Passport for USA travel

If you plan a trip to the United States, you must have a valid passport. But be careful: when using the quick and easy ESTA authorization for visa-free travel, your passport must meet specific requirements. Learn about the passport requirements for ESTA.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system for visa-free travel to the USA, which can be used by nationals of 42 countries (including almost all EU countries).

USA trips with ESTA are more affordable, faster, and less complicated since participating travelers save themselves from the appointment at the US embassy as they no longer need a visa.

Because the ESTA authorization for your trip to the USA has to be digitally linked to your passport, you need a biometric one (e-passport) with a data chip in the envelope.

You can recognize the correct travel document by the following characteristics:

• Sturdy cover (book format)
• Data page with laminated card and passport photo
• Scannable code at the bottom of the data page
• Golden ICAO symbol on the front cover (below)

The data in the biometric passport includes:

• Issuing country
• Passport number
• Names
• Birth date
• Nationality
• Place of birth
• Date of issuance
• Validity date
• Place of issue

Visitors to the United States without an e-passport must take the traditional route of obtaining a US visa and plan for higher costs and longer waiting times.

Many foreign visitors must present a passport upon entry into the United States, valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date. However, an exception applies to nationals of countries that belong to the "Six-Month Club" of the US government.

Over 100 countries are members of the Six-Month Club, including all EU countries, the UK, and Canada. If your passport is issued by a country member of this club, it only needs to be valid up to the date of your departure from the US.

Over 100 countries are members of the Six-Month Club, including all EU countries, the UK, and Canada. If your passport is issued by a country member of this club, it only needs to be valid up to the date of your departure from the US.

Note that your ESTA authorization is only valid as long as your passport. Once your passport expires, and you get a new one, you must apply for a new ESTA with your new travel document.

Holders of a conventional US visa do not need to apply for a new visa when their passport expires, but they do need to take both passport documents (old and new) with them when entering the United States.

If you are traveling to the USA with children and want to use the ESTA travel authorization, each child, regardless of their age, needs a biometric passport and their own ESTA application.

Children's passports are not accepted in the ESTA procedure. If you do not want to or cannot apply for a biometric passport for your child, you must apply for a US visa and thus calculate higher costs and longer waiting times for your trip to the USA.

Do you have questions about traveling to the USA with ESTA? Check out our FAQ section for answers:

What information does the biometric passport contain?

The biometric passport, also known as an electronic passport or E-passport, contains various information on both the data chip and the physical pages.

This data is critical for identifying and authenticating the holder. The information contained in the biometric passport includes

• Country of issue: this is usually the passport holder's home country.
• Passport number: used to identify and track the passport
• Name: The passport holder's full name, including first name(s) and last name(s)
• Date of Birth
• Citizenship
• Birthplace: the city and country of birth
• Date of Issue: The date the passport was issued.
• Expiration date: includes the end date until which the passport can be used.
• Place of issue: usually refers to the issuing authority or consulate of the issuing country.

The biometric passport enables faster and more efficient travel processes through the use of modern technologies such as data chips and biometric features.

Can I enter the USA without an e-passport?

If you do not have an e-passport, you must apply for a US visa instead of an ESTA and go through the traditional visa process at the embassy or consulate, which involves higher costs and longer wait times.

What happens if my passport expires while I have a valid ESTA?

Your ESTA authorization is only valid as long as your passport is. If your passport expires, you must apply for a new ESTA authorization with your new travel document.

Can I apply for ESTA if my passport is about to expire?

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in the United States. Therefore, if your passport is about to expire, you should renew it before submitting an ESTA application.

Are additional documents required to apply for ESTA?

No, only information from your passport and your personal information is required to apply for ESTA.

How long does it usually take to receive ESTA authorization?

In most cases, ESTA approval is granted immediately or within minutes of submitting the application. However, it is recommended that the application be submitted at least 72 hours prior to departure to allow for unforeseen delays.

Can I enter the USA with a passport that is damaged or has missing pages?

A damaged passport or a passport with missing pages will not be accepted for entry into the United States. It is essential to have a passport in good condition that meets U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements.

Are there any restrictions on passport validity for travelers in transit through the USA?

Transit travelers generally must meet the same passport validity requirements as travelers entering the USA for a stay. It is advisable to check with the airline and appropriate authorities for specific transit requirements.

Can I apply for ESTA if I have dual citizenship and one of my passports is not eligible for ESTA?

Yes, you can submit your ESTA application using the passport that is eligible for the program. When completing the application, you will only need to provide information about your additional citizenship.

Please note, however, that if you are a dual national of Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, or Syria, you are ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program, which means you will no longer be able to travel to the USA with ESTA and will need to apply for a visa.

Do I need to carry a copy of my ESTA when entering the US?

It is recommended to carry a printed or digital copy of your ESTA authorization, as it may be requested by airline or immigration officials during travel or upon arrival in the US.

Can I use my expired passport to apply for ESTA?

No, an expired passport cannot be used as identification during the ESTA application process. You must provide information from your current, valid passport.

What should I do if I find an error or discrepancy in my biometric passport information?

If you find any errors or discrepancies in your biometric passport, you should contact your country's passport office or embassy/consulate to correct the problem. It is important that the information in your passport is accurate and up-to-date for travel to the United States.