Common Reasons for ESTA US Visa Denials
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online entry ticket for some specific citizens whose country is enrolled under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It helps to make visitors' US adventure dreams come true. It is a pre-check for short-term tourism and business purposes.
If you meet all the ESTA eligibility requirements, it will be a key to avoiding travel-related problems. Imagine you are excited about your trip and arrive at the airport, only to be stopped by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers due to an issue with your ESTA. Then what? A little prep and info will save the day. You applied for the ESTA online application form in 2024 first.
You have received a message saying that your application needs to be approved; ESTA denied. No worries; it is not the end of the road. You can escape this situation by knowing vital denial reasons and strengthening your application.
Illegal (Criminal) History
Small criminal activities can not affect your present and future. There are some serious criminal activities like drug trafficking, violent crimes, etc. If you have ever been involved in such sensitive actions or you made any record in your name. whether that crime is done by you or not. ESTA approval will be difficult. The official will not be allowed you.
Immigration Offenses
Have you ever broken any visa regulation laws during your past US stays? Or did you overstay after the approved date of your visa? If you have taken any of these actions, it affects your ESTA approval and reaches you on the state of ESTA denied. To increase your chances of acceptance, you must follow all the visa constraints frequently.
Protection Matters
National security is crucial. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a right to ensure all checks of every visitor. If you have any ties to terrorism or terrorism-related organizations, or if you are involved in such activities, your application will be denied.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Application
US immigration officials can be impressed if you think your ESTA application is a first impression. You must ensure it is correct. Many of us can make typos errors, incompatible travel dates, wrong visa applications instead of B1, or H1 visa, or put any wrong facts about past travels. It raises skepticism, and your application may lead to a refusal state. Ensure to check the entire application form before final submission.
Insufficient Financial Resources
ESTA officials can raise questions about your adequate financial resources. They are closely monitoring you. As we know, money is important for serving in the US. If you wish to save from the denial condition, you have to show proper proof of your employment or travel fund.
Dual Citizenship with Visa-Ineligible Countries
Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, and Cuba have complex relationships with the United States of America. ESTA accepts dual citizenship members, but there are conditions. If you visited any of the above-mentioned countries prior to US visa form filling might lead to a denial state. Keep checking all the VWP eligibility conditions so that authorities cannot catch you.
What to Do After an ESTA Denial
There may be an option to reassert your ESTA after a denial message. But it has a criteria. If you make a typo kind of message, you can fill out the form again. For the rest of the reasons, you can check the US online visa website for eligibility. Every rejected application cannot be refilled again.
Sometimes people apply for the wrong visa type. Or somehow few people who do not belong to VWP apply for ESTA. You can avoid such situations by getting the exact visa details about your purpose of visit. For example, if you want to apply for a long-term study visa, then you need to fill out the DS-160 form with the American-US visa application. After this, they have to book their appointment with the US Embassy or consult for an interview session. ESTA is valid for only a short term, which means a 90-day stay period in the US.
Otherwise, you can reschedule your trip. You can request an ESTA application in the next schedule to keep yourself free from the busy times of tourists.
Conclusion
Make your trip hassle-free and save from last-minute refusal conditions of the ESTA Application. You can seek assistance from professional services to get your visa application approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US visa officers know your travel history?
Yes, they have access to your travel history via your visa application for the DS-160 form and passport stamps.
Can I apply for a visa after my ESTA denial?
Yes, you are required to fill out an American US visa form after ESTA denial.
Does ESTA really take 72 hours?
It is approved within a few minutes if all the required credentials are satisfactory and true. However, its typical processing time is 72 hours; depending on various situations.
What happens if ESTA is pending?
You are not allowed to travel to the USA.
READ MORE:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Online USA Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to United States. Learn more at US Visa Online Frequently Asked Questions.
Foreign citizens can apply for an US Visa Application in a matter of minutes. ESTA US Visa process is automated, simple, and completely online.
French citizens, German citizens, New Zealand citizens, and Australian citizens can apply online for ESTA US Visa.