Due to security/privacy laws, U.S. Customs and Border Protection cannot tell you the reason for your denial of ESTA authorization. However some of the most common reasons are as follows:
- On a previous visit, you stayed in the U.S. longer than you were authorized.
- On a previous visit, you came as a visitor, but engaged in unauthorized work.
- You were previously denied entry or a visa to the U.S. (See "Answers others found helpful" below).
- You answered incorrectly to another VWP eligibility question. (See "Answers others found helpful" below), or
- You are using a passport number for a passport that you previously reported lost or stolen (but later found).
In the first four examples, you may not be eligible to visit the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, but you may be able to come with a visa. If the problem is with your passport number, it may be resolved by getting a new passport with a new number.
