How Long Does an ESTA Last? Your Complete Guide to ESTA Validity and Travel Duration
If you're planning a short trip to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), one of the most frequently asked questions is: How long does an ESTA last? Understanding the duration of ESTA validity and how long you’re allowed to stay in the U.S. is crucial for planning your travel itinerary. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how long an ESTA lasts, including entry rules, renewal timelines, and related travel tips.
Before diving into the duration, let’s quickly clarify what ESTA is. ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It’s not a visa, but a pre-screening travel authorization required for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who want to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit, without obtaining a traditional visa.
Travelers often wonder about details like “how long does an ESTA last?” or “how often can I visit with an ESTA?” — and this guide answers all that.
An approved ESTA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this two-year period, you can enter the United States multiple times without having to reapply, provided your travel purpose meets the conditions of the Visa Waiver Program.
So, if you’re asking how long does an ESTA last, the answer is:
Up to 2 years from the date it is issued.
Or until your passport expires, if that happens sooner.
Even though your ESTA is valid for 2 years, you cannot stay in the U.S. for 2 years straight. Each individual visit under an ESTA allows you to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days per trip.
Here’s a breakdown:
ESTA validity: 2 years
Stay per visit: Up to 90 days
Entries allowed: Multiple (no limit, but frequent entries may raise questions at the border)
This means you could potentially visit the U.S. many times within the two-year validity period, as long as each stay doesn’t exceed 90 days and your purpose of visit is permitted under the VWP.
Yes, but with caution. You can leave the U.S. and return with your ESTA as long as it’s valid. However, attempting to "reset" the 90-day limit by briefly leaving (for example, going to Mexico or Canada and returning) might raise red flags with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
It’s at the discretion of border agents to determine whether your frequent entries suggest an intent to live in the U.S., which ESTA does not allow.
To find out exactly when your ESTA expires, you can check your application status online. If your passport expires, your ESTA automatically becomes invalid — even if it's been less than two years.
So it’s important to make sure:
Your passport is valid for the entire time you plan to stay.
You check your ESTA expiration date before each trip to the U.S.
If your ESTA has expired or your passport is no longer valid, you’ll need to reapply for a new ESTA before traveling again. The reapplication process includes:
Filling out a new ESTA form
Paying the application fee
Awaiting approval (usually within minutes or up to 72 hours)
There is no renewal option for ESTA — you must submit a new application.
Certain changes can also affect your ESTA’s validity. You will need to apply for a new ESTA if:
You get a new passport
You change your name, gender, or nationality
Your answers to ESTA security questions change
You develop a new medical condition or criminal record that impacts admissibility
In these cases, even if your ESTA still has time left, it's no longer valid, and you'll need to apply again.
Can You Extend an ESTA While in the U.S.?
No. You cannot extend your stay under ESTA once you are in the United States. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a different visa before traveling.
Can You Apply for a Visa After ESTA Expires?
Yes. If you plan to stay in the U.S. for longer than 90 days or for purposes not permitted under ESTA (such as studying or working), you’ll need to apply for a U.S. visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Understanding the answer to how long does an ESTA last ensures that:
You don't overstay your permitted time (which could impact future travel)
You keep your travel plans in line with U.S. immigration rules
You reapply at the right time and with the right information
Knowing this helps avoid delays, denials, and complications at the border.
Now that you know how long an ESTA lasts, make sure you're ready for your next U.S. adventure. The online application process takes just a few minutes, and approvals are often granted within hours.
✅ Ready to travel to the United States?
👉 CLICK HERE to apply for your ESTA online now.
Don’t wait — ensure your travel authorization is approved well in advance of your trip!