The United States has introduced new requirements for submitting the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application online for travelers intending to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program.
About the ESTA Visa Waiver Program
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business without obtaining a traditional visa, and stay for a period not exceeding 90 days.
Eligible countries for this ESTA application include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Malta, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Following the introduction of the ESTA mobile app which has required users to take or upload an ID photo since its launch to strengthen identity verification and prevent fraud attempts by individuals trying to board a flight to the United States without a visa, US authorities In April 2024, proposed adding a new step: uploading a passport-style selfie to the ESTA web application platform in addition to a passport scan.
Over the past few days, the rollout has gotten into full swing as for many applicants, the official ESTA website now requires a selfie upload after inserting the passport online. This new measure is, however, being introduced gradually as not all users are confronted with this yet, but it should soon be standard for all applicants, with potential applicants advised to prepare a compliant photo in advance.
US ESTA Visa New Selfie Requirements
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the selfie required for an ESTA application must follow the following guidelines:
- If you are applying on behalf of someone else, ensure the selfie is a photo of the passport holder.
- The selfie should not be a copy of the photo in the passport, as if you submit the same photo, the application will be canceled.
- For accurate results, the selfie should capture the full face, showing head and shoulders only.
- Using a color photo on a plain background is advised.
- No sunglasses, hats, or masks should be used when taking the selfie
- There should be no filters or major editing.
ESTA Visa Application Process
As of 2025, the ESTA application fee is $21 per person, but the US is planning to increase it to $40 per person. Applications for ESTA should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure, although most approvals are granted within minutes or hours.
Once approved, the ESTA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, and during that time, ESTA visa holders may enter the U.S. multiple times without reapplying, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days. Additionally, ESTA is now required for land entries into the U.S., including from Canada or Mexico.