The Online US Valid Validity: How Long Does an ESTA Last?

The United States of America governs the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program to ease short-term travel without a visa for citizens of VWP countries.

In short, ESTA is one pre-screening tool for visa waiver program-enlisted citizens who desire to visit the USA for business, tourism across the country, or some transit purposes. There are many steps for ESTA approval included, like eligibility criteria, security questions, filling out an online application form, etc. The form-filling process is just a game of hardly 10–15 minutes. Generally, 99% are approved by authorities if all the required conditions are satisfied.

Once you have gone through this process, there might be some clarification about its validity, as people often need to work on the traditional visa and ESTA validity duration. Let's clear this mess.

Validity Period

Knowing about validity facts is crucial for smooth travel planning before booking your flight. The ESTA is valid for two years. But here is a surprise! It is linked to your passport directly. If you have an ESTA US visa and your passport has expired, then it is used less. Passports always come first.

For example: Imagine you are applying for the ESTA 2024 application form on August 1. It is approved. Technically, its validity remains for two years, i.e., July 31, 2026. But your passport has an expiration date of June 30, 2025. Oh, your ESTA will expire on your same passport date and you have to go through with the new ESTA application process. So be careful while applying for ESTA; check first your passport validity date.

Note: There is one condition applied to the stay period in the US. You can stay for up to 90 days on one trip, after that, you have to wait 12 months for the next visit. You can not stick around there for the entire 2 years. If you want to exceed your duration by more than 90 days, you must apply for a full American US visa.

Can I travel multiple times on an ESTA?

Yes, you can take multiple entries in the USA on your ESTA over two years or until your passport expires. There is no need to reapply, as long as your ESTA is valid. Bam! This flexibility allows you to explore further the United States territories at your own pace or return for follow-up holidays.

Do not be surprised. As you know, ESTA is used for short-term visits of up to 90 days. You cannot exceed your stay during this period during your multiple trips.

And one more fact: Your approved ESTA does not take any guarantee on your entry into the USA. Maybe it sounds a little bit confusing. But it is true. Only Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the right to make a final decision at the port of entry. They will cross-check eligibility factors and VWP requirements; if found satisfactory, then you are welcome.

Note: During your short-term visit, they found something suspicious about your stay. They have a right to send you back to your nation without any reason.

Why would an ESTA not be approved?

Approved ESTA is mandatory. Still, some factors can affect its validity. Here are some common elements mentioned below:

Passport corrections or changes

The ESTA form includes all passport information, such as name, date of birth, and citizenship. If any changes are made to your passport—whether it's a new passport due to expiration, damage, or loss—your current ESTA will become invalid. In such cases, a new ESTA application is necessary.

Potential ESTA Revocation

ESTA denial happens in certain situations, like criminal activities, security issues, or violations of US immigration laws during previous visits. In this case, check the reason for the revoked visa and reapply for ESTA or apply for a traditional US visa.

Remember: There is no information available publicly on ESTA revocation cases. You need to maintain a good travel record with essential documents and follow all US immigration rules to reduce the chances of application denial.

Check ESTA Status Online

You must check your ESTA status before boarding a flight. It is very simple and is available online. You do not need to go anywhere. Review your ESTA mail, take the reference number, and proceed.

Here's how to check:

1. Visit the US Visa Online website.
2. Click on ESTA Status.
3. Enter your reference number, passport number, and date of birth in the provided fields.
4. Click on Check ESTA US Visa Status.

After this, the result can be shown as:

• ESTA Authorization Approved: Your ESTA is valid for travel to the US.
• Application Pending: Your application is still being reviewed.
• ESTA Application Expired: Your ESTA is no longer valid, need to reapply.

Key Takeaways

• An approved ESTA is valid for two years. Also, it electronically connects with your passport. If a passport expires, ESAT will automatically expire.
• Your final reach in the USA depends on the CBP officer and the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• You can stay for up to 90 days on a one-time visit to the USA. If you want to exceed this duration, then you have to proceed with a full visa application.
• If you lose your passport or make some new changes to your details, including your full name, date of birth, and citizenship, this will move you to an ESTA denial state. If you have ESTA-approved status but your passport changes, it will be deactivated.
• Check your esta status after form filling. In case of rejection, you have a chance to apply for a new one, so that travel can be hassle-free.
• The ESTA application approval processing time varies by situation. Apply before 72 hours of your journey. It saves you time and money.
• Try to make your record clean and police-free. If any criminal activity is found, you may lose a chance to get "Your ESTA application is approved."
• There is no ESTA renewal service available. In cases of ESTA validity or passport expiration. You have to apply for a new ESTA form.

Conclusion

Want swift travel experiences? The first step is after form filling, check your application status. The ESTA validity period will be mentioned in your result. Do not forget its validity, lined up with your passport's expiration date. Remember to update your passport details, including the expiration date, security questions, and maintain a clean criminal record to ensure smooth travel to the US. An ESTA is valid for two years, allowing stays of up to 90 days for business, travel, or transit purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long between visits can I return to the USA on an ESTA?

An approved ESTA application remains valid for two years. You can make multiple trips without reapplying for ESTA, as long as your passport is valid during the ESTA's validity period.

Can I leave and reenter the US on ESTA?

Yes, if you have already returned or received an onward ticket. But it cannot exceed the stay limit of 90 days.

Do you need a new ESTA every time you enter the US?

No, as long as your passport has not expired and your ESTA is valid with a current passport.

What happens if you overstay your ESTA in the USA?

Your ESTA will be automatically denied. And, you can be banned for a further few years to get reentry into the US (T&C apply).

READ MORE:
Applicants should submit an online application for a US tourist visa if they want to travel there. Citizens travelling from overseas to nations that do not require visas must first apply for a US tourist visa online, often known as an ESTA. Learn more at US Tourist Visa.

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Check your eligibility for Online US Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to United States. French citizens, German citizens, Greek citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for ESTA US Visa.