ESTA holders should check compliance with selfie requirement
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose authorisation does not contain the required photograph may need to apply for a new ESTA.
- In effect from
- 6 Oct 2026
- Published
- 6 Oct 2026
The FCDO advises travellers to check their ESTA account before travelling to ensure their authorisation remains valid.
If your ESTA does not contain the required selfie photograph, you may need to submit a new application. The source does not give an effective date or say that every existing ESTA without a selfie is automatically invalid.
Countries affected
Related updates
ESTA holders should check authorisation against new selfie requirement
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose ESTA does not contain the required photograph may need to apply for a new authorisation.
Check existing ESTA authorisations for the new selfie requirement
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose authorisation does not contain the required photograph may need to apply for a new ESTA.