You’ve applied for an ESTA to travel to the USA, but you’re not sure whether your authorization is still valid today? It’s important to be sure of this before you try to board the plane to the USA. Even if the airline or shipping company lets you board, the American authorities won’t let you set foot on American soil without a visa or ESTA.

Find out now how to check your ESTA USA.

What are the reasons for ESTA verification?

ESTA authorization is not given for life. It is valid for 2 years. You should therefore check your ESTA to make sure it has not expired before you travel to the United States. Expiration of the travel authorization is not the only reason why an ESTA loses its validity. The validity of the travel authorization is only legitimate if the information provided at the time of the ESTA application is the same today. Below is the information to check:

  • the validity of the passport determines the validity of the ESTA, i.e. if you have a new passport, you need to apply for a new one (no need to worry about the type of passport: a French passport is a biometric passport);
  • a change in your personal details, such as a change of name following marriage or divorce, the acquisition of dual nationality, etc. ;
  • a change in your current situation leading you to change your “no” to a “yes” in the closed questions that complete the ESTA form;
  • a change in US immigration policy modifying the conditions required to obtain an ESTA.

Check your ESTA before leaving for the USA

To check your ESTA before traveling to the USA, it all depends on which website you use to apply online. If you are applying via a private website, simply contact customer service, check your e-mail or log into your personal account. If you are applying via the official U.S. government website, simply return to the site with your passport and application number. Click on “retrieve application”, then “I know the application number”. You will then be asked to complete the following fields:

  • passport number ;
  • date of birth ;
  • request number.

If your ESTA is still valid, don’t forget that your trip to the USA is subject to the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program, i.e. it must be for a stay of less than 90 days maximum, and it must be a tourist, business or transit trip. Entry to the U.S. territory must be by air or sea.

How do I check my ESTA if I’ve lost the ESTA number?

Don’t panic, the American authorities have anticipated this situation and will still allow you to access your file. To do so, visit the official website and click on “check ESTA status”, then on “I don’t know the application number”.

You will be asked for some information to find your Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Please fill in :

  • valid passport number ;
  • the land of citizenship ;
  • date of issue ;
  • expiry date ;
  • date of birth.

What should I do if my ESTA is no longer valid?

If your Electronic Travel Authorization is no longer valid, you will need to reapply. Re-applying is the same as applying for your first ESTA. You need to fill in the online form with your current information and pay the ESTA fee. The U.S. government will respond within 72 hours.

If you receive a refusal, check the online form, as there’s a good chance you’ve made a mistake. If everything is correct, the conditions of the Visa Waiver Program may have changed, or you may have become ineligible and will need to apply for a visa through the consular services of the American embassy.