US Point of Contact Information ESTA – What It Is and How to Fill It Out Correctly
When applying for entry to the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), one of the commonly misunderstood sections is the US point of contact information. If you're not familiar with this requirement, don't worry—you're not alone. Many travelers, especially those visiting the U.S. for the first time, are unsure what to enter in this field. This article explains everything you need to know about the US point of contact information ESTA field, why it matters, and how to fill it out accurately to ensure a smooth application process.
The US point of contact information ESTA section refers to the individual or organization in the United States who can verify or support your travel purpose. This could be:
A friend or family member living in the U.S.
A business associate or company if you’re traveling for work
A hotel or travel agency for tourism purposes
An event organizer for conferences or seminars
If you're traveling for leisure and don't know anyone personally in the U.S., don’t panic. You are still required to fill in this section, and there are appropriate alternatives you can use.
The US point of contact information ESTA is used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to verify and understand the nature of your travel. While it’s not always mandatory to have a personal contact, leaving this section blank or filling it incorrectly can result in delays or denial of your ESTA authorization.
Including clear and correct point of contact information shows transparency and can help strengthen your application.
When completing the US point of contact information ESTA, you can list:
Personal Contacts – Friends, relatives, or acquaintances living in the U.S.
Business Contacts – A company or colleague you're meeting with.
Hotel or Accommodation Provider – The hotel where you’re staying can be used if you have no personal contacts.
Travel Agencies or Tour Groups – If your travel is organized through an agency, list them.
“UNKNOWN” Option – If you truly do not have any point of contact, you can enter “UNKNOWN” in the name field and “000-000-0000” for the phone number, but this should only be used as a last resort.
The US point of contact information ESTA does not have to be someone you're visiting directly—it just needs to be a verifiable entity linked to your travel plans.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Full Name: Enter the name of your contact person or organization.
Address: Include the street address, city, and state of your contact or hotel.
Phone Number: Enter a valid U.S. phone number.
Email (optional): You can provide an email address for extra verification.
If you’re staying at a hotel, use the hotel’s name and address as your US point of contact. This is fully acceptable and will not affect your application negatively.
If you have no acquaintances, hotels, or events scheduled yet, use the “UNKNOWN” placeholder option. However, it is highly recommended to at least enter the name and address of your first hotel or accommodation to improve your chances of approval.
Leaving the US point of contact information ESTA section incomplete without a valid reason can raise red flags and may delay your approval.
Temporary Address in the U.S.
In addition to the point of contact, you'll be asked for your U.S. address while visiting. This can be a hotel, relative's home, or any confirmed accommodation. If you have multiple stops, enter the address for your first night.
Emergency Contact Outside the U.S.
You'll also need to list an emergency contact not residing in the United States. This is typically a family member or friend in your home country.
Accuracy Is Key
All information provided in your ESTA application, including US point of contact information, must match your travel documents and itinerary. Mismatched or false entries can lead to travel disruptions.
Planning a trip to the United States? Make sure your US point of contact information ESTA section is filled out correctly to avoid delays and improve your chances of approval. Submitting an accurate and complete application is crucial for a stress-free travel experience.
Don’t wait until the last minute—apply online now for your ESTA or travel visa!
👉 CLICK HERE to start your application today!