Is my ESTA still valid? - ESTAForm.org

Is my ESTA still valid?

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You can check the status of your ESTA at any time. You can contact us at any time to check on its status. If it has been less than two years since you applied, and your passport is still valid, your ESTA should be valid.
If you already applied for ESTA, you can check the validity of your ESTA, so you will be sure if it’s valid while travelling or before booking your flights.
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ESTA Application Not Found

If you check the status of your ESTA application, you get the message to says Application Not Found. Then this is likely to be due to incorrect information being supplied in the original ESTA application form.
It could also mean a problem with applying, for example, if the internet connection dropped off as you were submitting the form. Or the payment for the application fee may not have gone through, so the payment for the application could not be processed.

When does ESTA expire?

If you see this status message, your ESTA is no longer valid, and you will need to apply for a new travel authorisation using the same method of completing the online ESTA form. It is impossible to renew an ESTA or transfer it from one passport to another. You must complete the online application again.

When is ESTA pending?

When you get this message, the CBP is reviewing it. You need to wait a bit longer to get the final status of your application. It usually takes up to 72 hours for your application to get processed, so wait at least this amount of time before taking further action.

Authorisation Approved

If you check your ESTA status and it says authorisation approved, your application is processed, and you now have a valid ESTA to travel to the US.
You should also be able to see your expiry date to know how long it will be valid. You should be aware that although the ESTA has been approved, it is still possible for the Customs and Border Protection agents to revoke it, should they see fit and refuse entry into the US.

ESTA Application Not Authorised

If your ESTA status says Application Not Authorised, your application has been reviewed and refused. If you have answered “Yes” to any eligibility questions, there could be several reasons.
If you are deemed to pose a security or health threat, then the authorities will not issue you with travel authorisation.
They might refuse your ESTA application, but you could still apply for a B-2 tourist visa and still visit the US. It will depend on why your ESTA is refused, as any serious criminal convictions or infectious health conditions will usually result in a declined visa application.
Suppose you think that you made a mistake on your ESTA application, resulting in the application being refused. In that case, you may be able to amend the mistake on the form or submit another ESTA application ten days later.

ESTA Validity

Your ESTA authorisation will run out two years from the date it was authorised, or when your passport expires, whichever is the sooner. ESTA does not renew itself automatically, irrespective of whether you visit the USA or not during the two years.
When the two-year period ends or your passport expires, you will need to apply for a new ESTA yourself, following the same procedures you did the first time you applied for ESTA via the website.
You will also need to apply for a new ESTA if you experience a change in:
  • Legal name
  • Gender
  • Citizenship
  • Or other alteration to your biographical information
Other changes can be updated to your application at any time. However, if your status or any new information about you compromises your eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program, you will not be able to apply for ESTA again.
Your ESTA must be valid on the date you are entering the US, although it does not matter if it expires whilst you are in the US, as long as you do not stay longer than the 90 days limit. Confirmation of this is available on the US Customs and Border Protection website.
While your ESTA is valid, you can visit the US multiple times using the same ESTA unless your passport expires. You can use your ESTA to visit any area of the US, even if you want to visit multiple states during the same visit, as long as you do not overstay the 90-day limit.

How can I check my ESTA is still valid?

You can check the status of your ESTA application at any time. Visit the governmental website, and click on the “Check Existing Application” option, which will take you down to the “Returning Applicants Check ESTA Status” section.
You click either “Check Individual Status” or “Check Group Status”, depending on the type of ESTA form you wish to check. If you are checking your status, fill in the application number unique to your application and your passport number and date of birth.
If you do not know your application number, click on the “I Do Not Know My Application Number” option.
You can access your application by providing other details, including passport number, date of birth, family name, first (given) name, and country of citizenship.

Checking Group Status

If you are checking for group status, fill in your Group ID, family name, first (given) name, email address and date of birth to retrieve your group application.
If you do not know the Group ID, provide your details, and you will receive an email with your Group ID. Once you have received this, you may use it to retrieve the ESTA group application.
Alternatively, you can check the status of each individual. Should you encounter any problems with any process, you can contact us for assistance.
Remember that your ESTA application is valid for two years. It is always best to keep a saved or printed version of the form showing approved authorisation to know when you applied for your ESTA and how long your application is valid.
Be aware that your ESTA application also becomes invalid if your passport expires. If this occurs, you should apply for a new ESTA once you renew your passport.
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Written by Abisola Fikayomi

Abisola is an accomplished writer interested in US Travel, immigration, passports and visas. She’s passionate about exploring new places and cultures and willing to share her experiences, expertize and findings with others. That is her primary drive for specialising in this industry.

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