ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that allows Visa Waiver Program (VWP) member countries to travel to the USA without a US visa. ESTA was introduced by the U.S. government to ensure the security of the country while maintaining the tourist appeal of the United States.
TheESTA application is based on a form to be filled in. In this article, we’ll look at how to fill in this application form, and what you need to know to fill in the questionnaire correctly if you’re a married woman.
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How do I fill in the ESTA application form?
Who should apply for ESTA authorization?
Before you even ask about the ESTA form, make sure you’re eligible. The ESTA is not intended for all travelers wishing to visit the USA. In broad terms, ESTA eligibility is based on the applicant’s nationality (originating from a member country of the Visa Waiver Program, bearing in mind that certain binationalities are problematic), life (the traveler must pose no threat to American national security) and trip (transit or temporary stay of less than 90 days, tourist or business trip).
ESTA form overview
The ESTA form is the only way to apply for the travel authorization of the same name, and the American embassy is not responsible for issuing it. To complete the form, applicants must choose whether or not they wish to be accompanied during the process. If they are looking for assistance, they will find it on a private website. If you’re confident you can apply for an ESTA on your own, you’ll find the form on the official U.S. government website.
The form to be completed includes the traveler’s personal details (marital status, address, identity of parents and employer, etc.), passport details (passport number, date of issue and expiry) and where to find him/her in the U.S. (hotel address and emergency contact). The form is completed by a series of questions enabling the American authorities to determine whether the traveler poses any threat to homeland security (state of physical and mental health, criminal record, membership of violent groups, etc.).
The application will be validated and processed once the ESTA fee has been paid. A response may be immediate or available within 72 hours.
What name should appear on the ESTA form of a married woman?
The most important thing to remember when filling in the application form is to match the information. It is essential that the information you provide to obtain an ESTA is identical to the data in your valid passport.
The question often arises for married women: which name should be entered? The answer is: the name on the passport, whether maiden or married. The main complication lies in matching all travel documents. The ESTA is obligatory, or the visa if applicable, but it is also very likely that the immigration officer will ask to see the plane ticket (round-trip ticket or exit ticket in the case of a stopover) when passing through customs. The ticket must have the same surname as the one on the passport and ESTA.
Rejected ESTA application for married woman
If your ESTA application is rejected, the first thing to consider is the reason for the refusal. Check the information you have provided, especially your surname. If you find a mistake, you can reapply. If you are not entitled to an ESTA, you need to apply for a visa from the consular services of the US embassy.
Please note that if you already had an ESTA, but have changed your passport to show your married name, a new application must be made with the details of the new passport.