After submitting your ESTA application, you may want to verify its status before traveling. Whether you applied recently or need to confirm that a previously approved ESTA is still valid, checking your status is a quick and simple process through the official U.S. government website.
This guide explains how to check your ESTA status, understand the different status types, and what to do if your authorization has expired or been revoked.
How to Check Your ESTA Status Online
Checking your ESTA status takes just a few minutes. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Official ESTA Website
Visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov – the only official website for ESTA applications and status checks. Do not use third-party websites, as they may charge unnecessary fees or collect your personal data.
Step 2: Navigate to Status Check
On the ESTA homepage, click on “Check Existing Application” and then select “Check Individual Status” or “Check Group Status” depending on how you originally applied.
Step 3: Enter Your Information
You will need to provide the following details to retrieve your ESTA record:
- Application number (if available), OR passport number
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Name as it appears on your passport
You do not need your application number to check status – you can retrieve your ESTA record using your passport information and personal details.
Step 4: View Your Status
After submitting your information, the system will display your current ESTA status. The status page shows:
- Current authorization status (Approved, Pending, or Not Authorized)
- Validity period (start and end dates)
- Passport information associated with the ESTA
- Application submission date
Understanding ESTA Status Types
Your ESTA application will display one of the following statuses:
Authorization Approved
This means your ESTA has been approved and you are authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Your approval is valid from the date of authorization until the expiration date shown, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
With an approved ESTA, you can make multiple trips to the United States during the validity period. Each stay can be up to 90 days.
Authorization Pending
A pending status means your application is still being processed. This can happen for several reasons:
- Additional security checks are required
- High application volume causing processing delays
- Information in your application needs further review
A pending status does not mean your application will be denied. CBP recommends waiting up to 72 hours before checking again. If your application remains pending after 72 hours, continue to check periodically.
Travel Not Authorized
This status means your ESTA application has been denied. Possible reasons include:
- Ineligibility based on your answers to the application questions
- Previous immigration violations
- Security-related concerns
- Providing false or incomplete information
- Travel history to restricted countries
If your ESTA is denied, you may still apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The visa process allows you to address any issues that caused the ESTA denial.
When to Check Your ESTA Status
You should check your ESTA status in the following situations:
- Before booking flights to the United States
- At least 72 hours before your departure date
- If you are unsure whether a previous ESTA is still valid
- After receiving an email notification from CBP about your ESTA
- If your passport has been renewed or replaced
- Before each trip to the U.S. during the ESTA validity period
How Long Is ESTA Valid?
An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Special exceptions include:
- Brunei nationals: ESTA validity limited to one year
- Previously, Hungarian nationals had limited one-year, single-use ESTA validity (restriction removed September 2025)
During the validity period, you can make multiple trips to the United States without reapplying. However, you must obtain a new ESTA if:
- Your passport expires or is replaced
- You change your name
- You change your gender
- You change your country of nationality
- Any answer to your eligibility questions changes
Retrieving a Lost ESTA Application Number
If you have lost your ESTA application number, you can still check your status using your passport information. The status check tool allows you to search by:
- Passport number, country of citizenship, date of birth, and name
- This method does not require the application number
If you need the application number for your records, it will be displayed on the status check results page once you retrieve your ESTA record.
ESTA Mobile App
CBP offers an official ESTA mobile application available on Google Play and the App Store. The ESTA Mobile app allows you to:
- Create new ESTA applications
- Check the status of existing applications
- Pay application fees
- Access ESTA information on the go
Only download the official app from CBP. Look for “ESTA Mobile” published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
What If My ESTA Expires While I Am in the U.S.?
If your ESTA expires while you are already in the United States, you are still authorized to remain for the duration of your authorized stay (up to 90 days from your entry date). The ESTA only needs to be valid at the time of entry. However, you will need a valid ESTA for your next trip to the U.S.
Common ESTA Status Check Issues
Application Number Not Found
If the system cannot find your application number, try these solutions:
- Verify you entered the correct application number (check for typos)
- Ensure you are using the passport number associated with the application
- Try searching using passport information instead of the application number
- Confirm that enough time has passed since submission (allow at least 24 hours)
Status Shows Expired
If your ESTA shows as expired, you need to submit a new application. The process is identical to your first application. You can apply for a new ESTA at any time, even before traveling.
Name Mismatch
If you cannot retrieve your ESTA record, ensure you are entering your name exactly as it appears on your passport. Include all middle names, suffixes, and special characters as shown on the passport biographical page.
Email Notifications
CBP may send email notifications about your ESTA status to the email address provided during application. These notifications may include:
- Application approval confirmation
- Expiration reminders
- Policy changes affecting your ESTA
- Security-related notices
Always check your spam or junk folder if you are expecting an ESTA notification. However, do not rely solely on email notifications – check your status directly on the ESTA website before traveling.
Privacy and Security
When checking your ESTA status, keep the following security tips in mind:
- Only use the official website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov)
- Never share your ESTA application number or passport details with unauthorized parties
- Log out of the ESTA website when finished, especially on shared computers
- Report any suspicious emails claiming to be from CBP or ESTA to the Federal Trade Commission
Third-Party Status Check Services
Several third-party websites offer to check your ESTA status for a fee. These services are unnecessary because:
- The official ESTA status check is free on the government website
- Third parties cannot expedite or influence your ESTA application
- Sharing your passport information with unauthorized sites poses identity theft risks
- The official CBP website provides the same information at no cost
Always use the official ESTA website to check your status and manage your application.
Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA Status
How often should I check my ESTA status?
Check your ESTA status before each trip to the United States. Additionally, check if you receive any email notifications from CBP or if there have been changes to your passport or personal information. A good practice is to verify your status when booking your flights and again 72 hours before departure.
Can I check someone else’s ESTA status?
You can check another person’s ESTA status if you have their passport information, date of birth, and country of citizenship. This is useful for travel agents or family members managing group travel. However, the ESTA holder should be aware that their information is being accessed.
What does it mean if my ESTA shows “No Application Found”?
This message typically means either no ESTA application exists for the information provided, or the application details were entered incorrectly. Double-check your passport number, name spelling, and date of birth. If you are certain the information is correct, you may need to submit a new application.
Can my ESTA be revoked after approval?
Yes, CBP can revoke an ESTA at any time. Reasons for revocation may include new information that affects eligibility, changes in VWP country designations, or security concerns. If your ESTA is revoked, you will need to apply for a new ESTA or obtain a visa.
Is there a fee to check ESTA status?
No, checking your ESTA status on the official government website is completely free. Any website charging a fee for status checks is a third-party service and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Always use esta.cbp.dhs.gov for free status checks.
How do I update my ESTA information?
Some information on your ESTA can be updated without reapplying, including your email address, phone number, and U.S. point of contact. To update this information, log in to the ESTA website with your application number and passport details. For changes to your name, passport, or eligibility answers, you must submit a new application.
Related Resources
For more information about ESTA and traveling to the United States, visit:
