06/06/2026
๐IMPORTANT TRAVEL ALERT โ USA ESTA HOLDERS, PLEASE READ!
If youโre planning a trip to the USA and already have an ESTA approved, please check it is still valid before you travel. โ๏ธ
There has been a significant change to the ESTA application rules around photos and itโs catching thousands of travellers off guard.
Whatโs changed?
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has clarified that when applying for an ESTA, you must upload a fresh, original photograph of your face, taken specifically for the application. This means a clear, recent selfie-style photo with a plain light background, no glasses, no filters, and good even lighting.
What was the problem?
Many people were uploading a scan or photo of the passport photo page from their passport. This is no longer acceptable and CBP has been cancelling previously approved ESTAs as a result, even ones that were granted a while ago. Reports from travel agents and cruise lines have flagged dozens of people being denied boarding because their ESTA showed as cancelled. ๐ฌ
What should you do RIGHT NOW?
โ
Go to the official ESTA website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
โ
Check the status of your ESTA
โ
If it has been cancelled, youโll need to reapply with a correct, original photo
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Allow up to 72 hours for a new application to be processed
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Do NOT leave this until the day before you fly!
This is especially important for:
๐ข Cruise passengers (you can be denied boarding)
โ๏ธ Anyone flying into the US
๐ณ๏ธ Those joining a cruise that calls at a US port
An ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first), but with these new rules, validity is no longer a guarantee if your original photo didnโt meet the requirements.
Spread the word and share this post so friends and family with US trips planned donโt get caught out at the airport! ๐
