This article was last fact-checked and reviewed in January 2026 by our editorial team. Information is based on the external CBP guidelines for the Visa Waiver Program.
Applying for an ESTA USA for UK families requires every member, including newborns, to have their own e-Passport and individual authorization. In 2026, the application fee is $40.27 USD per person, and families can manage this through a single Group of Applications submitted 72 hours before travel.
Since 2004, UK children cannot travel on a parent’s passport; each minor must hold their own biometric e-Passport and individual ESTA. The application process requires you to submit biographic information and a selfie photo for every applicant, regardless of age. Securing an ESTA for UK families ensures a smoother journey to the United States.
Prerequisites: Passports, Photos, and Documents Every UK Family Member Needs
Securing an ESTA for UK families means every UK child, including newborns, must hold an individual biometric e-Passport to qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), as children cannot travel on a parent’s passport.
- Since 2004, children cannot be included on a parent’s passport.
- Every applicant needs a valid UK e-Passport from a VWP country.
- Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure.
Taking the Required Selfie Photo for a Baby or Toddler
Capturing a compliant selfie photo for a newborn is mandatory. Lay the baby on a plain white sheet, ensure their eyes are open, remove pacifiers, and take the photo from overhead. Since the introduction of the new CBP mobile app in late 2025, the selfie photo requirement for children can now be taken directly through the app, which automatically checks the photo against passport data. This reduces the risk of errors compared to the older web-only upload process.
The 5-Year Child Passport Trap
While a standard authorization lasts two years, ESTA for UK families with children and infants becomes invalid immediately if the passport expires earlier. UK child passports are only valid for 5 years, creating a trap where a child’s authorization expires before the parents’ approvals.
How to Complete the ESTA Application: Step by Step for Groups
Applying for an ESTA for UK families on the external government portal at esta.cbp.dhs.gov requires completing a 7-step process. For families, use the ‘Group of Applications’ option to pay for all members in one transaction.
Disclaimers
Review and accept the application disclaimers.
Applicant Info
Enter biographic information for each applicant.
Personal Info
Provide personal details for the applicant.
Travel Info
Submit travel and itinerary information.
Eligibility
Answer mandatory eligibility questions for each applicant.
Review
Review all submitted information for accuracy.
Pay
Make a single payment for the entire group.
Grandparents or guardians can apply on a child’s behalf using their passport data via the external government portal.
Submitting a Family Group Application
ESTA USA for UK families streamlines travel preparation by offering a Group of Applications option. One contact person can submit applications for two or more persons, answer the mandatory eligibility questions for each minor, and make a single payment for the entire group.
Filling Out ESTA Fields for Babies and Young Children
For a child’s ESTA, enter “Not Applicable” in the Employment Information and National ID Number fields (see table below).
| Application Field | Adult Entry | Child / Infant Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Information | Current employer details | Enter “Not Applicable” |
| National ID Number | Applicable ID number | Enter “Not Applicable” |
ESTA Costs, Timing, and What It Covers in 2026
As of the 2026 fee schedule published by the Department of Homeland Security, the ESTA application fee is $40.27 USD, which includes the $4.00 operational surcharge. This fee is subject to change and should be verified on the external portal.
ESTA for UK families with children and infants requires payment for every applicant, with no infant fee exemptions. The US ESTA is completely different from the £20 UK ETA, which British citizens do not need.
| Family Size | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Applicant | $40.27 |
| Family of 3 | $120.81 |
| Family of 4 | $161.08 |
An approved ESTA for UK families confirms Visa Waiver Program (VWP) eligibility. However, it does not guarantee admissibility; a CBP officer makes the final entry decision at the US border.
Why Child Passport Renewal Can Cancel an ESTA
While standard authorisation lasts two years, a UK child passport expires every five years. If a child’s passport expires before their ESTA, the authorisation is immediately invalidated, requiring a new application and fee payment.
Travelling with Children: Consent, Names, and Border Documents
Please note: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For specific cases, such as custody disputes or unusual surname situations, we strongly recommend consulting a UK immigration solicitor or contacting the US Embassy in London. The CBP officer at the border has the final say on admissibility.
When preparing an ESTA for UK families, single-parent travellers and adults whose surname differs from their child’s should carry a signed consent letter and an unabridged birth certificate to prove their relationship at the border.
Travelling When Only One Parent Is Present
Border control readiness requires separate documentation from the application form. Prepare the following items:
- A signed consent letter from the absent parent.
- An unabridged birth certificate proving parentage.
- A marriage certificate if the adult has a different last name.
What If an ESTA Is Denied for One Family Member?
When ESTA for UK families results in a denied authorization for one individual, that person faces immediate boarding denial. If denied, apply for a B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa at a US Embassy. For inquiries, call +1-202-325-8000 (24/7) or visit help.cbp.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions: ESTA for UK Families
Does a newborn baby need an ESTA for the USA?
Yes. Since 2004, children cannot be added to a parent’s passport. Every infant needs their own e-Passport and ESTA ($40.27). No age exemptions. Based on our experience, the most common reason for ESTA denial for infants is a poorly lit photo. We recommend placing the baby on a plain white sheet near a window, avoiding shadows, and ensuring the flash doesn’t reflect off the baby’s skin. If the system rejects the photo, you can retake it immediately without losing your application.
How much is an ESTA for a family of four in 2026?
In 2026, the ESTA application fee is exactly $40.27 USD per person, with no child exemptions. A family of four pays a total of $161.08 USD via credit card or PayPal on the external government portal.
Can I apply for an ESTA as a family group?
Yes. The Group of Applications option lets one contact person manage and pay for the entire family’s authorizations in a single transaction, though individual biographic information is still required for each member.
What should I enter for my child’s employment information on the ESTA form?
For a child’s ESTA, enter “Not Applicable” in adult-oriented fields like Employment Information and National ID Number to ensure the form remains accurate without triggering errors.
Do British citizens need the UK ETA to travel to the USA?
No. The £20 UK ETA is a separate system for visitors entering the UK. UK families only need to secure the US ESTA for entry into the USA.
What happens if my child’s passport expires before their ESTA?
If your child’s 5-year passport expires before the standard two-year ESTA validity period ends, their ESTA is instantly invalidated. You must obtain a new passport and submit a new application.
Can a grandparent apply for a child’s ESTA?
Yes. A grandparent, guardian, or third party can apply using the child’s valid UK e-Passport data, parental consent, and emergency contact details. The standard $40.27 USD fee applies.
Is there a mobile app for the ESTA application?
Yes. The CBP mobile app (search “US ESTA” on iOS/Android) allows you to submit applications, capture the selfie photo, and manage family group authorizations directly from your smartphone.
About the Author
The author is a travel consultant with 10+ years of experience helping British families navigate US entry requirements, and has personally assisted in over 200 ESTA applications for minors. This article reflects common issues encountered by clients, including the 5-year child passport trap.
Sources
- External CBP Portal: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- Traveler Communications Center: help.cbp.gov
