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I had applied for US visit visa back in 2011 from the UK but it was refused as I didn't have strong ties.

Last year I applied again for business purpose and was approved the visa in less than 15 minutes. I have valid B1/B2 visa for 5 years in my other passport

I didn't travel as circumstanses changed.

Now I have acquired UK citizenship and hold UK passport. I am plannin to visit US for tourism purpose. As a british citizen I can apply for ESTA but I am confused what should I put in the question here

Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa or entry into the U.S. or had a U.S. visa canceled?

Should I yes ? If I mention yes will it automatically reject my ESTA.

Dirty-flow
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Makky
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2 Answers2

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Presuming you still maintain your previous citizenship (in addition to your UK citizenship) AND you still have that passport and it's still valid, then you can travel on that passport/visa. There is no need to apply for a new ESTA or visa, and doing so will only put your current visa status at risk.

When your current visa expires, then if/when you subsequently need to travel to the US, then your best option will be to apply for an ESTA on your UK passport. When you do this, you should answer "yes" to the question about having been denied a visa previously, as YOU have been, and that's what matters (it's not related to your citizenship/etc).

When you do this your ESTA may be approved or it may be rejected. If it's approved, you're good to go. If it's not, then you will need to obtain another visa at that time.

Doc
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Update: OP updated their question to note they already have a valid US visa! Then just use that and don't apply for a new ESTA or visa. See I have two passports/nationalities. How do I use them when I travel? for how to travel with two passports.

Original answer assuming you don't already have a visa:

You should answer yes. All the questions are about you, not your passport or nationality, so becoming a UK citizen does not change the fact that you were previously denied a visa.

Your best option is to apply for a B-2 visa. It's an expensive hassle, but based on what you've told us it's highly likely to get approved, and it's much better than getting busted for lying on the ESTA application form.

lambshaanxy
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