Esta help please
 

Hi all is the social media question compulsory?

I have booked in my maiden name my passport maiden name doctors etc maiden name so when it says am I known by any other names do I put yes or no?

And also my Facebook is in my married name so is that question compulsory

When we renewed last June there was a question asking whether you belonged to any social media platforms but it only listed Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Now I understand that the list has lengthened and from what other Dibbers have said they only ask for your user name.

You can't opt out of the question and I guess you'll answer truthfully anyway. :grin:

Your ESTA has to match the name in the passport that you will be using so maiden name is ok in both. A maiden name is not classed as being known by an alias.

Mick

If you only use your maiden name for everything then you put no. If you have used your spouse's surname at all for anything including social media accounts then answer yes and include it.

Sorry to jump on this post but does anyone know how to check the validity of an Esta. I have tried searching for my application/authorisation on the website and it's not giving me any info 🤦🏻

Go to the official web site and "check ESTA status". You'll need your passport

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/individualStatusLookup

Mick

I believe it is not compulsory, you can tick that you have no social media.

BUT I don't see why you wouldn't. I only listed our Facebook accounts, myself, hubby and my 14 year old have Twitter and Instagram, but don't post on them. It's those accounts where you sign up to see something, or follow someone and then never look at it again. So i have not listed them. I didn't list my 14 year olds social media. She is 14.

Thanks Mick
That's what I've been doing but it's not bringing anything up.
It generates another page of options, none of which show the authorisation details.
I want to print them so I cant have a paper copy

Sorry I can't suggest anything else. Ours are only 9 months old so I haven't checked them. Did you check by passport number, DOB and passport dates etc?

Mick

I believe that if you begin the process of a new esta that the system will recognise your passport number and inform you if you have already got a valid esta.

It is now compulsory and apparently if they find out you haven’t put it on, they could refuse it. Best to put it on.
The option to refuse was removed.