page at the top right column.
*Beginning September 8, 2010, there is an ESTA application fee required by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. The fee is comprised of two parts:
- Processing Charge -- All applicants requesting an electronic travel authorization are charged for the processing of the application. The fee is $4.00.
- Authorization charge -- If your application is approved and you receive authorization to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, an additional $10.00 will be charged to your credit card. If your electronic travel authorization is denied, you are only charged for the processing of your application. CBP is not responsible for any third party fees for the transaction.
Updated 12/27/2011 10:23 AM
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