Travelling again with the same ESTA
A single ESTA allows for multiple trips to the USA. It is therefore not necessary to apply for a new ESTA if the previous one is still valid. This is also the case if the travel purpose or the accommodation details have changed. However, there are situations in which the validity may expire before the normal two-year period. Read on this page what you should bear in mind for your next trip to the USA with your current ESTA.
Different travel purpose
The ESTA is intended for people travelling to the United States for:
- a transit
- a business trip
- visiting family or friends
- a holiday
When submitting an ESTA application, you are required to state the purpose of your next trip. If the purpose of your next flight to the United States is different from the purpose of your previous trip as indicated on the ESTA form, this should not be a problem, and you do not need to submit a new application. However, the travel purpose must always be one of the options mentioned above. Do you want to start working for an American employer, study or stay in the USA for more than 90 consecutive days during your upcoming trip? Then an ESTA is not sufficient, and you will need a specific visa.
Changed accommodation address in America
In the application form, you indicate the accommodation you will be staying at in the USA. Do you want to travel again and is your ESTA from the previous trip still valid, but you are staying somewhere else in the USA this time around? Then you do not need to apply for a new ESTA. It is also not necessary to inform the authorities about your changed place of residence. It is also not necessary to report this change or to submit a new application if you no longer plan to visit the accommodation listed during your first trip.
Changed travel date
A changed or additional arrival or departure date is likewise no reason to submit a new application. However, each arrival date must fall within the ESTA validity period.
Have you been to Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, North Korea, Somalia and/or Yemen in the meantime?
If you have been to Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, North Korea, Somalia and/or Yemen since your ESTA was granted, you may no longer travel to the United States with your ESTA. It is also not sufficient to submit a new application. The only way to travel to the USA is to apply for a visa at the embassy.
Have you moved in the meantime?
Did you move places since applying for your ESTA? If you moved, it is only necessary to submit a new application if your new place of residence is in a different country from the one you listed on the application form as your country of residence. Relocations within the same country are not a reason to apply for a new ESTA.
Changed name, nationality or gender
Did you change your name in the civil registry since an ESTA was issued? Then you need to apply for a new ESTA. The new name must also be listed on the passport with which the application is submitted. The same applies to a change of nationality and gender. If you changed any personal details which do not appear on your passport, you do not need to apply for a new ESTA if you are still travelling with the same passport with which the original application was submitted.
You acquired a condition that may pose a threat
Did you develop a condition after your ESTA was granted that could potentially pose a threat to your immediate environment? In that case, it is not possible to travel to the United States with an ESTA. You must apply for a visa at the American consulate. This concerns both mental and physical illnesses, such as a mental disorder or a serious infectious disease.
Use of drugs
The ESTA form asks whether the traveller has violated any laws relating to illegal narcotics. If this is the case, it will not be possible to travel with an ESTA, even if a new application is submitted. This also applies to travellers who are not currently using drugs but have in the past violated a law concerning the possession, use or distribution of drugs.
Causing damages and committing crimes
Did you indicate on your ESTA form at the time of your previous application that you have never been arrested or convicted of a crime which resulted in serious property damage or injury, and has this changed in the meantime? In that case, you may no longer travel to the USA with your ESTA. Submitting a new ESTA application will not help either, as it will be rejected. However, you can try to obtain a visa.
Violation of rules
If, during a previous trip to the United States, you have not adhered to the rules established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it will not be possible to travel again with your ESTA. You will not be able to apply for a new ESTA either. You may, however, apply for a visa and, once granted, travel to the United States. Whether the visa will be granted depends on the severity of the violation.
