An approved ESTA lasts two years. That is the short answer. The longer answer matters, because several everyday events cut that period short without warning.
The two-year rule
US Customs and Border Protection grants an ESTA for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
So a passport that expires in eight months gives you an ESTA of eight months, not two years. The document with the shorter life always wins.
What you can do inside that window
- Enter the United States as often as you like.
- Stay up to 90 days on each entry.
- Travel for tourism or for business.
There is no limit on the number of trips. There is a firm limit on each stay. Border officers also watch the pattern: back-to-back 90-day stays with short gaps look like living in the country, and that draws questions.
When your ESTA stops being valid
Five changes end an authorisation immediately, even if the two years have not run out.
| Change | What to do |
|---|---|
| You renew your passport | Apply again with the new document |
| You change your name | Apply again |
| You change your gender | Apply again |
| You gain a new citizenship | Apply again |
| Your answer to any eligibility question changes | Apply again |
That last row catches people out. If you are arrested, refused a US visa, or travel to one of the restricted countries after your approval, your existing ESTA no longer reflects the truth. Reapply.
How to check what you have
You can look up the status of an existing authorisation on the official government system using your passport number and date of birth. Do this before you book, not the night before you fly.
If the check shows your ESTA expires before your return date, apply again now. An expired ESTA means no boarding pass.
Renewing: what actually happens
There is no renewal in the technical sense. You submit a fresh application and pay the fee again. The process is identical to the first time.
You can apply for the new one while the old one is still valid. The new approval simply replaces it. See how the application works step by step.
Frequently asked questions
My ESTA expires while I am in the USA. Is that a problem?
No. What counts is that the ESTA was valid on the day you entered. You may stay for your full authorised period, up to 90 days, even if the authorisation lapses meanwhile. You will need a new one for your next trip.
Can I extend my ESTA?
No. Neither the two-year authorisation nor the 90-day stay can be extended. This is the sharpest difference from a B-2 visitor visa.
Does an ESTA guarantee entry?
No. It lets you board. A border officer decides whether you enter. Our guide to what happens at US border control walks through that moment.
I have two passports. Which one does my ESTA belong to?
The one you applied with. Travel on that passport. If you present a different one at check-in, the system will not find your authorisation.
How long before departure should I apply?
As soon as your trip is confirmed. Most approvals arrive within hours. Some go to manual review for up to 72 hours.
Check your dates now
If your current authorisation runs out before your trip, or your passport has changed since you last applied, start a new application today.
USA ESTA Portal is a private, independent service and is not affiliated with the government of the United States.
Read next: the six requirements you must meet before applying.
