How do I check if my ESTA has expired?

ESTA is an abbreviation of Electronic System for Travel Authorization and was developed in the US to check the eligibility of foreigners from certain countries in the continent as they make their entry into the US.

Content:

How do I check if my ESTA has expired?
How to check the ESTA expiry date?
When to apply for a new ESTA?

There are countries whose citizens are exempted from visa application as they make their entry into the US and these are usually the 38 countries who fall under Visa Waiver Program.

The ESTA system was thus developed to ensure that citizens in these countries are fit to visit the US. “How do I check if my ESTA has expired?” is thus the most worrying question for those travelling to the US using the ESTA.

How do I check if my ESTA has expired?

ESTA is valid for only 2 successive years after the date in which it was obtained or at the expiry of the passport whichever expires first. It is therefore very clear that the expiry date of your ESTA is determined by the time in which it was acquired and it is good to keep a track of it.

However, keeping a track on the particular time in which you obtained the ESTA can quite be difficult not unless you regularly travel to the US. However this should not worry you as this article is aimed at shading some light on the ESTA validity as well its expiry period.

How to check the ESTA expiry date?

As mentioned earlier on, ESTA is meant to expire after 2 consecutive years commencing from the date on which it was obtained.

The system allows visitors to stay in the country for a duration not exceeding 90 days for every trip they make to the US.

Just like any other visitor, overstaying makes your future trips to the US quite difficult or even impossible at some point.

Usually, ESTA application is made online and this means that you can always check the status of your ESTA any time you like. Knowing the expiry date of your ESTA is thus very simple if you made your application online.

When to apply for a new ESTA?

According to the laid rules regarding ESTA, one cannot be able to renew their ESTA if it has expired and thus the only option is to make a new application if you are planning to have another trip to the United States.

The new ESTA should however be applied based on your current details if at all you have made a change on your identity.

For instance, if you have made a change on your name or your location, then the new ESTA should be applied based on the new details.

Remember to make the application some time before your travel to give time for the processing of your ESTA. Normally, it takes about 72 hours to process and approve the ESTA and it would thus be a wise decision to make the application prior to your trip.

It is always important to check on the status of your ESTA before travelling to the US to avoid disappointment since the USA government cannot at any time permit any foreigner to make an entry into the country if their ESTA is expired.

Simply have a good track on your ESTA status and enjoy your stay in the US.