Published on: Feb 09, 2015, Last Edited: Mar 25, 2019
Getting denied an ESTA can be a disappointment and cause inconveniences for U.S. bound travelers. However, applicants still have the option to apply for a B1 Business Visa, B2 Tourist Visa or a mix B1/B2 Visitor Visa. So why does an ESTA application get denied? There are a few common reasons why an ESTA gets denied, or "Travel not Authorized" as it is deemed by US Customs and Border Protection. A denied ESTA is most likely due to one or more of the following reasons:
NOTE: If you made a mistake on your ESTA application, you probably want to read this article and watch the video as well: https://www.official-esta.com/esta-resources/fixing-a-mistake-on-your-esta-application/
It is important to note that your eligibility alone does not grant you admission to travel to the US under the visa program, nor grant you entry into the United States. Due to past criminal or immigration history on your record, you may not be permitted to travel under the visa waiver program and under no other circumstances will this change. The government system performs many cross checks across numerous databases to ensure applicants are screened properly. For one reason or another, yours has been declined. Unfortunately, the US Department of Homeland Security does not provide reasons for ESTA application denials nor are they obliged to.
If you have been denied an ESTA, you may be eligible to apply for a B2 or B1 visa to visit the United States for tourism, business, medical or transit purposes. For more visa information or to start your application visit https://usa-visas.com/
References