The ESTA application is reviewed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which determine approval based on security and admissibility.
Specific reasons for denial are not disclosed, but in general, applications may be denied for the following reasons:
1. Passport-related issues
- Errors in key information such as passport number, issuing country, name, or date of birth
- Failure to meet the e-passport requirement
2. Entry records and overstay violations
- History of overstaying a previous visit to the United States
- Record of being denied entry into the United States
3. Security and criminal history
- Criminal record
- Concerns related to terrorism or security
4. Travel history to certain countries
- Travel to Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, or Somalia since March 2011
- Travel to Cuba or holding Cuban nationality
5. Failure to meet Visa Waiver Program (VWP) requirements
- Purpose of travel not related to tourism, business, or transit
- Applications made for purposes such as employment, study, or long-term stay
Even if none of the above apply, an ESTA may still be denied if law enforcement issues or security risks are identified.