Period of validity of the ESTA

ESTA authorization is valid for two years from the date of issue. To renew or apply for your first U.S. Travel Authorization, simply click on the ESTA online form.

How long does an ESTA permit last?

The initial validity of an ESTA is 2 years. Travelers who have obtained an ESTA can plan to make several trips to the United States during this period. They won’t have to reapply for ESTA every time they travel. You must check the validity of your ESTA before embarking on a new trip to the USA.

There are two VWP member countries for which this maximum duration was reduced in the summer of 2023 to 1 year: Brunei and Hungary, detailed in the paragraph below.

Which countries do not have a 2-year ESTA validity period?

Citizens of countries that are members of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) originally benefited from an ESTA validity period of up to 2 years. As of 2023, there are two exceptions to the initial two-year ESTA duration:

• As of July 6, 2023: Brunei citizens using a Brunei passport to travel to the USA have a maximum ESTA validity of 1 year ;
• As of August 1, 2023: Hungarian citizens using a Hungarian passport to travel to the USA have a maximum ESTA validity period of 1 year only.

Under what conditions can the duration of the ESTA be reduced?

Under the following conditions, the validity of the ESTA may be reduced:

• ESTA authorization is strictly linked to a valid passport number. If your passport expires within the two-year period, your ESTA form will no longer be valid, and you will have to apply for a new one.
• Travelers who have changed name, gender or nationality during these two years must also apply for an ESTA. The personal information is no longer up to date, so the ESTA authorization is no longer valid.
• A new ESTA application is also required if the answers to the personal questions in the ESTA application have changed. These questions, to which you have answered Yes or No, concern : Your health, your criminal record and your behavior.

Can I stay in the United States for the full validity of my ESTA?

ESTA authorization is valid for two years. However, an ESTA does not authorize you to stay in the U.S. for 24 consecutive months. You can stay in the USA for up to 90 days. For stays of more than 90 consecutive days, you must first obtain a U.S. visa or Green Card.

What happens when the ESTA expires during my stay in the USA?

If your ESTA form expires during your stay in the United States, you’ll be able to end your stay in peace. If you stay in the USA for less than 90 days, you’ll have no problem leaving the country.