미국 ESTA 완전 해부 · 2
US ESTA Application Steps & Common Rejection Reasons
Part 2 · The 5 steps, and the mistakes that get you refused
FitTrip Editor · 2026.06.20
A US ESTA application has five steps: passport details, personal info, eligibility questions, the $40.27 payment, and review. Approval usually arrives within minutes but can take up to 72 hours, so apply at least 72 hours before departure. Most rejections come from passport typos, non-compliant photos, passport mismatch, or undeclared history; if refused, a visitor visa (B1/B2) may be required.
Applying for ESTA is not hard — the catch is that a single typo can void the entire application. Here are the five steps and the most common rejection reasons.
The 5 steps
① Passport details (exactly as in the machine-readable zone) ② Personal and contact info ③ Eligibility questions ④ US$40.27 payment ⑤ Review and approval. Approval is usually quick but can take up to 72 hours, so apply at least 72 hours before departure Fact.
5 mistakes that cause rejection
① Typos in passport number, name, or date of birth ② Non-compliant photo (blurry, glasses, hat) ③ Mismatch between the passport used and the one you travel with ④ Undeclared prior visa denial, overstay, or criminal record ⑤ Inaccurate answers to eligibility questions Fact.
Direct vs. professional filing
If you are comfortable in English and have time, file directly on the official US CBP site for $40.27. To avoid mistakes or to process a family or group at once, a professional agency pre-checks your passport and photo to prevent error-based rejections. Either way, final approval rests with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
FAQ
- How long does ESTA take?
- Usually minutes, but up to 72 hours. DHS recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure.
- What causes most rejections?
- Typos in passport number/name/date of birth, non-compliant photos, passport mismatch, and undeclared history.
- Can I get a refund if rejected?
- You can fix errors and reapply, but the application portion is non-refundable. If ineligible, you may need a B1/B2 visitor visa.
Checklist
- Check passport validity covers your whole US stay
- Apply at least 72 hours before departure (usually minutes, up to 72h)
- Double-check passport number, name and date of birth for typos
- Save your ESTA approval (PDF/screenshot) to show at boarding
- Have return/onward and lodging proof ready for entry screening
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