Is a US ESTA valid for multiple trips?

Multiple Trips with an ESTA: Understanding the Validity Period

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a convenient visa waiver program that allows eligible travelers from certain countries to visit the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days per entry. One of the key benefits of ESTA is its multiple-entry feature.

Multiple Trips Within a Two-Year Period

An approved ESTA grants repeated entry to the United States over a two-year period from the date of approval. This means that travelers can enter and exit the country as many times as necessary within this timeframe, as long as they adhere to the 90-day maximum stay per entry.

Passport Expiration and ESTA Validity

However, it’s important to note that the validity of an ESTA is tied to the expiration date of the traveler’s passport. If a traveler’s passport expires sooner than the two-year ESTA validity period, the ESTA will also expire on the passport’s expiration date.

Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that the passport used to apply for and receive ESTA is valid for at least the duration of the intended travel. If the passport expires before the ESTA’s two-year period, travelers will need to apply for a new ESTA using a valid passport.

Benefits of Multiple Entries

The multiple-entry feature of ESTA offers several advantages for travelers:

• Flexibility: Allows travelers to plan multiple trips to the United States within the two-year validity period without the need to apply for multiple visas.
• Convenience: Eliminates the hassle of applying for a new visa for each trip, saving time and effort.
• Cost-effective: Eliminates the multiple visa application fees, making it more economical for frequent travelers.

In conclusion, an approved ESTA grants repeated entry to the United States for multiple trips over a two-year period. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the ESTA remains valid by maintaining a valid passport. The multiple-entry feature of ESTA provides travelers with flexibility, convenience, and cost savings for their travel needs within the United States.