ESTA Parents name...

[Buzz987]

Had nothing to do with step dad for 10-20 yrs now.

I wondered if to put the name or put UNKNOWN.

thoughts ? I know its best to be honoest but unsure if putting unknown would complicate things.

my last esta was in 2015 when there were less questions.

[Princesa]

Does it ask for step parents names as well as biological parents now? Unknown would be a lie, whereas I don’t see what problem putting his actual name down would be if they’re asking for that information.

[IBEX23]

I though ESTA only asked for biological parents names.

[Buzz987]

i was just reading from the Dibb guidebook... it says this can be step parents, adoptive parents,


"Parents [Enter the names of your parents. These are required to complete the application. If you do not know the name of one or both of your parents, enter UNKNOWN, for each parent. This field can include the names of your biological, adoptive, step-parent or guardian.]"

[Chilli-pepper]

I cannot see how it would complicate things? ( unless they are a wanted fugitive) , I put my fathers name down who has been dead for about 17 years so unless they are going to hold a seance not sure what they are going to do to validate him, equally my mum has different name to me.

[Lola]

My mother had Four surnames during her life so I just put her final one

[macadoo]

Unknown would be lying as you know his name. It doesn’t matter that you don’t have anything to do with him surely?

[THE WIZARD]

I should imagine nowadays plenty of people put down 'unknown' so doubt very much if they would be bothered about it.

[Smilesonfaces]

I really don’t think it matters what name you put down as long as if an immigration officer asks you say the name you put on your esta. The immigration officer does not know your parents names. All he is interested in is are you the same person entering the US as the person who completed the esta.

[400ixl]

Just put the name down, its not a background check as far as I am aware, but better to be honest as you never know in the future.

As as above it is one of the "memorable word" type checks they can use.