ESTA Application US Point of Contact: Complete Guide
When applying for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a key requirement for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, one of the sections you will encounter is the U.S. point of contact. This part of the application is essential for ensuring that U.S. authorities have a way to reach you during your stay in the United States. In this guide, we will explain the ESTA application US point of contact, how to fill it out, and why it's necessary for travelers.
What is a U.S. Point of Contact for ESTA?
A U.S. point of contact refers to an individual or organization in the United States with whom you have a connection during your stay. This person or entity can be a relative, friend, or business associate, or it could be the hotel or tourism company where you will stay. Providing a point of contact is an essential part of the ESTA application process because it helps U.S. immigration authorities verify that travelers have a planned destination in the U.S. and a contact in case of any emergency or need for further communication.
Why is the U.S. Point of Contact Required for ESTA?
The inclusion of a point of contact in your ESTA application serves several purposes:
Security and Accountability: The U.S. government wants to ensure that travelers have a clear destination and someone in the U.S. who can verify their intentions and stay.
Emergency Situations: In case of an emergency or need for clarification during your visit, having a U.S. contact helps authorities reach you.
Proof of Travel Intentions: The point of contact can be a way to confirm that your trip is planned for short-term tourism, business, or transit as allowed under the Visa Waiver Program.
Who Can Be Your U.S. Point of Contact?
Your U.S. point of contact can be:
Family member or friend: Someone you know personally, such as a relative or friend, residing in the U.S.
Hotel: If you're staying at a hotel, the hotel name and address can be used as your point of contact.
Tourism or business contact: If you're traveling for business or organized tourism, the company or tour operator arranging your trip may be used as your contact.
Host or sponsor: If you’re visiting a specific person or group, such as a business associate or community group, their contact details can serve as your U.S. point of contact.
How to Fill Out the U.S. Point of Contact Section on ESTA Application
Here are the steps to complete the U.S. point of contact section on your ESTA application:
Step 1: Start Your ESTA Application
Visit the official ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and select the “New Application” option to begin your application. Once you’ve entered your personal and travel details, you will move to the section where you need to fill in the U.S. point of contact.
Step 2: Provide the Name of Your U.S. Contact
In this section, you will need to enter the full name of your U.S. point of contact. If you're staying with a friend or family member, provide their full legal name as it appears in their passport or official documents.
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If your contact is a hotel, tour operator, or business entity, you will need to provide the name of the organization.
Step 3: Enter the U.S. Contact’s Address
Next, you will be asked to enter the complete address of your U.S. point of contact. This includes:
Street address
City
State
Zip code
If your point of contact is a hotel, you can enter the hotel’s address. If you’re staying with a friend or family member, provide their home address.
Step 4: Provide Your U.S. Contact’s Phone Number
You will need to include the phone number of your U.S. point of contact. Ensure that the phone number is accurate and current. This number will be used by U.S. authorities in case they need to reach the person you’ve listed as your contact during your stay.
Step 5: Confirm the U.S. Contact’s Relationship to You
In this section, you will be asked to describe the relationship of your U.S. contact to you. Common options are:
Family member
Friend
Business associate
Tourism operator
Host or sponsor
Choose the appropriate option that reflects your connection to the U.S. contact you provided.
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Step 6: Double-Check Your Information
Before submitting your ESTA application, carefully review the point of contact details. Ensure that the name, address, and phone number are accurate. Any mistakes or missing information could lead to delays or issues with your application.
What Happens if You Don't Have a U.S. Point of Contact?
If you do not have a specific individual or organization to list as your U.S. point of contact, you can still submit your ESTA application, but you will be required to provide details of your intended destination. For example:
If you're going to a tourist location, you can use the address of the hotel or tourism center where you’ll be staying.
If you're attending a business meeting or conference, you can list the company or event organizer as your point of contact.
It's important to note that not having a U.S. point of contact might cause a delay in your application, as it can raise questions about your travel plans. Always try to provide the most accurate and complete details possible.
U.S. Point of Contact vs. U.S. Address
It's essential to understand that the point of contact is the person or organization you are in communication with during your visit. The address associated with that point of contact is the physical location where you will be staying or where your activities are based. Both are part of your ESTA application, but they serve different purposes.
How Does the U.S. Point of Contact Affect Your ESTA Approval?
The U.S. point of contact does not directly impact the approval or denial of your ESTA application. However, providing complete and accurate information is important to avoid any delays or issues in processing. The U.S. point of contact helps U.S. immigration authorities understand your travel intentions, contributing to a smoother entry process upon arrival.
Conclusion
Providing a U.S. point of contact is a crucial part of your ESTA application. This requirement ensures that U.S. authorities have a way to reach you during your stay and verify your travel plans. Whether you're staying with a friend, a family member, a hotel, or attending a business event, it’s important to provide accurate information about your contact in the United States.
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By following the steps in this guide, you can easily complete the U.S. point of contact section of your ESTA application and ensure that your travel plans go smoothly.
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