ESTA US Point of Contact Information: What It Means and How to Fill It Out Correctly
If you’re applying for a U.S. travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program, one field in the application may leave you scratching your head — the ESTA US point of contact information. Many travelers wonder who qualifies as a point of contact, what to write if they don’t know anyone in the U.S., and whether this section is even required.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the ESTA US point of contact information, why it’s requested, how to fill it out correctly, and what to do if you don’t have a specific contact in the United States.

What Is ESTA US Point of Contact Information?The ESTA US point of contact information refers to the person or organization you plan to visit, stay with, or meet in the United States. This information is used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as part of the security screening process to verify your travel plans.
You’ll find this question when filling out the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) form. It typically asks for:
  • Full name of the U.S. point of contact
  • Address (street, city, state, ZIP code)
  • Phone number
Even though this section is not mandatory for all travelers, it is strongly encouraged to provide details if applicable, especially if you're staying with a friend, visiting relatives, or attending an event or business meeting.

Who Should You List as Your ESTA US Point of Contact?Your ESTA US point of contact can be any of the following:
  • A friend or family member you’re staying with
  • A hotel or accommodation provider
  • A business contact, employer, or conference organizer
  • An educational institution if you’re attending a seminar or program
  • A tour company if you're on a pre-arranged group trip
If you have a confirmed accommodation, using the hotel or Airbnb address is a valid and acceptable answer. If you're visiting multiple locations, list your first point of stay.

What If You Don’t Have a US Point of Contact?Many tourists don’t know anyone personally in the U.S., and that’s completely fine. In this case, you can fill out the ESTA US point of contact information as follows:
  • Name: Type UNKNOWN
  • Address: Use the address of your first hotel or accommodation
  • Phone number: Enter the hotel’s phone number
If you haven’t booked accommodation yet, list the name, address, and phone number of the first place you plan to stay, even if it’s temporary or subject to change.
This section is not typically a reason for denial as long as your other information is accurate and you meet the Visa Waiver Program’s requirements.

Other Related ESTA Information You’ll NeedBesides the ESTA US point of contact information, here are other important sections of the ESTA form you’ll need to complete:
  • Passport details: Make sure your passport is valid and biometric
  • Emergency contact information: Often required for safety reasons
  • U.S. address while in the country: Even if temporary
  • Eligibility questions: Related to your health, criminal history, and immigration background
Providing accurate and honest responses is essential for getting your ESTA application approved without delays.

Do You Need a US Point of Contact to Be Approved?No, a U.S. point of contact is not required for ESTA approval. Many tourists, especially first-time visitors, don’t know anyone in the U.S. and are still approved without issue. The key is to fill in the required fields properly, use hotel or accommodation details when necessary, and avoid leaving anything blank.

Why ESTA US Point of Contact Information Is ImportantWhile not mandatory, the point of contact information can help U.S. Customs and Border Protection better understand your travel itinerary and intentions. It’s also helpful in case of emergencies or follow-up verification. The more complete your ESTA application, the smoother your entry into the United States will be.

Final Tips for Filling Out Your ESTA
  • Apply at least 72 hours before departure
  • Double-check all spelling and passport numbers
  • Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the application fee ($21 USD)
  • Print or save a copy of your ESTA approval notice
Once your application is approved, your ESTA will be valid for two years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. You can enter the U.S. multiple times within that period, as long as each stay is 90 days or less.

Apply for Your ESTA or U.S. Visa Online NowReady to travel to the United States? Make sure your ESTA US point of contact information and all other details are filled in accurately to avoid delays.
Apply now and get one step closer to your American adventure!
👉 CLICK HERE to apply for your ESTA or visa online quickly and securely.