When should I apply for an ESTA renewal?

An ESTA authorization is a way for nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States without having to apply for a U.S. tourist visa.

This measure has simplified the process for millions of travelers around the world, but the authorization, as convenient as it is, is not unlimited in time. There comes a time when a new ESTA application is required. It is also possible that the ESTA renewal must be done for reasons other than the validity date.

e will review the different scenarios in which renewing your ESTA is necessary in order to be authorized to enter the United States without hindrance.

ESTA renewal due to expiry of validity

The most common reason for renewing an ESTA is the expiration of the authorization to travel to the United States. From the date of issue, the ESTA is linked to your biometric passport or electronic passport for a period of 2 years. After this period, it is imperative to renew your ESTA if you plan to travel to the USA.

Renewing your ESTA due to a change of passport

As we have just seen, the ESTA is linked to your passport for 2 years. But what happens if you no longer have a valid passport and get a new one before the end of the two years? Since the authorization and your passport are inseparable, a new passport means that a renewal of ESTA is mandatory. You must start the ESTA application process again with your new passport information (although the passport number and validity date are usually the only changes that are apparent). Not renewing your ESTA, thinking that it is still valid within the 2-year period, is a mistake, as your authorization automatically loses its validity on the expiration date of your old passport.

ESTA renewal due to change of information

ESTA renewal is also required if your personal information changes during the validity period. A change in personal information means a change of name, nationality or country of residence. Similarly, if your answers regarding U.S. homeland security have changed since your first application, ESTA renewal is also required.

Remember that the airline or shipping company employees will check if you have an ESTA document before boarding your flight to the USA.

Also keep in mind that the ESTA is only required in the case of a tourist trip, a business trip or in the case of a transit through the USA to your final destination. The duration of your stay in the USA must not exceed 90 days.

Apply for a new ESTA

Now that we know when an ESTA renewal is required, let’s look at how to apply for authorization. In theory, it’s very simple, because you have to follow exactly the same steps as the first time.

There is still no need to go to the American embassy, the whole process is done through an online application via the government website or through the services of a private website, like the one of our partner.

Having a biometric or electronic passport is always a mandatory requirement.

Fill out the ESTA form as you did last time. Of course, pay particular attention to the veracity of the information provided, especially if it changes. Once you have completed the online form, you will be required to pay the administration fee again.

From that point on, you will just have to wait for a response from the U.S. authorities regarding your new application.

Remember that you must regularly return to the government website to check the status of your application (a private service provider such as our partner, informs you in real time of the progress of your application).

Your ESTA USA may be accepted right away or placed on “pending” status, if the agents in charge of checking applications need more time.

It is not impossible that you will bedenied the ESTA after your new application.

This may mean that your information or nationality changes mean that you are no longer eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. In this case, you will need to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate where you live to apply for a U.S. tourist visa. An interview with a consular officer will determine whether or not you are eligible for a tourist visa. If the refusal is due to a copy error, it is possible to reapply for ESTA after the old refusal.