TheESTA electronic travel authorization for travel to the USA is not valid forever. It may expire at the end of its validity period, but not only that. It’s important for all travelers to be aware of the validity of their ESTA, and to renew their travel authorization when the time comes.

In this article, we explain when it is essential to renew your ESTA and how to go about it.

ESTA validity period

The ESTA is officially valid for two years. In practice, it may be valid for less time from the moment it is obtained. The ESTA is electronically linked to a valid passport, which must be an electronic or biometric passport. If the passport has an expiry date of less than two years at the time of ESTA application, the travel authorization will have a shorter validity period. ESTA validity therefore depends on passport validity.

The ESTA travel authorization allows you to make as many business, tourist or transit trips as you like. However, you must stay on American soil for at least 90 days each time, and return to your home country for at least as long as your stay in the USA.

How can I check that an ESTA is still valid?

To check that your ESTA application is valid, take your passport and application number to the official U.S. government website. You can also access your application file without an ESTA number. Instead, enter your passport number, date of issue and expiry, issuing country and date of birth.

Be sure to check your ESTA no later than 3 days before departure, which is how long the U.S. authorities have to respond if you need to apply for an ESTA.

What are the reasons for reapplying for ESTA?

Any ESTA, whether issued for 2 years or not, can lose its validity at any time. We explain the reasons why an ESTA authorization is invalid.

Passport renewal

As mentioned above, ESTA is passport-dependent. Any change to your passport renders the ESTA null and void, whatever the reason for obtaining a new passport: expiry, change of data, loss or theft. Please note: the passport application process takes several weeks.

It should be pointed out that a valid passport covers the entire stay in the USA, at least for French nationals. Depending on nationality, the U.S. government may impose a 6-month validity period. So remember to renew your passport so that it covers your entire stay in the USA.

A change in personal circumstances

If important information changes during the validity of the ESTA, it is essential for visa-exempt foreign nationals to apply for a new ESTA. The information sent to the electronic systems at the time of your first application must be identical for your next trip to the USA. If you have changed your surname, gender, nationality or country of residence, you will need to apply for a new authorization in line with your new personal details.

The same applies if you now have to answer “yes” to one of the closed questions on the ESTA form. This may be due to a change in your health, a court decision, a trip to Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan or Yemen, etc.

A change in US immigration policy

The U.S. government is the sole arbiter of the terms and conditions of the visa waiver program under which ESTA operates. It is free to revoke travel authorizations that do not, or no longer, meet the required conditions. This is an exceptional situation. The last change concerned the Muslim Ban, and in particular the exclusion of certain travellers on the grounds of their dual nationality.

How do I renew my ESTA for a stay in the USA?

To renew your ESTA, as for your first application, simply complete the online application form. There are no specific formalities for renewals, and the electronic processing system is not programmed for renewals. The form to be completed is therefore the online form on the official website.

Needless to say, the cost of ESTA is the same: $21. Requests for authorization are processed individually, and therefore independently of each other. Be sure to fill in the form correctly. You will receive a reply to your authorization request within 72 hours of submission.