Published: 15 January 2026 | Reviewed by the UK Travel Info Team. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a government source. For the most current rules, always check the CBP website.
When planning a trip to the United States from the UK, a common question is: exactly how long does an ESTA last? An approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization is valid for exactly two years from the approval date or until your passport expiration, whichever occurs first.
During this two-year validity period, travellers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can make multiple trips to the US. However, it is crucial to understand the 90-day stay limit per visit. The authorization grants permission to travel, but admissibility is determined at the border.
As of 2026, you cannot extend your current permit. Once you reach the expiration date, or if you get a new e-Passport, you must apply for a new ESTA and pay the required fee before your next journey.
How Long Is an ESTA Valid For and Passport Expiry Rules
The ESTA validity period lasts for exactly 2 years from the approval date, permitting unlimited entries to the United States. However, if your British passport expires sooner, your ESTA expires simultaneously. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection ESTA guidelines, the approval is electronically linked to the specific e-Passport used during the application.
Your ESTA validity period covers every trip you take under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) until the expiration date. Getting a new e-Passport instantly voids your current authorization. If you renew your British passport, you must: (1) apply for a new ESTA using the new passport number, (2) pay the full $40.27 USD fee again, (3) apply at least 72 hours before your next departure, and (4) note that the new 2-year validity clock starts from the new approval date. Imagine you book a flight to New York, but your passport renewal arrives just before departure; your ESTA becomes invalid immediately.
| Feature | Rule |
|---|---|
| ESTA Validity | 2 years from approval date |
| Max Stay | Up to 90 days per visit |
| Entries | Unlimited within validity window |
| Extension | Not possible |
ESTA Validity vs. Length of Stay Per Visit
The 2-year ESTA validity and the 90-day stay limit are separate rules. Each US visit is independently capped at a maximum 90-day stay.
The ESTA validity period dictates the 2-year window during which you can travel to the United States, whereas the Visa Waiver Program restricts your physical presence to up to 90 days per visit. The ESTA validity period must be valid upon entry to the US. If your approval expires while you are already in the country, your admissibility remains legal provided you depart before your 90 days conclude.
For 2026 travel itineraries, consider this example:
15 January 2026
ESTA approved – 2-year validity period begins
March 2026
Visit for 90 days (within the 90-day per-visit limit)
September 2026
Visit for 80 days (new visit, independent 90-day cap)
May 2027
Visit for 85 days (again within the per-visit limit)
15 January 2028
ESTA expires – new application required for future travel
Furthermore, the ESTA validity period does not extend, nor does the 90-day stay clock reset, if you take side trips to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.
Can You Extend or Renew an ESTA?
The ESTA validity period cannot be extended under any circumstances. You must submit a completely new application and pay the exact $40.27 USD fee (✅ Fee verified: $40.27 USD as of January 2026), ideally at least 72 hours before travel.
If you submit a new ESTA application while your current one is still valid, the old authorization will be cancelled only if and when the new application is approved. Until then, your existing ESTA remains active. Applying early and receiving a new approval starts a fresh two-year clock from the new approval date.
Submitting a fresh request through the ESTA Application Portal is the only way to reset your travel window. Standard processing takes up to 72 hours, so you should plan your 2026 travel itinerary with this timeframe in mind. For additional guidance, UK citizens can consult the UK US Embassy ESTA Page.
How to Check Your ESTA Expiry Date
You can check your ESTA expiration date online via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection portal. The ESTA validity period remains verifiable at any time using your passport details and authorization code.
Visit the CBP portal
Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov and select the “Check ESTA Status” tool
Enter your details
Provide your passport number, date of birth, and ESTA Application Number
Review the result
“Travel Authorization Approved” means active; “Expired” requires a new application
If you encounter technical issues checking how long an ESTA lasts, contact the Traveler Communications Center (CBP Info Center) at +1-202-325-8000 or via the CBP website (cbp.gov), operating 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Written inquiries regarding paperwork can be sent to: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Regulations and Rulings, 90 K Street, NE, 10th Floor, Washington DC 20229.
Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA Validity
Does travel to Canada or Mexico reset my ESTA validity?
Short trips to contiguous territories like Canada or Mexico do not reset your 90-day stay limit or extend your two-year ESTA validity period. If you leave the US for Canada and return, the time spent there still counts towards your initial 90 days. This rule prevents travellers from trying to bypass the Visa Waiver Program restrictions.
Can I stay in the US if my ESTA expires during my trip?
Yes, you can stay in the US if your authorization expires while you are already in the country. Your ESTA only needs to be valid on the exact day you enter the United States. As long as you do not overstay the 90-day stay limit, an expiration date occurring during your trip will not cause issues.
Is an ESTA a visa and do they have the same validity period?
An ESTA is not a visa. It is a travel authorization used under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). While a traditional visa might be valid for up to ten years, an ESTA is strictly valid for two years from the approval date. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a proper visa.
How long does an ESTA last if I get a new passport?
Your ESTA is electronically linked to the specific e-Passport you used during the application. If you receive a new British passport, your existing authorization becomes instantly void, regardless of how much time was left on the two-year clock. You must apply for a new ESTA using your updated passport details before travelling.
Can I apply for a new ESTA while my current one is still valid?
You can apply for a new ESTA before your current one expires, which is recommended if your passport is expiring soon. If you submit a new application, the old authorization will be cancelled only if and when the new application is approved. A new two-year validity period begins upon approval, and you must pay the full $40.27 USD application fee again.
How long does an ESTA last for multiple entries?
An approved ESTA permits unlimited multiple trips to the United States throughout its entire two-year validity period. You do not need to apply again for each holiday or business trip in 2026. Just remember that every individual entry is subject to the strict 90-day stay limit and border officials will check your admissibility each time.
What happens if I overstay the 90-day limit on my ESTA?
If you overstay the maximum 90-day stay limit, you violate the strict conditions of the Visa Waiver Program. An overstay will result in your current authorization being revoked. Furthermore, you will likely be permanently ineligible for future ESTA approvals and could face being refused entry if you attempt to return to the US without a valid visa.
Do I need a valid ESTA if I am only transiting through the US?
Yes, an approved ESTA is mandatory for all UK citizens transiting through the United States, whether you are travelling by air or sea. Even if you do not plan to leave the airport and your final destination is another country, you must hold a valid authorization and present your e-Passport before boarding your connecting flight.
