What information can be updated on the ESTA application?
Authorization to travel to the United States, or ESTA authorization, is a procedure that must be completed exclusively online by nationals of countries participating in theVisa Waiver Program. When completing this formality, you must take great care to ensure that your data is accurate, especially as regards passport details (passport number, issue and expiry dates, name of issuing country, etc.). Some information can be updated directly on your travel authorization application, while other information can only be changed by renewing your application.
What information can be updated on your ESTA?
To update your authorization to travel to the USA, only a few details can be changed without having to renew your document. The data that can be changed on your file is simply your e-mail address and the address of your accommodation in the USA. To make the change, simply visit the official U.S. government website to retrieve your ESTA. Remember to bring your passport number and ESTA number with you. If you don’t have your ESTA number, simply enter your personal details.
Due to the limited number of updates, it is important that you check your data before proceeding with the payment of your ESTA application.
When should I renew my ESTA application?
As mentioned earlier, only two pieces of information can be modified once the application has been approved by the American authorities. It is therefore not possible to correct a typing error in the online form. A typing error may or may not lead to a refusal. If your online application has nevertheless been accepted, you should be aware that the immigration officer may still refuse you entry to the U.S. on the grounds that your information is not correct. The data on your ESTA must be identical to the data on your biometric passport.
In certain situations, you may need to renew your ESTA. This is of course the case when the validity date of yourtravel authorization has expired. The ESTA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. A new application is also required if the passport used was renewed before the application expiry date. The ESTA is linked to your passport number, so a new passport means a new ESTA. If you change any information on your passport, you must automatically apply for a new ESTA using the new information on your passport. Renewing your ESTA application is therefore essential if you change gender or nationality, or if any of the answers to the security questions have changed.
Note that if your authorization expires before your return from the United States, you do not need to reapply. The ESTA must be valid on arrival in the U.S., not on return to Europe.
How do I apply for a new ESTA?
To make a new ESTA application, you need to follow the same procedure as for your initial application, i.e. fill in the ESTA form. Go to the U.S. government website or the website of an intermediary with your valid passport. Don’t make the mistake of going too fast just because you’ve already obtained ESTA authorization in the past. Each application is processed individually and independently of all previous applications. You’ll also need to pay the ESTA fee because, as mentioned, this is a new application, even if it’s a renewal for you.
We advise you to apply as soon as possible, and not to wait until 72 hours before your departure for the USA. Although rare, refusals are possible and sometimes the only option left is to apply for a visa at the US embassy. An application to the US embassy obviously takes more than a few days. Don’t compromise your trip to the USA by overconfidence.