Step-by-Step Guide: Checking Your ESTA Status Online

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 01/22/2025 ESTA, Tips & Tricks

The validity of an ESTA travel authorization to the USA is two years from the moment of approval. However, changes to your name, country of citizenship, certain other details, or the expiration of your passport can invalidate it. Are you unsure whether your ESTA travel authorization is still valid? Have you lost your ESTA confirmation and are unsure whether you can travel to the USA? This article provides solutions to all these situations.

1. Table of Contents

   1. Where to Check the Validity of Your ESTA to the USA?
   2. When to Submit a New ESTA Application

   Where to Check the Validity of Your ESTA to the USA?

   You can check the validity of your ESTA travel authorization on the official website esta.cbp.dhs.gov. This is the only official ESTA website, operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

   🔄 How to Check ESTA Validity

   First, go to the website and click “Check ESTA Status,” then select either “Check Individual Status” for an individual travel authorization or “Check Group Status” for a group authorization. Next, you need to confirm the displayed notification.

   On the next page, you must enter the passport number and date of birth of the person whose ESTA status you wish to check.

   To verify an ESTA, you need either the authorization number or the nationality, issue date, and expiration date of the passport. After entering these details, click “Retrieve Application.”

   🔎 ESTA Travel Authorization Status

   If the ESTA travel authorization is valid and linked to the provided details, its specifics will be displayed. If the ESTA has expired or is not associated with the provided document, an error message stating “No Application Found” will appear.

2. When to Submit a New ESTA Application

   If your ESTA travel authorization is no longer valid, you must reapply before your next trip.

   The validity of an existing ESTA authorization cannot be extended; you must always submit a new application. Additionally, there is no problem if less than two years have passed between two ESTA applications. You can apply for a new ESTA even if your current one is still valid. Once you reapply, the existing ESTA will be automatically invalidated.

   Only apply for a new travel authorization on the official website esta.cbp.dhs.gov. A detailed guide on how to complete the ESTA form for the USA is available to assist you.

   The ESTA application fee is $4.00. If your travel authorization is approved, an additional fee of $17.00 will be charged to your card. Airlines and immigration officers electronically share passenger information, so there is no need to print your ESTA authorization.