ESTA Upload passport (first name confusion)
When I applied for my ESTA I used the "Upload your passport" feature on the esta.cbp.dhs.gov applicant form. According to the help page it says:
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NEW “UPLOAD YOUR PASSPORT” FEATURE? CBP has upgraded the ESTA website to allow applicants to capture an image or upload a picture of their passport’s Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) to aid in the completion of the applicant’s biographic information. By selecting “Upload Your Passport” and capturing or uploading a picture of your passport’s MRZ at the bottom of your passport’s biographic page, the ESTA website will auto populate your first and last name, date of birth and passport number into your ESTA application.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF UPLOADING A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE MACHINE READABLE ZONE ON MY PASSPORT? Using the “Upload Your Passport” feature will ensure your biographic information is uploaded as it appears on your passport, minimizing data entry errors. Data entry errors could potentially delay the processing of your ESTA application.
So I used the information the feature auto populated and trusted the information it provided. I filled in the rest of the applicant form and got my ESTA approved.
But now sombody told me that the ESTA should only include the "First (Given) Name" but the feature added both of my first names from my passport.
Question: My concern is, do I need to reapply for a new ESTA with only first (given) name, or is it OK to have both of the names on the ESTA as they are on my passport.
Best Answer
But now som(e)body told me that the ESTA should only include the "First (Given) Name" but the feature added both of my first names from my passport.
Somebody is Nobody. You followed ESTA website's advice and did exactly what they asked for. They picked up your complete name. If only 1 first name was a compulsion they would have known and enforced. In any case, it is better to have your complete name showing in both your passport and your travel authorization than to have 2 different names because of some naming conventions.
So I used the information the feature auto populated and trusted the information it provided. I filled in the rest of the applicant form and got my ESTA approved.
As you have already noted, their website says :
Using the “Upload Your Passport” feature will ensure your biographic information is uploaded as it appears on your passport, minimizing data entry errors.
Then it is their system's headache to ensure that the uploaded information confirms to their format, if it doesn't it should generate an error.
I'm not saying you go ahead and argue with them about it but that if this specific thing creates any issue at the port of entry you can explain that you used the feature as suggested by the website and did not make any changes to the personal information after it was automatically scanned by the website.
The information from the passport that the website picked up is the same information that their scanners will pick up at the port of entry, and everything will match.
You're good. Enjoy your trip. I foresee no issues at all.
Pictures about "ESTA Upload passport (first name confusion)"
What is first given name on ESTA?
It turns out that the ESTA definition of First Given Name is your first name and all your middle names. If you hover over the small question mark it says to enter all given nameS.Do you have to put middle name on ESTA application?
I forgot to include my middle name on my ESTA application, what should I do? If your middle name is not shown on your application under 'First (given) Names', then you will need to apply for a new ESTA.What happens if you make a mistake on ESTA?
If an applicant made a mistake on their passport or biographical information, he or she will need to submit a new application. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted. Any other mistakes may be corrected or updated by clicking \u201cCheck Individual Status\u201d under \u201cCheck ESTA Status."Can I change my name on my ESTA?
can be all be changed at any time by clicking on the "Update or Check Status button" on your ESTA form. These can be changed because they have no effect on the decision whether to issue your ESTA. You cannot change: your last name.No last name in Passport: Things you should take care of!
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