What to Do if Your ESTA is Denied or Application Not Found | ESTA Help Guide

What to Do if Your ESTA is Denied or Application is Not Found

If your ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application is denied or you receive a “Not Found” status, here are some steps you can take:

1. Check Your Application Status

• Verify the information: Ensure all your details (name, passport number, date of birth) are entered correctly.
• Use the correct application reference number: When checking the status, ensure you’re using the correct reference number or application ID.
• Wait a bit: Sometimes the system may take time to update, so check again after some time.

2. Verify Your Eligibility

Ensure that you meet the basic requirements for ESTA approval:

• You are from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country.
• You have a valid passport.
• Your travel plans are for 90 days or less for business or tourism.

3. Possible Reasons for Denial

• Criminal record or immigration issues: If you have any prior criminal or immigration history, your ESTA application may be denied.
• Previous visa issues: If you have been denied a visa previously or overstayed a visa, this may affect your ESTA application.
• Incorrect information: Any inaccuracies or discrepancies in your application can cause issues.

4. Additional Steps if Your Application is Not Found or if You Made a Mistake

If your application is not found, or if you made a mistake on your application, your last resort is to visit the following link:

https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/questions?language=en_US

Select the topic ESTA, and then choose one of the following applicable issues:

• Application Assistance
• Application Not Found
• Application Refund
• Application Status Check
• Authorization Pending
• ESTA App
• Group Application
• Payment Issues
• General Questions about ESTA/VWP
• I Have Been Denied ESTA or Cannot Board
• I Made a Mistake or Need Correction
• Land Border Implementation
• Maui Natural Disaster
• Travel to Cuba
• Update My Information or Documents

For more details, please check the Help page: https://www.estaofficial.org/helpme/

5. Be Sure You Need an ESTA, Not an ETA or ETIAS

• ETA is required to enter the United Kingdom: https://eta-official.com/
• ETIAS is required to enter Europe: https://etiasofficial.org/