ESTA is a travel authorization that allows the citizens of eligible countries to travel to and remain in the U.S. for up to 90 days without having to apply for a visa.
Filling out the ESTA application for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to travel to the United States can prove challenging if your situation is more complicated than normal.
The application process can be especially time-consuming (and frustrating) if, for example, you have recently gotten married, have changed your name, or have other names or aliases. ESTA mistakes are far too easy to make.
We will share information about whether you should use your maiden name, other names or aliases while applying for the ESTA.
Bear in mind that there are different reasons why an ESTA could be denied, among some of the ESTA refusal reasons is when the information provided on the ESTA is incorrect.
The ESTA for people with alias or maiden names should be completed accurately.
You should use other name aliases on the ESTA only if these names are on your passport.
The same is true for a maiden name on the ESTA. Use an ESTA maiden name only if the maiden name is on your current passport.
What follows are some of the situations that you may face during the application process, as well as some potential solutions to obtain the ESTA for yourself or your partner.
ESTA Application and Married Names
One of the most common questions that come up during the ESTA application process comes from people who have recently gotten married.
In some countries, newlyweds can legally take on the last name of their spouse, meaning that their name would change.
While a wedding is certainly a happy occasion, this significant change would, in turn, make you have to change your name on a series of identity documents: driving license, social security card, voter registration record, etc.
Critically, you will also have to update the name on your passport.
When it comes to your filling out the ESTA registration, recently-married individuals sometimes aren’t sure whether to note down their married name or unmarried name that they have acquired through marriage.
To avoid problems with USCIS officials, the general rule of thumb is to give officials whatever name appears on your passport.
If you were not able to change the name on your passport prior to traveling, make sure to provide your maiden name on the ESTA application as it appears on your passport.
ESTA Application and Aliases
Another possibility that may arise when it comes to name changes is when a traveler has an alias. In these situations, it is always critical that you provide honest answers on the ESTA application, as a misleading or misinformed answer can lead to your application being rejected.
If you have been known by any other aliases throughout your life – including if you were previously married – it is important that you specify this on the ESTA application.
And just as critically, make sure that the information on your passport and ticket match.
Otherwise, you may run into trouble at the airport. The main rule for applying and obtaining an ESTA successfully is that all of the information you provide must be accurate.
Border agents will check that your information matches that of your passport.
Recommended Additional Documentation
Travelers that have recently changed their name or that may have one or more past aliases should update their passport and other documentation as soon as possible.
This is especially important for those filling out an ESTA family application.
Plus, it’s also recommended that travelers who think they may run into trouble because of issues with their names should also carry copies of important documents that verify the name change.
These documents can include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, birth certificates, proof of name change, etc.
Not only can they come in handy, they may even prove critical to completing your travel plans.
Do you have to put your maiden name on the ESTA Application?
When completing the ESTA form it is extremely important that you use your details as they are on the passport you are using on your application.
If your maiden name is on your passport you need to complete the ESTA application with this information.
Remember that you can only apply for the ESTA if you are a national of one of the 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program.
If this is not the case, you might have to obtain a tourist visa or a business visa through an embassy or consulate. If, on the other hand, you’re trying to get a tourist visa for your girlfriend or boyfriend, you need to make sure that he or she meets the ESTA requirements.
After you have submitted your ESTA application, it will be processed and approved within minutes.
In some cases, the ESTA application is on a pending status. This means that your application is being reviewed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The ESTA Authorization pending status generally doesn’t last more than 72 hours. You will be notified of the final decision on the email address you provided on the application.