ESTA holders should check authorisation following selfie requirement
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose ESTA lacks the required photograph may need to submit a new application.
- In effect from
- 18 Sept 2026
- Published
- 18 Sept 2026
The FCDO advises that an ESTA without the selfie photograph now required by US Customs and Border Protection may need to be replaced with a new ESTA.
Check your ESTA account before travelling to ensure your authorisation remains valid. The source does not give an effective date for the photograph requirement.
Countries affected
Related updates
Thailand sets 30-day, tourism-only visa exemption from 15 September 2026
From 15 September 2026, British citizen passport holders using Thailand’s visa exemption scheme can stay for up to 30 days for tourism only. Business travellers must obtain an appropriate visa before travelling.
Thailand sets 30-day visa-exempt tourist stays from 15 September 2026
From 15 September 2026, British citizens entering Thailand under the visa exemption scheme can stay for up to 30 days for tourism. Travellers entering before that date will usually retain the period granted on arrival.
