How long does the ESTA last?

The ESTA, like all travel authorizations, has a validity period to be respected. Indeed, it is possible to use it multiple times during the period set by the US government. Beyond that, you will need to submit a new ESTA request.

In this article, we reveal how long the ESTA lasts, but also when to reapply.

USA stay

ESTA validity period

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) allows nationals of countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program (visa waiver program) to avoid applying for a US visa at the US Embassy.

The ESTA application does not require any supporting documents, but is subject to several admission criteria relating to the stay in the USA (90 days maximum for a tourist stay, a business trip or transit by air or sea), the passport (valid passport, whether a biometric passport or an electronic passport, issued by a VWP member country) and the traveler himself (does not represent a threat to American national security).

How long does it take to receive the ESTA?

The authorization request is made online via the ESTA form. To complete the form, it is necessary to bring your passport since the information to be communicated is that entered in the passport: surname, first name, date of birth, passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, etc.

The application form can be found on the official website of the US government. To obtain assistance, the online request must be made on a private site.

In general, a request for authorization is processed within 72 hours by the American authorities. It is even sometimes possible to receive a return, within just a few minutes.

Validity of ESTA

The official validity period of the ESTA USA is two years. From the moment you receive the agreement of the American authorities concerning your trip to the USA, you are entitled to board a plane or a boat in the direction of the United States of America.

How many times can you go to the USA with an ESTA?

It is important to specify that you are not limited to a single entry into the United States with an ESTA. You can make several stays in the United States provided that you never stay more than 90 days at a time on American soil.

Travel advice: do not abuse the ESTA to live in the USA. Immigration officers have the right to refuse you entry into the USA if they consider that your trips to the United States are too close together.

When to renew your ESTA authorisation?

The ESTA must be renewed when it is no longer valid. This may be due to its expiration or a change.

The validity period of the ESTA is two years provided that your passport does not expire before (the duration then depends on the validity of the passport). Similarly, the authorization lapses if your passport changes (new passport due to an expired, stolen passport or following a change in personal circumstances).

If you do not have a valid passport, make an appointment with your town hall to apply. The issuance of a French passport can take a little time, so anticipate your request. You will need to fill out a form, provide valid passport photos and register your fingerprints. Once you have your new biometric passport in hand, all you have to do is apply for an ESTA, on the government site or a private site, and make your trip to the United States.