If you are planning a trip to the U.S. with your child, it's essential to understand the requirements for travel authorizations, such as the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
The ESTA is mandatory for all visa-exempt non-immigrant visitors, including minors from visa waiver countries.
This page outlines when and how to apply for an ESTA for a child, and if it’s possible to apply for the U.S. ESTA together as a family.
Do All Children Require an ESTA?
Yes, all travelers who are citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program must have a valid ESTA when visiting the United States for short stays.
This is a mandatory requirement for adults, children, and even infants and babies, regardless of the child's age. If your child is traveling for reasons not covered by ESTA, they might need to obtain a visa instead.
Children of all ages must have their own travel authorization in order to enter the United States. This is one of the most important requirements set by the Customs and Border Control of America.
Additionally, the same requirement applies to children who have a transit flight through the U.S.
How Can I Obtain ESTA for My Child?
The application procedure on behalf of a child is the same as applying for oneself.
We advise you to submit each ESTA application for your family through our site under the supervision of one adult—preferably the primary guardian. You should use the same email address for every application.
By using the same email address for all applications, you ensure that all correspondence and documents are consolidated under one account. This unified approach helps streamline the verification process.
What’s more, making an application together may result in receiving the approval at the same time, which is more convenient for traveling.
Can I make an application on behalf of my kid?
Yes, you can make an ESTA application on behalf of a child. You simply need to enter the child’s details on the application form.
You need to indicate that you understand the eligibility requirements of the US ESTA on behalf of the minor. You do this in the Applicant Statement section (pictured below) by checking the boxes marked:
- I declare that all information provided in the application form is true, complete and correct.
- I have read and understood the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Note: All applicants are required to have an independent ESTA authorization.
To get one, they must hold their own passport, which must be machine-readable. This applies to children too.
Therefore, children listed on their parents’ passport will not qualify for ESTA. Parents and legal guardians should request a machine-readable passport for their children well in advance of their trip.
If the dependent child is not from a visa waiver country, he/she will not be eligible to apply for ESTA.
Furthermore, if the applicant’s spouse does not have a valid visa or ESTA travel authorization to enter the U.S., the main applicant may also apply on their spouse’s behalf.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an ESTA for a Child
Obtaining an ESTA for a minor is straightforward. Simply:
- Fill out a separate online form for your child, including the same email address you used in your own.
- Upload relevant documents, such as a copy of your child’s passport
- Pay the application fee by credit or debit card online. You must pay the fee for each individual application
The whole process can be completed from anywhere in the world. The approved ESTA registration(s) will be sent via email to the address you provided in the application form.
The fact that the minor is adopted will not affect the application. Should the minor’s application be rejected, parents will have to help the child(ren) obtain a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Traveling to the U.S. on an ESTA with Children
Most ESTA applications are approved within hours, although it is always advisable to request an ESTA at least 72 hours prior to departure. Once the approved authorization is issued via email, visitors can get their family ready to travel.
Remember to bring:
- The machine-readable passports that were used during the application. This is extremely important since the ESTA is electronically linked to the passport, should this be different from the one used in the ESTA request, the passenger may be denied entry into the U.S
- A copy of the approved ESTA authorizations
- Documents proving the adoption or legal guardianship (if applicable)
At the airport or border, simply present these documents to the American authorities.