If you’re planning a short trip to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, understanding how long an ESTA remains valid is crucial. Many travelers assume their Esta lasts indefinitely, but that’s not the case. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) has a specific validity period and certain conditions that every traveler must follow to avoid issues at the airport or border.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything about ESTA validity — how long it lasts, when it can expire early, and what happens if your ESTA expires before or during your travel.

What Is an ESTA?

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated system used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to determine the eligibility of travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. It allows you to visit the U.S. for business, tourism, or transit purposes for up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa.

Once approved, your ESTA authorization is electronically linked to your passport. However, the ESTA approval doesn’t guarantee entry — it simply allows you to board a plane or ship to the U.S. The final decision to admit you rests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

ESTA Validity Period Explained

The ESTA is typically valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. This means that if your passport expires before the two-year mark, your ESTA automatically becomes invalid, even if there’s time left on it.

During this two-year period, you can use your ESTA for multiple trips to the United States, as long as each stay doesn’t exceed 90 days and your purpose of travel aligns with the Visa Waiver Program guidelines.

When Does Your ESTA Expire Early?

While an ESTA usually remains valid for two years, there are certain circumstances that can cause it to expire sooner. These include:

• A new passport issuance: If you renew or replace your passport, your old ESTA becomes invalid. You must reapply using the new passport details.
• Change in personal information: If you change your name, gender, or country of citizenship, you need a new ESTA.
• Change in eligibility status: If you are convicted of a crime, develop a contagious disease, or your travel circumstances change (such as visiting certain restricted countries), your existing ESTA may no longer be valid.
• Errors in your application: If the U.S. authorities detect incorrect or false information, they can revoke your ESTA at any time.

How to Check the Validity of Your ESTA

You can easily verify how long your ESTA remains valid by visiting the official ESTA website and selecting the “Check Existing Application” option. You’ll need to provide:

• Your passport number
• Country of citizenship
• Date of birth
• Application number (if available)

Once you enter these details, you’ll see your ESTA status and its expiration date. Keeping track of this information ensures you don’t run into problems before traveling.

How Long You Can Stay in the U.S. with a Valid ESTA

Even though your ESTA remains valid for two years, it doesn’t mean you can stay in the U.S. for that long. Each entry under the Visa Waiver Program allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. After leaving the country, you can return again on the same ESTA, as long as it hasn’t expired and your travel reason still fits the program’s criteria.

Important: Attempting to stay beyond 90 days without a visa can result in penalties, including denial of future entry into the United States.

Can You Renew or Extend an ESTA?

No — ESTA cannot be extended or renewed automatically. Once it expires, you must reapply for a new ESTA. Fortunately, the process is quick and can be completed online in a few minutes.

To avoid delays, it’s recommended to reapply at least 72 hours before your next trip. You can submit a new application even while your current ESTA is still valid, especially if your passport is about to expire soon.

What Happens If Your ESTA Expires During Travel?

If your ESTA expires while you are already in the United States, there’s no need to worry. The key rule is that your ESTA must be valid at the time of entry into the U.S. You’re allowed to stay for up to 90 days even if your ESTA expires during your visit.

However, if you plan to leave and return to the U.S. after it expires, you must apply for a new ESTA before re-entering.

Multiple Entries and ESTA Validity

One of the biggest advantages of ESTA is that it allows multiple entries into the United States within its validity period. Whether you’re traveling for business meetings, conferences, or short vacations, you can use the same ESTA for each trip — as long as it’s still valid.

Still, U.S. Customs officers may question travelers who make back-to-back visits, as this might appear to be an attempt to live in the U.S. without a visa. It’s wise to spend more time outside the country between visits to avoid suspicion.

Checking ESTA Validity Before Every Trip

Before booking your flight, always check:

• Your passport’s expiration date — your ESTA is tied to it.
• The validity of your existing ESTA — ensure it’s active for your planned travel date.
• Changes in eligibility — any new personal details or criminal records require reapplication.

Taking these precautions ensures smooth travel and prevents any last-minute surprises at check-in.

Tips to Keep Your ESTA Valid

• Use the same passport for all ESTA applications and U.S. entries.
• Avoid overstaying your 90-day limit.
• Keep your personal information accurate and updated.
• Reapply for a new ESTA if your circumstances change.
• Always use the official ESTA website for applications and renewals.

Conclusion

Your ESTA is valid for two years from the date of approval or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During that time, you can travel to the United States multiple times for short stays of up to 90 days each.