ESTA help - middle names

[kzrr02]

Hi. So I’ve done my Estas last October for our trip this year and it’s been approved. Now I can’t remember if I filled in middle names and whether it was needed for the application. When i received my confirmation email,
it only shows name and surname.

Will this be a problem if middle names are required?

[tspill]

I dont think it will be a problem.
Thousands will have traveled to the US with recent ESTAs with no middle name. I suspect the vast majority will be wrong as it isn't at all obvious that middle name is needed.
I haven't heard of anyone being denied travel for this or refused entry.

[roop27]

I believe when I read my application, it asked for ALL given names that are written on your passport. It might be worthwhile logging in again and checking if you can remember the ID etc.

[loves2plan]

Dibbers who have travelled since the change was made, without middle names on their ESTAs, have reported back that they didn't have any problems

[kzrr02]

Originally Posted by loves2plan

Dibbers who have travelled since the change was made, without middle names on their ESTAs, have reported back that they didn't have any problems

See more...

When was this change made?

[Thorpy]

There have been a few threads on this in recent weeks.
I don't think there is a problem if you did the ESTA before the requirement change.
I seem to recall people using "old" ESTA's no problems.
I've not heard of any actual issues with anybody having issues due to a lack of both names. It's more people scared they might hit issues.
Most people that did first name only after the change because they were unaware of the change and were just filling is as per previous ESTAs have been approved as they expected. However the common path seems to be to resubmit with middle names included just to be on the safe side. I can't remember anyone confirming they did first names only after the change, left it as was and confirmed they got in without issue.

If you dig out the old threads or somebody posts links, you can get a better picture as you will undoubtedly pay more attention than I did. My key takeaway was to do ours correctly first time

[kzrr02]

Originally Posted by Thorpy

There have been a few threads on this in recent weeks.
I don't think there is a problem if you did the ESTA before the requirement change.
I seem to recall people using "old" ESTA's no problems.
I've not heard of any actual issues with anybody having issues due to a lack of both names. It's more people scared they might hit issues.
Most people that did first name only after the change because they were unaware of the change and were just filling is as per previous ESTAs have been approved as they expected. However the common path seems to be to resubmit with middle names included just to be on the safe side. I can't remember anyone confirming they did first names only after the change, left it as was and confirmed they got in without issue.

If you dig out the old threads or somebody posts links, you can get a better picture as you will undoubtedly pay more attention than I did. My key takeaway was to do ours correctly first time

See more...

I took ages doing ours and I can’t remember if I did or did not do middle names or even if it was asked. I’m pretty sure I would have clicked on the little question mark for more info which does
say middle names are required. It’s not showing on the confirmation though.

[loves2plan]

Originally Posted by Thorpy

There have been a few threads on this in recent weeks.
I don't think there is a problem if you did the ESTA before the requirement change.
I seem to recall people using "old" ESTA's no problems.
I've not heard of any actual issues with anybody having issues due to a lack of both names. It's more people scared they might hit issues.
Most people that did first name only after the change because they were unaware of the change and were just filling is as per previous ESTAs have been approved as they expected. However the common path seems to be to resubmit with middle names included just to be on the safe side. I can't remember anyone confirming they did first names only after the change, left it as was and confirmed they got in without issue.

If you dig out the old threads or somebody posts links, you can get a better picture as you will undoubtedly pay more attention than I did. My key takeaway was to do ours correctly first time

See more...

Even people who have travelled on new ESTAs without middle names have reported having no problems. Thread here: https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/sho...highlight=Esta

[kzrr02]

Originally Posted by loves2plan

Even people who have travelled on new ESTAs without middle names have reported having no problems. Thread here: https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/sho...highlight=Esta

See more...

Thanks for the link . Both DH and I don’t have middle names, just DS x

[ChrisS]

Originally Posted by loves2plan

Even people who have travelled on new ESTAs without middle names have reported having no problems. Thread here: https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/sho...highlight=Esta

See more...

Hiya l2p, as ESTA accepted first name only for so long I appreciate some may be unconcerned, but with the US enforcing 'no instant ESTA', application must be no later than 72 hours pre-flight; if denied boarding due to ESTA/PP name discrepancy this may cause ESTA re-application issues at the airport, as per a Dibber last year. Unaware his bairns ESTA had expired, he made successful application at the airport but, per the 72 hour rule, US confirmation wasn't instantly sent to airline; boarding denied. Eventually the airline rang the US, they agreed to ESTA confirm, but not in time. Whilst he'd sent remaining family on their flight he/bairn missed it. They were transferred to a later flight that day costing c£1600.

As only the US know if/when they'll enforce ESTA/PP name(s) match it's individual choice whether to re-apply.