What UK Travellers Put as US Point of Contact on ESTA

When UK citizens apply for an ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, one of the key sections they must complete is the “US Point of Contact” information. This part of the ESTA form often raises questions and uncertainty for travellers who may not have a direct connection in the United States. Understanding what to put as a US point of contact on ESTA is essential to avoid delays or complications in the approval process.

Understanding the US Point of Contact Requirement on ESTA

The US point of contact on the ESTA form serves as a reference for US authorities in case they need to reach someone about your visit. For UK travellers, this can be confusing because many do not have friends or relatives in the United States. The ESTA form typically allows applicants to enter either a person or an organization as a contact. This could include a hotel where you will be staying, a tour operator, or even the US Customs and Border Protection address if no personal contact is available.

It is important to note that the US point of contact does not need to be a close friend or family member. For UK applicants who are travelling for tourism or business, a hotel or accommodation booking in the United States is commonly used. For example, if staying in a hotel in New York, the hotel’s name, address, and phone number can be entered as the point of contact. This ensures that authorities have a reliable way to reach someone connected to your stay, should the need arise.

Options for UK Travellers Without a US Contact

Many UK travellers do not know anyone personally in the US, which is entirely acceptable on the ESTA form. In such cases, guidance from the official ESTA instructions suggests using the address of the first hotel or accommodation where you will stay. If the exact address is not yet confirmed, entering a general address or the main reception number of the hotel is typically sufficient. For travellers planning multiple destinations, it is recommended to list the first place you will stay upon arrival in the United States.

Alternatively, UK applicants may use a tour company or an official organization they are visiting as their US point of contact. For instance, if travelling for business or attending an event, the company hosting the meeting or conference can serve as the contact. Providing a reliable phone number and complete address in this scenario ensures that US authorities have a concrete point of reference.

Tips for Filling the US Point of Contact Field on ESTA

UK travellers should ensure that the information they provide in the US point of contact section is accurate and complete. This includes a valid name, phone number, and full address. Even if the contact is a hotel, double-checking that the address and phone number are current can prevent potential issues at the border. It is also advisable to avoid using vague terms such as “friend” without specifying details, as this can cause confusion during processing.

For those who remain unsure, a common practice is to use the US Customs and Border Protection as a default point of contact. While this is less personal, it satisfies the ESTA requirement and is a safe fallback option for travellers without a personal or professional contact in the United States.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for UK ESTA Applicants

One common mistake among UK travellers is leaving the US point of contact section blank or entering incomplete information. The ESTA form is designed to be comprehensive, and any missing details can lead to delays or, in rare cases, denial of travel authorization. Another mistake is providing outdated hotel information or phone numbers, which could result in difficulties if the US authorities need to verify your stay.

Additionally, some UK travellers misunderstand the purpose of the US point of contact and believe it must be a family member. This is not the case. The point of contact merely serves as a reference, and a hotel, tour company, or official organization is entirely acceptable.

Conclusion: Best Practices for UK Travellers on ESTA

For UK citizens applying for ESTA, the US point of contact is an important but manageable section of the application. Whether using a hotel, tour company, or organization, providing accurate and complete information ensures smooth processing. Travellers should carefully consider their options, double-check all details, and avoid leaving this section blank. By understanding what UK travellers can put as a US point of contact on ESTA, applicants can approach their US travel plans with confidence, knowing their application meets the requirements and will be processed without unnecessary delays.