What should I do if my ESTA is denied or says travel not authorized?
The short answer
CBP says that if you want to continue your trip after a denial, you will be required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. Embassies and Consulates are not able to provide details about ESTA denials.
What CBP says to do
CBP's FAQ says a traveller whose ESTA is denied will be required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate if they wish to continue with their trip.
Do not expect an explanation
CBP says U.S. Embassies and Consulates are not able to provide details about ESTA denials. The FAQ also points to DHS TRIP, linked from the ESTA website, and notes there are no guarantees it will resolve the ineligibility.
Applying again
The FAQ says the fee is charged for each new application submitted, so a repeat application may carry another fee. The page read does not state the amount, and does not advise whether reapplying will change the outcome, so do not assume it will.
Practical advice
Do not book non-refundable travel until your authorisation is approved. Use only the official government ESTA website and embassy pages. Rules change, so check the official CBP pages for the latest guidance.
Sources: CBP: Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my ESTA is denied?
CBP says you will be required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a US Embassy or Consulate to continue your trip.
Will the embassy tell me why it was denied?
CBP says Embassies and Consulates are not able to provide details about ESTA denials.
What is DHS TRIP?
It is a redress route linked from the ESTA website. CBP notes there are no guarantees it will resolve the ineligibility.
Do I pay again if I reapply?
CBP says the fee is charged for each new application submitted.
Can I fly with a denied ESTA?
CBP's page read says a visa is needed to continue the trip, so a denied ESTA is not a basis for travelling visa-free.
Is this the same for UK and EU travellers?
The CBP FAQ applies to Visa Waiver Program travellers generally and does not distinguish by country.