ESTA, US clarifies given name requirement

[Welshjim22]

Originally Posted by Burgmeister

We all have ESTAs from early last year. Thing is, if I didn't read this blog I wouldn't be aware of any changes so I would find it difficult to believe that CBP would get too upset if they were presented with an ESTA without a middle name IF IT WERE ISSUED PRIOR TO THE CHANGE (I'm not shouting, just emphasising).

What they would do with those issued after the change (whenever that was) I have no idea.

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It sure would make the news if they started rejecting thousands of ESTA's at the airport of departure.

It would be rather bizarre for the US to start randomly cancelling ESTA's because they were applied for before the requirement for middle names. Frankly it would be ridiculous as you don't need to put your middle name on the passport in the first place. They would presumably email all esta holders to inform. Ironically new British immigration changes mean that shortly in addition to not having our own version of ESTA American visitors don't even need to see our officers but can use an Egate on entry to the UK. Announced in last years budget.

[trampslikeus]

While I can't offer any advice on whether people should re-apply for ESTA, I would like to thank DIBB contributors for highlighting the requirement to input a middle name as the form is badly presented, and I would have been in the group of not having inputted middle names.
These changes appear to make it clear for people going forward which is a great result

[scooby99]

I entered the US today on a pre Oct 2018 ESTA; middle name on my passport, no middle name on my ESTA.

DH also entered the US today on a Jan 2019 issued ESTA; middle name on both passport & ESTA.

I also entered the US in December 2018 & again in April 2019 on the same ESTA.

No issues or questions.

[Joshie1]

I am so delighted I don’t have a middle name

[sha9]

Originally Posted by scooby99

I entered the US today on a pre Oct 2018 ESTA; middle name on my passport, no middle name on my ESTA.

DH also entered the US today on a Jan 2019 issued ESTA; middle name on both passport & ESTA.

I also entered the US in December 2018 & again in April 2019 on the same ESTA.

No issues or questions.

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That’s good to know. The problem with re applying for my sister is that we’re now pretty close to departure and if there was any issue we don’t have time for a visa. I don’t want to mess about with ESTA unnecessarily.

[BucksBugsy]

Originally Posted by Joshie1

I am so delighted I don’t have a middle name

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I wonder how Kylie deals with the issue (although I suspect she has a visa)

[BucksBugsy]

I have just checked my current ESTA application (which was granted Feb 2018 without a middle name) and it is still showing as Authorised. It would seem from other dibbers experience that this should be OK.

But the first time I read of someone having issues themselves I may be forced to reconsider renewing. As I often say "it's only 14$ after all"

[Thorpy]

Originally Posted by Welshjim22

It sure would make the news if they started rejecting thousands of ESTA's at the airport of departure.

It would be rather bizarre for the US to start randomly cancelling ESTA's because they were applied for before the requirement for middle names. Frankly it would be ridiculous as you don't need to put your middle name on the passport in the first place. They would presumably email all esta holders to inform. Ironically new British immigration changes mean that shortly in addition to not having our own version of ESTA American visitors don't even need to see our officers but can use an Egate on entry to the UK. Announced in last years budget.

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It's all about how quick the changes need to take place and how much their publicity or reputational damage costs are. When they banned bottles over a certain size they had an urgent need, so took the hit in terms of advertising and chaos costs. With this they can collect data and see how many people are picking up on the rule. When enough people are complying and enough time has lapsed for the rule to have seeped into public knowledge organically they can enforce without cost or chaos.

[snowbelle]

Originally Posted by BerkshireBugsy

I wonder how Kylie deals with the issue (although I suspect she has a visa)

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Kylie Jenner or Kylie Ann Minogue?

[sha9]

Originally Posted by Thorpy

It's all about how quick the changes need to take place and how much their publicity or reputational damage costs are. When they banned bottles over a certain size they had an urgent need, so took the hit in terms of advertising and chaos costs. With this they can collect data and see how many people are picking up on the rule. When enough people are complying and enough time has lapsed for the rule to have seeped into public knowledge organically they can enforce without cost or chaos.

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I would think the logical course would be to expect it for any ESTA granted after the change and allow the lack of middle name for any before. That way it will naturally be phased in.