What do I do if my ESTA application does not work?

Before contacting anyone, please check if your application is registered: ESTA status online: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ 

Select “Check ESTA status"

If the system shows “No application found” or the payment was not completed, it usually means that the application was not submitted correctly. ESTA is handled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), not the Embassy or Consulate. Contact them if ESTA is not available or payment is missing:

• CBP Traveler Communications / Info Center  
• Phone (outside the U.S.): +1‑202‑325‑8000
• Phone (within the U.S.): 877‑CBP‑5511
• Online Contact Form: https://www.help.cbp.gov

Open: 24/7

When contacting them, have the following information ready: 

• Passportnumber
• Citizenship
• Date of Birth
• Date you applied
• Payment Method

Warning about third-party websites!

If you used a private ESTA vendor (not the official DHS site), you will need to contact that company directly. Many charge additional fees and are not affiliated with the US government. The only official site is: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

If you are in a hurry!

If your application is not registered, you can apply directly through the official site – there is no harm in submitting a new application if there is no valid ESTA.