Travelers heading to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program must now meet a new requirement when submitting their ESTA application online.
In April 2024, U.S. authorities proposed adding a new step to the ESTA web application platform: uploading a passport-style selfie in addition to a passport scan.
Over the past few days, VisasNews experts have been able to see that this development is now being rolled out. For many applicants, the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) now requires a selfie upload after inserting the passport online.
This new measure is being introduced gradually. Not all users are confronted with this yet, but it should soon be standard for all applicants. It’s therefore recommended to prepare a compliant photo in advance.
ESTA for the U.S.: what are the selfie requirements?
Here are the guidelines from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the selfie required for an ESTA application:
- If you are applying on behalf of someone else, ensure the selfie is a photo of the passport holder.
- Ensure the selfie is not a copy of the photo in the passport. If you submit the same photo, the application will be canceled.
- For accurate results, capture full face, show head and shoulders only.
- Usa a color photo on a plain background.
- No sunglasses, hats, or masks.
- No filters or major editing.
Alignment with the ESTA mobile app
This website update brings the online process in line with the ESTA mobile app (iOS | Android), which has required users to take or upload an ID photo since its launch.
By requiring consistent documentation across platforms, U.S. authorities aim to strengthen identity verification and prevent fraud attempts.
This change is part of a broader effort to improve security and traveler authentication before boarding a flight to the United States without a visa.
Who can apply for ESTA to travel to the U.S. without a visa?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a mandatory electronic travel permit for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries.
Eligible countries currently 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 United Kingdom.
As of 2025, the ESTA fee is $21 per person, but this price could soon almost double. Applications 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, whichever comes first. During that time, travelers may enter the U.S. multiple times without reapplying, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days.
It’s also important to note that ESTA is now required for land entries into the U.S., including from Canada or Mexico.
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