How many times can you enter on a ESTA?

The ESTA: Your Key to Multiple U.S. Visits (But Know the Rules!)

Planning a trip to the United States? If you’re from one of the 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you’ve likely heard about the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. But one common question travelers have is: How many times can you actually enter the U.S. using a single ESTA?

The good news is that an approved ESTA allows for multiple entries into the United States within its validity period. Think of it less as a single-use ticket and more as a multi-trip pass. As long as your ESTA remains valid and you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, you can hop across the border for business or tourism as many times as you like.

Here’s the catch (and it’s important):

• Two-Year Validity: Your ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of authorization. This means you can make numerous trips within that timeframe. The exact expiration date will be clearly displayed on your ESTA approval.
• Passport Linkage: Your ESTA is directly linked to your passport. If you obtain a new passport (due to expiration, loss, or any other reason), your old ESTA becomes invalid, even if it’s still within its two-year validity period. You must apply for a new ESTA with your new passport information.
• 90-Day Limit Per Visit: Even with a valid ESTA, each individual stay in the U.S. is limited to a maximum of 90 days. Staying longer than 90 days, even if you leave the U.S. and immediately try to re-enter, can violate the terms of the VWP and may lead to serious consequences, including visa denials and difficulties entering the U.S. in the future.
• Purpose of Visit: You can only use an ESTA for tourism, business, or transit purposes. If you plan to study, work, or immigrate to the U.S., you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa.
• Eligibility Still Matters: Even with a valid ESTA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry have the final authority to determine whether or not you can enter the country. They will assess your reasons for travel and ensure you are not a risk to U.S. security or immigration laws. Answer their questions truthfully and be prepared to provide documentation supporting your purpose of visit.

In Summary:

You can enter the U.S. multiple times on a single ESTA, provided:

• Your ESTA is still valid (within its two-year period).
• Your passport hasn’t expired or been replaced.
• Each stay is no longer than 90 days.
• Your purpose of travel is tourism, business, or transit.
• You continue to meet all the eligibility requirements for the VWP.

So, plan your trips, pack your bags, and enjoy the convenience of the ESTA – just remember to keep these crucial details in mind to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry to the United States!

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