Essential Guide for UK to USA Expats: Navigating the ESTA and US Point of Contact Process

Before you book your flights and arrange to ship your baggage to America, there are a few important steps to follow. One of the main requirements for tourists and business travellers visiting the US from the UK is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, also known as an ESTA. This visa waiver allows stays of up to 90 days. While the ESTA application process is relatively straightforward, it does involve a few important steps.

One of the main requirements when applying for an ESTA is to provide a “US Point of Contact.” This information is needed regardless of your country of origin and can be confusing if you don’t have a clear connection in the United States.

The Point of Contact is how government agencies will be able to contact you in case your travel plans change or you don’t have suitable arrangements in place during your trip. Understanding what information is needed and why can help simplify the process.

Who Should You List?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for your US Point of Contact. Americans often list family and friends. If you don’t have relatives or close friends in the US, consider the following options:

• Staying with Family or Friends: Enter the name of the person you will be staying with. Be sure to include their full name, address, phone number, and email address. Accurate information is important.
• Hotel: Enter the name of the hotel and their contact information. Use the hotel’s full address, starting with the first hotel you have reservations at when you arrive. If you have multiple reservations, list the first hotel you plan to stay at.
• Companies or Event Centres: If you are in the US for a business conference or event, list the name of the company organising the trip or the event centre. If possible, include a specific contact person.

If none of these situations apply to you, think about which company might be a good fit. For example, if you have rented a house, list the property management company as your Point of Contact.

Accurate Details are Crucial

Every piece of information you provide is important and must be accurate. Incorrect details can cause delays with your ESTA approval. Rejected or incomplete applications will need to be resubmitted, and each mistake will slow down the process. Disinformation can raise red flags, causing your application to be manually reviewed, which can further delay the process when you want everything to go smoothly.

Some of the information required includes:

• Name: Be sure to list your full name. If you are staying with a hotel, use the official business name instead of abbreviations. For family members, include their full name.
• Address: Enter the complete address, including house number, street, city, state, and postal/ZIP code. Always double-check for accuracy.
• Email Address: Use a valid email address. If incorrect, authorities may be unable to reach the correct contact.
• Phone Number: Enter a US phone number in 10-digit format without the international code. For example, a New York landline starts with 212. Be sure to list the correct number for the contact.

Why Accurate Details are Important

Accuracy is crucial with the ESTA process. If your details don’t match, border agents may have trouble verifying your application at the airport. Take your time when entering every piece of information, especially phone numbers and addresses. These references are often checked during manual reviews.

What is the “Relationship” Field?

Another section on the ESTA form is the “relationship” field. This question asks you to describe your relationship with the person or organisation listed as your Point of Contact. Some common answers include:

• Family
• Friend
• Hotel
• Employer
• Event Organiser

You don’t need to have family in the US. Even if you don’t have close relatives or friends, be honest when completing this section of the form. Simply list the most appropriate contact based on the purpose of your trip.

Remember:

• The information you provide will be used to verify your arrangements during your trip.
• Double-check each detail to avoid delays or rejections.
• The people processing your application may need to contact the person or organisation you list, so be sure to provide accurate numbers and emails.

When relocating to a new country, these steps are only the beginning. To help make your move to America a success, Anglo Pacific is here to ship your belongings safely. Whether you need to pack your entire household, send personal effects, or arrange to ship your car, thorough preparation is key.

By providing accurate details on your travel forms, you are setting yourself up for a successful trip. Accurate information helps build trust with governments, border agents, and international authorities. Once you have completed these small steps, you can focus on making your relocation a reality. Let shipping professionals like Anglo Pacific handle the hard work for you.