Mistake on the ESTA form: Do I need to redo it completely?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic system set up by the US government to provide travel authorization for citizens of certain countries wishing to travel to the United States without a visa. This prior authorisation is compulsory and plays an essential role in the process of travelling to the United States. However, many travellers are faced with a common problem: Mistakes on the ESTA form. Whether it's a minor spelling mistake, incorrect information or even a wrong answer to a question, these mistakes can lead to confusion as to whether the ESTA application needs to be completely redone. That's why this article aims to clarify the situations in which a new ESTA application is required. We will look at the different types of mistakes in the ESTA form and guide you on the best steps to take to correct these mistakes.

What should I do if I make a mistake on the ESTA form?

• Common errors : Wrong information, incorrect answers, missing fields, typos.
• Impact of errors: Rejection of ESTA, delays, inability to board, additional expenses.
• Solutions: Check carefully, answer precisely, use a spellchecker, amend the application if you make a mistake.
• Application rejected: Reapply after correction or contact ESTA customer service, visa in case of emergency.
• Prevention: Fill in the form in a quiet place, read it carefully, ask for it to be proofread, keep a copy.

Reapply for ESTA online!

Understanding the types of mistake on the ESTA form

When you fill in the ESTA form, it is possible to make various mistakes. It is essential to understand the distinction between minor and major mistakes in order to determine whether a new ESTA application is necessary.

Minor mistakes generally include minor spelling errors, date errors or other non-essential information. Although these mistakes may seem insignificant, it is always best to correct them to avoid any confusion or potential problems during your trip to the United States. Fortunately, in most cases, these minor mistakes can be corrected without having to completely redo your ESTA application.

On the other hand, major mistakes concern essential information, such as your name, gender, nationality, passport number, etc. These mistakes can have a significant impact on your travel authorisation. In such cases, it is recommended that you completely redo your ESTA application to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.

It is important to note that major mistakes are not limited to personal information. Mistakes in the answers to questions relating to security, criminal history, contagious diseases, etc., can also be considered major errors. This information is essential for assessing your eligibility to enter the United States, so it is crucial to provide it correctly.

When is it necessary to completely redo your ESTA application?

Now that we understand the distinction between minor and major mistakes in the ESTA form, let's look at the situations in which it is recommended that you completely redo your ESTA application.

• Major mistakes in crucial personal information: If you have made significant mistakes in crucial personal information such as your name, gender, nationality, passport number or other essential elements, it is strongly recommended that you completely redo your ESTA application. These mistakes can lead to problems during your trip, including difficulties passing through security checks or obtaining authorisation to enter the United States.
• Mistakes when answering questions relating to security, criminal history, contagious diseases, etc. The questions asked on the ESTA form concerning security, criminal history, contagious diseases and similar subjects are of crucial importance in assessing your eligibility for entry into the United States. If you have answered any of these questions incorrectly, or if you have omitted relevant information, it is advisable to redo your ESTA application entirely. Incorrect answers to these questions could lead to serious consequences and potentially bar you from entering the United States.
• Significant changes in travel circumstances: If significant travel circumstances have changed since you submitted your initial ESTA application, it is recommended that you completely redo your application. These changes could include a change in your destination in the United States, the purpose of your trip, the length of your stay, or other significant factors. By submitting a new application, you can provide updated and accurate information, which contributes to a smooth admission process when you arrive in the United States.

When can you simply correct minor mistakes?

Now that we've clarified the situations that require a complete overhaul of your ESTA application, let's look at the steps you can take to correct minor mistakes without having to start the whole process again.

• Visit the official website of the US Department of Homeland Security: When you identify a minor mistake in your ESTA application, the first step is to consult the official website of the US Department of Homeland Security. This site provides detailed information on correction procedures and guidelines to follow. Make sure you use the most up-to-date information to avoid any confusion.
• Identify the online provider or ESTA service used: If you submitted your ESTA application via an online provider or ESTA service, identify the provider you used. Check their website or contact their customer service for specific instructions on how to correct minor mistakes. Each service provider may have slightly different procedures, so it is important to follow their instructions.
• Contact the provider or customer service: Once you have identified the ESTA provider or service you are using, contact them directly to explain the nature of the minor mistakes you wish to correct. Online providers and ESTA services are generally equipped to help you rectify these mistakes. They will be able to guide you through the steps to follow and provide you with the information you need to make the appropriate corrections.
• Submit corrections using the appropriate procedures: Carefully follow the instructions provided by the service provider or customer service to submit corrections. This may involve completing an online correction form, providing supporting documentation or updating incorrect information in your existing application. Please ensure that you follow the correct procedures and provide accurate information when submitting corrections.

By following these steps, you will be able to correct minor mistakes in your ESTA application without having to go through the whole process again. However, be sure to act quickly to rectify any mistakes and to respect the deadlines indicated by the ESTA provider or service. This will ensure that you receive an accurate and up-to-date ESTA application that complies with the requirements for travel to the United States.

What are the most common mistakes when filling in the ESTA form?

Some of the most common mistakes made when filling in the ESTA application form include :

• Incorrect personal details:
  • Typing errors in the name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, etc.
  • Discrepancies between the information entered and that shown on official documents.
• Errors on eligibility questions:
  • Not correctly answering questions about criminal history, contagious diseases, refused stays in the United States, etc.
  • Failure to answer certain questions.
• Incorrect choice of answers:
  • Not selecting the correct option for binary questions (yes/no).
  • Inconsistent choices between the answers given.
• Omission of compulsory fields:
  • Not filling in all the fields required in the form.
  • Leaving entire fields blank.
• Typing and spelling errors:
  • Errors in place names, dates, etc.
  • Incorrect use of upper and lower case letters.

When is it necessary to reapply for an ESTA following an error?

It is necessary to reapply for an ESTA following an error in the following cases:

• If you have made a mistake in your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, nationality or passport number.
• If you answered an eligibility question incorrectly, such as criminal history, contagious diseases or refused stays in the United States.
• If you have chosen the wrong answer to a binary question (yes/no) or if your answers are inconsistent.
• If you have omitted to fill in a required field on the form.

In the event of a minor error, such as a typo in your name, you can wait 24 hours and submit a new application.

However, if the error is more significant, it is preferable to submit a new application immediately.