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Esta application

We’re planning a trip to Orlando in April but having recently got married we’re not sure how to go about the esta application, specifically can my wife apply in her maiden name as she hasn’t had time to change her passport yet.

For travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, the ESTA application must match the information on the traveler’s passport exactly. This means that your wife must apply using the name that is currently on her passport, even if she has recently changed her name due to marriage but hasn’t updated her passport yet.

Applying under her maiden name is the correct procedure in this situation. Changing the name on the passport first is not required for ESTA, but any travel documents must match. Using a different name from what is on the passport could result in denial of boarding or entry into the U.S.

Important points to consider:

  • The ESTA application requires the exact passport name. Do not use the married name if it is not yet on the passport.
  • Other personal information such as date of birth, passport number, nationality, and passport expiration date must also match the passport exactly.
  • Once the passport is updated to her married name, a new ESTA should be applied for if traveling in the future, as the previous ESTA is tied to the old passport details.

In summary, your wife should apply using her maiden name as it appears on her current passport. There is no issue with using this name temporarily for travel until her passport is officially updated.

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