Esta Family Name Error

gingerwizard

Hi All
Going to Orlando next month and having completed our ESTAs , all processed and authorised, ive noticed ive made a error on the surname for my step daughter.


Her passport as Wxxxxx- Txxxx as her surname and her ESTA has just Wxxxxx on , reason I filled the application that way is because she doesn't use the Txxxx part of her name , didn't think to.


Will this effectively void her ESTA?


Will I have to buy a new one? Will I be able to buy a new one?


The API as been filled in correctly and all the other, I would think, more important details of her ESTA are correct , Passport number , issue dates etc etc .


If I need to spend the 9 quid to buy a new one I will , just would value peoples advice before I do.


Thanks in advance.


Regards

shaun_from_Africa

I'm afraid that there is no option but to apply for a new ESTA as name amendments can't be done.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1088/~/i-made-a-mistake-on-my-esta-application

How do I correct a mistake on my ESTA application?
1. Information about your passport- such as the expiration date or passport number, biometric information (your name, date of birth, sex or country of citizenship) is wrong.

The only way to correct that type of error is to reapply and pay for new ESTA. You should be able to make a new application if your previous application was approved. Just go into the application system and click on "Apply" button. You cannot use the update function to make a change on your passport or biometric information.

callum9999

The only way to change it is to buy a new one. You may get away with it, but it's not worth the risk for £9 considering the consequence of not getting away with it is possibly missing your flight (airlines get fined for allowing people on without a valid visa/esta so they generally check very closely) or being deported!

DTDfanBoy

When it comes to this sort of thing a name is unsurprisingly an important detail, you'll need to reapply.

It would also pay to make sure you haven't made them same fatal mistake when purchasing your airline tickets

Buzby

You do not say what her age is, but even with the correct ESTA be prepared to show additional documentation to prove your assertion she is indeed your step daughter. Immigration are very hot on family groups where children have passports with surnames that do not match the adults. This also applies to grandkids where the adults family name is not mirrored.

The usual required document is a sworn declaration in front of a notary public before you depart the UK (previously letters of approval from non-present parents were OK, but not now). At the frontier, it is a major hassle.

peachyprice

Buzby wrote: »

You do not say what her age is, but even with the correct ESTA be prepared to show additional documentation to prove your assertion she is indeed your step daughter. Immigration are very hot on family groups where children have passports with surnames that do not match the adults. This also applies to grandkids where the adults family name is not mirrored.

The usual required document is a sworn declaration in front of a notary public before you depart the UK (previously letters of approval from non-present parents were OK, but not now). At the frontier, it is a major hassle.

Never been stopped once entering USA with my children with different surnames to me in 19 years, most recently last year

gingerwizard

Thanks for all the advice, it confirms what I kind of thought already.


Not worth the hassle for the sake of 9 quid.


As for travelling as a family with different surnames , its never been a problem before and we have been to quite a few places in the past, Orlando included , all without any problems.


Thanks everyone.

mgdavid

gingerwizard wrote: »

.......
As for travelling as a family with different surnames , its never been a problem before and we have been to quite a few places in the past, Orlando included , all without any problems.
Thanks everyone.

that's absolutely fine, it is a very small risk. Just so long as you are aware of the risk, because if it happens the impact is huge.

gingerwizard

One of the main reasons we don't seem to encounter problems is due to the fact that my partner, her mum , as the same name , but without the Txxxx bit.


I guess most border control officials can work out the connection from that , without the need to scrutinize further.

Voyager2002

I disagree with the advice above. When someone has two surnames (as shown on their passport) then the use of either one is correct. This situation is more common in Spain than in the UK and since the USA has a large Latino population their Immigration will be familiar with this kind of thing.

Be prepared to spend a few minutes explaining things on arrival, but really it is not a big deal.

InsideInsurance

The Latin community will drop the second surname, their maternal one, when in informal situations but on all legal documents etc they will use both.

For the sake of £9 I dont think its worth the punt of hoping that the immigration officer is aware of the practice and thinks its acceptable that the ESTA is treated as an informal manor.

As to reapplying, there wont be an issue, I managed to do my wife's one with the wrong DOB, only noticed a few months later, did another one with all the same details other than DOB and it again was approved within a few minutes.