This came from a travel query page of a National newspaper:-

Making a mistake on an ESTA application

I applied online for an ESTA permit to visit the US next month. Unfortunately I had a senior moment and mistakenly answered ''yes'' to the question about having a conviction for a criminal offence.

The ESTA permit came back "Travel not authorised".

I applied again from scratch a few days later, entering a ''No'', but my application was refused.

I have travelled to the US for the past 20 years without a problem. What should I do now?

reply
I asked the US Embassy in London for advice. It said the matter could be cleared up by phoning the Department of Homeland Security's helpdesk in the US on 001 202 344 3710.

The gentleman did this but was told that his mistake could not be reversed.

Instead, he would have to apply for a non-immigrant visa which costs £90 and involves going for an interview at the embassy in London.

I telephoned the DHS in Washington myself and asked why someone who had made a genuine mistake was being turned away by its helpline – especially as this course of action had been suggested by the London embassy.

The DHS officer said she would try to be more helpful if Mr Wynn phoned again. She was.

As a result, thankfully his ESTA refusal was annulled so he could make a new application which was successful.