With ESTA authorization, certain visitors are permitted to travel to the US without having to secure a visa. However, your ESTA will have an expiration date as the authorization to travel visa-free is time-limited. Always check the expiration date of your ESTA before making travel plans to avoid last-minute complications.

In the guide, we explain how long an ESTA lasts, and look at the wider rules on ESTA validity to ensure you avoid issues when traveling to the US.

 

How Long Does ESTA Last?

 

ESTA is granted for a period of 2 consecutive years from the date it was issued. ESTA remains valid for the duration of this 2-year period unless your passport expires sooner, in which case, your ESTA will expire at the same time as your passport.

 

Difference between ESTA Validity and Duration of Stay

 

While the ESTA validity period is 2 years, this does not mean you can stay in the US for two years under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). There is a difference between the period of stay and ESTA validity. This is because ESTA validity and the duration of stay allowed under the VWP are distinct concepts that travelers need to understand to ensure compliance.

ESTA validity refers to the time frame during which the travel authorization remains active and usable for entering the United States. An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of approval or until the passport associated with the ESTA expires, whichever comes first. During this validity period, travelers can make multiple trips to the US without needing to reapply for a new ESTA, provided they meet all other requirements of the VWP.

However, the duration of stay allowed under the VWP is the maximum length of time a traveler can remain in the United States on each visit. Regardless of the ESTA’s two-year validity, ESTA permits visits of up to 90 days for each individual trip to the US. This 90-day limit includes both tourism and business purposes. Staying beyond this period without proper authorization can lead to penalties, including being barred from future travel to the United States under the VWP.

In the event that you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a suitable visa before traveling to the US, such as a B visitor visa that will allow you to stay for up to six months or a relevant US work visa if you will be carrying out gainful employment during your stay.

 

How to Check Your ESTA Expiry Date

 

If you provided ESTA with your email address when you applied for travel authorization, you should be notified by email when your ESTA is about to expire. The email will advise you to go to the official ESTA Web site to reapply.

However, it is advisable to check the status of your ESTA before you travel to ensure it will be valid for your arrival in the US. Without a valid ESTA on arrival, you face being denied entry by border officials.

Checking if your ESTA is still valid is relatively straightforward. You can use the ESTA online checking service, using your original application number to log on. If you didn’t write this down or print out your original authorization confirmation, you may retrieve the application number through the ESTA website by clicking Retrieve Application Number and entering your name, date of birth, passport number and passport issuing country.

The date of the email confirmation sent to you when you were initially granted an ESTA will also correspond to the start date of your ESTA validity period. Assuming your passport was, at that stage, valid for a period of two years, you can easily calculate the expiry date. The validity period will run from the date that the ESTA is issued, not from the date of your first trip.

That said, you are likely to attract attention at the border if you are travelling to the US frequently as a visitor under ESTA and staying up to the 90 day maximum each time. Remember that ESTA permits travel for tourism or business-related activities only. Any impression of potential residence could result in refused entry.

 

Reapplying for ESTA

 

While ESTA is typically issued for 2 years, during this time there be circumstances which require you to reapply. These include:

 

1. Expired ESTA

An ESTA is typically valid for two years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If your ESTA has expired, you must reapply before your next trip to the United States.

If your ESTA is no longer valid, you will need to complete a new ESTA application form. Travelers are advised to apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before their planned departure. While most applications are processed within minutes, if there are issues, it is advisable to allow yourself time to deal with any issues.

 

2. New Passport 

If you receive a new passport, you must reapply for an ESTA. The ESTA is electronically linked to the passport number provided during the application process. A new passport number requires a new ESTA application, even if the previous ESTA has not expired. Ensure that you reapply with your new passport details well before your travel date.

 

3. Changes in Personal Information

Reapplying for an ESTA is necessary if there have been significant changes in your personal information. This includes changes to your name, gender, or citizenship. Since the ESTA application requires accurate and up-to-date information, any discrepancies could result in travel issues or denial of entry.

 

4. Changes in Travel Information

If there are significant changes in your travel itinerary, such as new travel dates or destinations, you might need to update or reapply for your ESTA. While minor changes typically do not require a new application, substantial changes should be reflected in your ESTA information to ensure a smooth entry process.

 

5. Changes in Eligibility

Reapply for an ESTA if there have been changes in your eligibility status. This includes changes in your health, criminal record, or immigration status. this could also be in response to a change in the ESTA rules, such as those relating to Cuba. Providing false or outdated information can result in revocation of your ESTA and possible denial of entry. Reapplying with accurate and current information is crucial if your circumstances have changed.

 

6. Previous ESTA Revocation or Denial

If your previous ESTA was revoked or your application was denied, you need to reapply with updated and accurate information. Address any issues that led to the revocation or denial in your new application to improve your chances of approval.

 

7. Nearing the 90-Day Stay Limit

If you have nearly reached the 90-day limit of your stay under the Visa Waiver Program and plan to return to the US soon after departing, it is advisable to reapply for a new ESTA. Although an ESTA allows for multiple entries during its validity period, frequent and prolonged stays may raise questions during subsequent entries.

 

8. Change in Employment or Purpose of Travel

Reapply for an ESTA if there is a significant change in your employment status or the purpose of your travel to the US. For example, if your trip’s purpose changes from tourism to business, updating your ESTA application ensures that your travel authorization aligns with your travel intentions.

 

Can you use ESTA for multiple trips to the USA?

 

Though the period of stay authorized is 90 days, once granted you are permitted to travel with ESTA as many times as you like provided your ESTA remains valid and you remain eligible under the program. This means that while valid, ESTA approval in most cases allows you to travel to the US visa-free for multiple visits. However, following a change in the rules in August 2023, travelers with a Hungarian passport can only rely on ESTA authorization for a single use.

 

Does an ESTA guarantee entry into the United States?

 

ESTA technically only grants permission for you to board a carrier for travel to the United States under the VWP. In the same way that a valid visa does not guarantee admission to the United States, an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry, rather it only establishes that you are eligible to travel there.

Only a US Customs and Border Protection officer at the point of entry can decide whether you are actually permitted entry into the country. This decision is completely at their discretion, so it is always worth carrying with you any documentation in support of your reason for travel so that you can prove your intentions and avoid being refused entry. Taking advice if you have concerns can help ensure you have relevant documents with you in the event you are questioned at the border.

 

If ESTA expires while in the USA

 

You only need a valid ESTA to enter the US. As such, your ESTA must be valid on the date you are entering the US, meaning you can still travel if your ESTA is due to expire while you are in the US. The crucial point is that your entry into the US was lawful and that you adhere to the VWP’s regulations, such as staying for a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.

While an expiring ESTA does not impact your current stay, it does mean that you will need to apply for a new ESTA authorization before any future trips to the United States.

You cannot renew an ESTA while in the US it must be done from outside the country. To avoid any travel disruptions, ensure your new ESTA is approved before planning your next trip to the US, to allow you to re-enter the country under the VWP without issues.

 

When does ESTA Authorization Start?

 

Once your application has been approved, you will receive your unique ESTA authorization number by e-mail which you should retain and keep a record of for future use. It is also helpful to make a record of the date your ESTA was issued and the date it will expire (in 2 years or your passport expiry date, whichever is soonest).

ESTA authorization begins as soon as it is approved by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This means you can use your ESTA to travel to the United States as soon as you receive the approval notification. The authorization is valid for two years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

 

Can ESTA Be Revoked or Lost?

 

ESTA authorization can be revoked or become invalid under certain circumstances:

 

a. Compliance with US Immigration Rules

ESTA authorization is subject to continuous compliance with the Visa Waiver Program rules and US immigration laws. Any change in circumstances that affects your eligibility can lead to the revocation of your ESTA. It is crucial to keep all information accurate and up-to-date to avoid any issues.

 

b. Change in Circumstance

If there is a change in your circumstances, such as a criminal conviction, new employment, or significant changes in your health, your ESTA can be revoked. Any information that contradicts the answers given during your ESTA application can lead to invalidation.

 

c. Incorrect or False Information

Providing incorrect or false information during the ESTA application process can result in immediate revocation. It is vital to ensure all information provided is accurate and truthful.

 

d. Violation of VWP Rules

Overstaying the 90-day limit allowed under the VWP, working without proper authorization, or engaging in activities not permitted under the ESTA can result in the revocation of your travel authorization.

 

e. Expired Passport

If your passport expires, your ESTA linked to that passport also becomes invalid. It is not possible to transfer ESTA to a different passport, you would need to make a new application for a new ESTA with your new passport details.

 

If you are unsure about the status of your ESTA or have concerns about potential revocation, take advice to ensure you do not face issues when attempting to enter the US.

 

 

Check Your ESTA Eligibility

 

You must have a valid and approved ESTA in place when you travel or you should expect to be denied boarding. The Department of Homeland Security advises travelers to apply for their ESTA no later than 72 hours before departing for the US.

Before applying, check you are eligible under the criteria. You may be eligible to apply for ESTA and to travel under the Visa Waiver Program if you:

 

• Intend to enter the United States for 90 days or less for business, pleasure or transit
• Have a valid passport lawfully issued to you by a Visa Waiver Program country
• Have authorization to travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization
• Arrive via a Visa Waiver Program signatory carrier
• Have a return or onward ticket
• Travel may not terminate in contiguous territory or adjacent islands unless the traveler is a resident of one of those areas
• Are a citizen or national of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries

 

Please note, however, if you are a dual national of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria, or you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Somalia or Yemen since March 1, 2011, albeit with limited exceptions, you will not be eligible for an ESTA. You will also be ineligible for visa-free travel if you have traveled to Cuba since January 2021.

Even if you are a citizen of one of the VWP partner countries possessing a valid e-passport, you may still be denied ESTA approval if you are deemed to pose a threat to the welfare, health, safety or security of the United States.

You will also be denied an ESTA if you have failed to comply with the conditions of any previous admission under the Visa Waiver Program. As such, you will be unable to travel visa-free under ESTA if:

 

• You have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, or you have a criminal record.
• You have been denied entry to or deported from the US, or you have previously overstayed on the VWP.
• You have a serious communicable illness.

 

ESTA Denied?

 

In the event that your application for an ESTA is denied, but you still intend to travel to the United States, you will need to apply instead for a visitor or other suitable type of visa from your local US Embassy or Consulate and a waiver of inadmissibility to support your application.

The denial of travel authorisation under an ESTA only prohibits travel under the VWP, and is not a final determination of eligibility for a visa to travel to the US. However, a visa application can take several weeks or months to process and may significantly delay your travel plans.

NNU Immigration specialize in advising travellers on their options to travel where they have a criminal record. For advice on how this complex web of rules applies to your circumstances and ability to travel, speak to our London-based US immigration attorneys.

 

How Long Does ESTA Last FAQs

 

How long is an ESTA valid once it is approved?

An ESTA is valid for up to two years from the date of approval, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, travelers can enter the United States multiple times without reapplying, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days and the purpose of the visit aligns with the terms of the Visa Waiver Program.

 

Can I stay in the USA for six months with an ESTA?

An ESTA only allows travelers to stay in the United States for up to 90 days per visit. Staying beyond this period without appropriate authorization can result in penalties, including being barred from future travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

 

What happens if my passport expires before the ESTA’s two-year validity period ends?

If your passport expires before the ESTA’s two-year validity period ends, your ESTA will also expire. You will need to obtain a new passport and apply for a new ESTA to continue traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

 

Can I renew my ESTA before it expires?

Yes, you can apply for a new ESTA before the current one expires. It is advisable to renew your ESTA well before any planned travel to ensure you have valid authorization to enter the United States. The new ESTA will be valid for another two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires.

 

Does my ESTA automatically renew after two years?

No, your ESTA does not automatically renew after two years. You must reapply by completing a new application through the official ESTA website and paying the required fee. Ensure that you apply for renewal well in advance of your next trip to avoid any disruptions in your travel plans.

 

If I get a new passport, do I need a new ESTA?

Yes, if you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new ESTA. The ESTA is linked to the passport number used during the application process. Any changes in your passport information, such as a new passport number, require a new ESTA application to be completed.

 

Do you need ESTA approval each time you travel to the US?

During the period of ESTA validity, multiple entries are permitted in most cases. You do not need to apply for ESTA each time you travel while it remains valid and provided each visit complies with the ESTA visitor rules, for example, the reason for travel is permissible under ESTA and each stay will not exceed the 90-day visit period. Since August 2023, Hungarian passport holders can only travel visa-free to the US once per ESTA approval.

 

Can I use my ESTA for multiple trips to the USA?

Yes, you can use your ESTA for multiple trips to the USA within its two-year validity period. Each stay must not exceed 90 days, and the purpose of each visit must comply with the terms of the Visa Waiver Program. Frequent travelers should ensure their ESTA remains valid and renew it as necessary.

 

What is the difference between ESTA validity and the duration of stay allowed?

The ESTA validity period refers to the two years during which you can use your ESTA to enter the USA. The duration of stay allowed refers to the maximum 90 days you can spend in the USA per visit under the Visa Waiver Program. Both terms are important to understand to comply with US immigration laws.

 

Can my ESTA be revoked before the two-year period is up?

ESTA can be revoked at any time if you no longer meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program or if your circumstances change, such as a change in travel plans or legal issues. It is crucial to maintain compliance with all ESTA conditions to avoid revocation and ensure smooth travel to the USA.

This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.