ESTA Denial

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share my experience in case it helps others. I applied for an ESTA to travel to the United States, but unfortunately, it was denied because I checked a "Yes" box by mistake. I then tried contacting several numbers I found here on the forum for help or to find out how to reset my ESTA application, but most of them no longer work. One of the numbers I called wasn’t even assigned (it came from a 2015 discussion). I also tried reaching the U.S. Embassy in Paris, but they told me to apply for a visa instead.

If anyone knows the correct official number or procedure to reset a denied ESTA application, I’d really appreciate it. My departure is in 2 weeks, and I won’t have time to get a visa.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Numbers I’ve already contacted: 202-325-7171 202-325-8000 1-202-877-227-5511

Non-working number found on the forum: 00 1 2023443710

Hey, it all depends on which question you made the mistake on. Otherwise, you can reapply 24 hours after the first attempt, as mentioned in this link, but you’ll have to pay the ESTA fee again. But seriously, what’s the idea of booking tickets, etc., before sorting out the paperwork for a country? 🤪 https://www.esta-usa-conseil.com/erreur-esta/#:~:text=Si%20vous%20avez%20fait%20une, %2C%20soit%20environ%2013%20€).

I’ve already resubmitted the application three times, correcting the information each time, but it’s denied again after 10 minutes of loading. I called the number in the link—they redirected me to the U.S. Embassy in Paris, and the second time they even hung up on me.

I had made a note for myself about this issue, and looking back at it, I’d jotted down this number to call that isn’t on your list.

My note, but no idea if it’s still current:

A mistake in the application, ESTA refused, then a phone call, cancellation, and the option to submit a new accepted application: 00 1 202 344 3710 It’s essential to speak English very well. Just so you know, I had trouble reaching them—you have to keep trying until someone picks up (remember the 6-hour time difference!).

However, on this topic, https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7621315#7621315 it seems relatively easy to contact them: Your English just needs to be basic because you simply have to say there was a mistake in the application and provide the passport number and name. The number is reachable from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Washington time) The specific post: https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7082008#7082008

This also seems to be confirmed in this forum thread: https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2483112#2483112

Other possible phone numbers: 00 1 877 227 5511 00 1 202 325 8000

The numbers you gave me are already in my previous message where I specify that one of them no longer works and the others aren’t helpful

As a follow-up, if you manage to cancel your refused application and reapply, here’s what I noted in that case:

It’s worth noting that on this topic, https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6706557#6706557 an ESTA refusal due to an error doesn’t require you to answer “Yes” on a future application: After my ESTA was refused, I contacted the Nantes prefecture, which discovered that the passport they’d just issued me had been reported lost right after! There’s a good chance that explains the refusal. In the meantime, I submitted a request to Trip@dhs.gov, but I won’t get a response for a month. Can I apply for an ESTA with my new passport before then? Anyway, good news for anyone who’s been refused an ESTA: when you reapply, you can answer "no" to question F ("Have you ever been denied a visa or entry to the U.S.?"). I asked the question on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website—they respond for free and quickly (about 24 hours for me).

Since one of the ESTA questions is "Has an ESTA or visa ever been denied to you?", answering yes generally (always?) leads to another refusal, and you absolutely shouldn’t lie about it (no way!), I don’t think you should try an ESTA again after a refusal. It’s always a visa from now on... (maybe others can confirm?) I reapplied for an ESTA after receiving my new passport, answering no to question F, and it was approved—I entered U.S. territory without any issues. Here’s the response I got from U.S. Customs when I asked what to answer for question F after an ESTA refusal: "You could answer \"no\" to Question F regarding visa denials because the ESTA is not considered a visa, but is an electronic travel authorization."

Oops, sorry. I checked for the others, but not for the small box "Number found on the forum not working: 00 1 2023443710"

I’ve searched everywhere for a number to reset my application, but I think it’s a lost cause. Especially since my tickets aren’t refundable through my credit card insurance, and travel agencies won’t modify them either...

Indeed, the ESTA website no longer lists a phone number.

I did read this, though: If the traveler made a mistake in answering the eligibility questions, please click on the CBP Info Center Link at the bottom of each page. Article Number 000001813 - Date Published 08/02/2024 https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1813?language=en_US

And when you follow the link to the CBP Info Center: https://www.cbp.gov/about/care-and-custody/how-make-report There are other phone numbers listed. But does that help? No idea. Still, it might be worth a try!

That’s all I’ve got—I don’t know anything more.

I’ve already resubmitted the application three times, correcting the info each time, but it’s denied again after 10 minutes of loading. I called the number in the link—they redirected me to the US Embassy in Paris, and the second time they even hung up on me.

As long as you don’t tell me what mistake you made (the number), the thread’s closed as far as I’m concerned—without detailed info, there’s no point discussing it!!!

It was at the question 'Do you have a disease?'—I answered Yes instead of No.

It’s to the question "Do you have a disease?" that I answered Yes instead of No

Okay, you don’t have a disease, but you’ve got a serious comprehension problem with what people are telling you. I sent you the link that explains in which cases it’s screwed (and according to the link, you don’t fall into that case—reread it). And besides, you still haven’t said which question number you got wrong—can’t help you if you keep repeating the same thing. For the rest, it’s all the same—you’re doing everything backward (bookings and flight tickets paid before even knowing if you can enter the USA). Your issue is mixing everything up, and on top of that, you don’t read what we tell you.

If you reapplied for an ESTA instead of checking your mistake before paying, it's too late. All you can recover are the airport taxes for the flights (for accommodation, it's up to you to see if it's refundable).

Hi,

If the link is the one you mentioned in your post, the phone number listed is one that no longer works.

Also, the document must be outdated because it shows a cost of $14 for the ESTA application, which increased to $21 in 2022.

As mentioned several times in previous messages, I’ve already taken into account what you sent (please read the conversation before replying—otherwise, there’s no point in helping people if you don’t even understand their own dyslexia issues). If you don’t know what I need, you can stop replying to this forum right now

As mentioned several times in previous messages, I’ve already taken into account what you sent (Thanks for reading the conversation before replying—otherwise, there’s no point in helping people if you don’t even understand their dyslexia issues). If you don’t know what I need, you can stop replying to this forum right now.

Alright, I was simply asking for the number of the question where you made the mistake so I could help you. You don’t want to share it—topic closed as far as I’m concerned.

Hi Alexis404,

I’m afraid that in your case, the easiest (and quickest) option will be to apply directly for a US Visa. Yes, it’s possible—even though a French citizen can usually go through ESTA.

That way, you can go to a competent US embassy or consulate and explain your situation directly to a US official. I’m worried that trying to do it "online" via ESTA won’t work at all?

Thanks, Chris