Cancel Your ESTA Application
If your travel plans have changed, learn about the cancellation process, what to expect, and the options available to you.
Understanding ESTA Cancellation
It is important to understand that once an ESTA authorization has been approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the authorization itself cannot be cancelled or revoked through our platform or any third-party service. An approved ESTA remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first. However, you are under no obligation to use an approved ESTA for travel. If your travel plans have changed, your approved ESTA will simply remain on file until it expires naturally.
The distinction between cancelling an application that is still being processed and revoking an already-approved authorization is critical. If you submitted an application through our service and wish to cancel before processing has been completed, or if you need guidance on next steps after a change in travel plans, our cancellation guidance service is available to assist you throughout the process.
Many travelers confuse ESTA cancellation with ESTA revocation. Revocation is a formal action taken by CBP under specific circumstances, such as when a traveler violates the terms of the Visa Waiver Program or when new information affects eligibility. Individual travelers cannot revoke their own ESTA through our platform. If you believe your ESTA should be revoked for legal or personal reasons, you should contact CBP directly or consult with an immigration attorney.
When Cancellation May Apply
Cancellation or withdrawal of an ESTA application is relevant in a limited number of situations. Below are the most common scenarios where our cancellation guidance service can help you navigate the process and understand your options.
Application Submitted in Error
If you submitted an ESTA application by mistake—for example, selecting the wrong country of citizenship, entering incorrect passport details, or accidentally submitting a duplicate application—you may wish to withdraw the application before it is processed. If the application has not yet been reviewed, our team can assist with withdrawal. If it has already been approved, a new application with the correct information may be necessary.
Travel Plans Permanently Cancelled
If you no longer intend to travel to the United States and your plans have been permanently cancelled, there is no action required on your ESTA. An unused ESTA does not incur any penalties or affect your future travel eligibility. Your authorization will simply expire at the end of its validity period without any negative consequences.
Duplicate Applications Submitted
Submitting multiple ESTA applications for the same person can create confusion in the CBP system. If you have submitted duplicate applications, our team can help identify which application should be retained and guide you through the process of withdrawing the unnecessary submission. The most recently approved ESTA will typically supersede any prior authorizations.
Switching to a Traditional U.S. Visa
Some travelers decide to apply for a traditional U.S. visa (such as a B-1/B-2 visitor visa) instead of using the Visa Waiver Program. If you plan to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, having an existing ESTA does not prevent you from doing so. However, if your visa application is approved, you should use your visa rather than your ESTA for entry into the United States.
How to Proceed with Cancellation
If you believe cancellation is the right course of action for your situation, follow the steps below to initiate the process. Submit your request 24/7 — we typically reply within 24 hours and ensure that your request is handled promptly and professionally.
Gather Your Application Details
Before contacting our support team, locate your application reference number, the email address used during the application process, and your passport number. Having this information ready will allow our team to quickly identify your application and assess your options.
Contact Our Support Team
Reach out to our customer support team via our contact page or by email. Provide your application reference number and a brief explanation of why you wish to cancel. Include relevant details such as whether your travel plans have changed permanently or whether you submitted the application in error.
Receive a Case Assessment
Our team will review your request and provide a detailed assessment within 24 hours. This assessment will include information about whether cancellation is possible given the current status of your application, any applicable refund eligibility, and recommended next steps.
Follow Recommended Next Steps
Based on the assessment, our team will guide you through the appropriate course of action. This may include formal withdrawal of a pending application, guidance on letting an approved ESTA expire naturally, or assistance with submitting a corrected application if errors were identified.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Our refund policy for ESTA application cancellations depends on the current processing stage of your application at the time of your cancellation request. We strive to be fair and transparent in all refund determinations.
Before Processing
If your application has not yet been submitted to CBP for processing, you may be eligible for a full refund of the service fee minus any administrative processing costs. Requests submitted within the first few hours after application have the highest likelihood of qualifying for a full refund.
During Processing
If your application is currently being reviewed by CBP, a partial refund may be available depending on the stage of processing. Once your application has been submitted to the government system, certain costs cannot be recovered, but our service fee component may still be partially refundable.
After Approval
Once your ESTA has been approved, the processing has been completed in full and refunds are generally not available. The service has been fully rendered at this point. However, we evaluate each case individually, and we encourage you to reach out if you have extenuating circumstances.
Special Circumstances
In cases of documented medical emergencies, bereavement, or other extraordinary circumstances that prevent travel, we offer flexible refund considerations on a case-by-case basis. Please provide supporting documentation when submitting your cancellation request so that our team can assess eligibility for a compassionate refund.
Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA Cancellation
Can I cancel my ESTA and get a full refund?
Refund eligibility depends on the processing stage of your application. Applications that have not yet been submitted to CBP are most likely to qualify for a full refund. Once processing begins or approval is granted, refund amounts may be reduced or unavailable. Contact our support team for a personalized assessment.
Will cancelling my ESTA affect future applications?
Withdrawing or cancelling an ESTA application generally does not, by itself, prevent you from submitting a new ESTA application or applying for a U.S. visa in the future. All future applications are reviewed by the appropriate U.S. authorities based on the information provided at the time of submission and in accordance with applicable immigration laws and regulations.
How long does the cancellation process take?
Our team responds to all cancellation inquiries within 24 hours. The actual cancellation or withdrawal process, once approved, is typically completed within 1–3 business days depending on the status of your application.
I accidentally submitted my application. Can I still cancel?
If you submitted your application by mistake, contact our support team immediately. The sooner you reach out, the higher the likelihood that your application can be withdrawn before processing. Provide your reference number and a description of the error so we can act quickly on your behalf.