Reasons for refusing an ESTA

Thanks to the Visa Waiver Program set up by the United States, it is possible to do without a visa by obtaining an ESTA authorization. But there are eligibility requirements to obtain an ESTA. If the conditions of your trip do not meet them, your application may be denied.

ESTA and reasons for refusal

In order to obtain ESTA authorization, you must fill out an online form that is processed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s computer program. The ESTA application may be denied for the following reasons:

• the purpose of the stay does not correspond to the rules for obtaining an ESTA: only for vacation or non-remunerated business trip;
• the duration of the planned stay exceeds the 90 consecutive days provided for by the ESTA;
• the person applying for ESTA is not a national of a country participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program;
• the applicant has dual citizenship of one of the following countries: Syria, Iraq, Sudan or Iran;
• the applicant has traveled to Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since March 01, 2011;
• the passport used is not an electronic or biometric passport;
• the information recorded during the filling of the form is erroneous;
• the person’s criminal record does not allow them to travel to the United States with an ESTA;
• the applicant already has a valid US visa.
  

How do I know the reason for refusal?

After submitting your ESTA application, the immigration service will respond to you within 72 hours. Do not confuse a denial with a pending ESTA application: this pending status does not necessarily become a negative response. If you are finally refused, no reason will be given. However, if you wish to know the reasons why the authorization was not approved, you should contact the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program. This service is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State. He is the only one to take care of problems of this type. The agents will help you understand why your application was denied and, in the event of an illegitimate denial, they will advise you on the steps to take.

In any case, do not lose hope, you can always apply for a green card, a tourist visa or reapply for ESTA.