ESTA US Point of Contact: Everything You Need to Know

When applying for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), one of the essential fields you'll encounter is the US point of contact information. This section asks for details about the person, organization, or place you’ll be in contact with while in the U.S. While this may seem like a minor detail, it's an important part of the application that helps ensure the safety and security of travelers.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the significance of the ESTA US point of contact, who qualifies as a point of contact, and what to do if you don’t have a contact. We’ll also provide tips on filling out the form accurately to avoid delays.

What Is ESTA US Point of Contact?

The ESTA US point of contact refers to the individual, company, or place where you will be staying or communicating with during your visit to the United States. This contact is required as part of the ESTA application to ensure that U.S. authorities have a way to reach you if necessary during your stay.

The point of contact information will typically include:

• Full name of the contact person or organization
• Address (including city, state, and ZIP code)
• Phone number
• Email address (optional)

Why Is ESTA US Point of Contact Information Required?

Providing ESTA US point of contact details serves multiple purposes:

1. Security: It allows U.S. authorities to verify your travel plans and make sure you have an organized trip.
2. Communication: In case of an emergency or need for clarification, having a contact gives authorities a way to reach you.
3. Verification: This information helps confirm the legitimacy of your trip, making sure you are traveling for an approved reason such as tourism, business, or transit.

Though providing this information is crucial for your travel authorization, it should not be seen as an obstacle. The process is straightforward, and it's simply one of the steps in securing your ESTA approval.

Who Can Be Listed as the ESTA US Point of Contact?

You have several options for who can serve as your ESTA US point of contact. Here’s a list of acceptable choices:

• Family members or friends residing in the U.S.
• Hotels or accommodations where you will be staying
• Tour operators or companies organizing your trip
• Business associates or hosts for work-related visits
• Schools or universities if you're attending academic programs

If you're unsure about whom to list, it’s always acceptable to use a hotel’s information if you are staying at a hotel during your visit.

What if I Don’t Have a US Point of Contact?

In some cases, you may not know anyone personally in the U.S. or have specific travel arrangements yet. If this is your situation, don’t worry—you can still proceed with your ESTA application. Here are a few options:

1. Use “UNKNOWN” for the Name: If you don't have a specific contact, you can list “UNKNOWN” in the name field.
2. Hotel or Accommodation Details: If you’re staying at a hotel, you can list the hotel's name, address, and phone number as your point of contact.
3. Tour Group or Agency: If you’re part of a tour or organized group, use the tour operator's contact information.

While listing an actual contact (like a friend or relative) is ideal, using “UNKNOWN” or a hotel is perfectly acceptable for most travelers.

How to Fill Out the ESTA US Point of Contact Section

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to fill out the ESTA US point of contact section on the application form:

1. Full Name: Enter the name of your contact (family member, hotel, company, etc.).
2. Address: Input the street address, city, state, and ZIP code of the contact.
3. Phone Number: Include the contact’s phone number (either personal or hotel number).
4. Email Address (Optional): This is not required but can be helpful for communication.

For example, if you’re staying at the Grand Hotel New York, your details might look like this:

• Name: Grand Hotel New York
• Address: 123 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016
• Phone Number: +1 212-555-1234
• Email: info@grandhotelnewyork.com (optional)

If you are visiting a friend, their information will be required instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out ESTA US Point of Contact

To avoid issues during your ESTA application or upon entry to the United States, make sure to:

• Provide accurate information: Ensure that the point of contact you provide is someone you’ll actually be in touch with during your stay.
• Double-check details: Make sure names, addresses, and phone numbers are entered correctly. Small mistakes could cause delays or complications.
• Use a real address: Avoid using vague or incorrect addresses such as “UNKNOWN” unless you absolutely don’t know your accommodation or contact information.

How Long Does an ESTA Take to Process?

After you complete your ESTA application with the necessary US point of contact details, the process is usually quick. Most applications are processed and approved within minutes. However, in some cases, it may take up to 72 hours for approval, so it’s recommended to apply at least a few days before your departure.

Once approved, your ESTA is typically valid for two years, allowing for multiple visits to the U.S. without needing to apply again during that time.

Conclusion: ESTA US Point of Contact Information – Key Takeaways

• The ESTA US point of contact is a required part of your application for travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
• You can list a friend, family member, hotel, or tour operator as your point of contact in the U.S.
• If you don’t have a contact, using “UNKNOWN” or a hotel’s contact information is perfectly acceptable.
• Providing accurate contact information helps U.S. authorities verify your plans and reach you if needed.

Apply for Your ESTA or U.S. Visa Online Today

Don’t delay in preparing for your trip to the United States. Ensure you have all your travel documents, including the ESTA US point of contact information, ready!

👉 CLICK HERE to apply for your ESTA or U.S. visa online quickly and securely.

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