Do you need to update an ESTA?

BritAbroad

My parents have ESTAs from last year. They are travelling over to visit me in the US again this year. Do they need to update their date of travel on the ESTA? They looked on the official website but couldn't see how to do so. None of the other details, such as address where they're staying in the US, or flight number, are different from last year.

I'm a green card holder so I'm not overly familiar with ESTAs and how they work.

duchy

Not if nothing has changed - from memory there is no date of travel just the airline and address.

franklally

I always update mine - the address may be the same but flight details, arrival & departure are likely to be different.
Just log on to the esta website using your passport number to access their current details.
It's a 5 minute job and I'd rather be safe than sorry

aerostar

From https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1201/~/esta-expiration-notice

As a general rule, your ESTA approval is good for multiple entries into the U.S. over a two year period. Exceptions to this validity period include applicants whose passports will expire before the two year validity period is complete - in which case the ESTA approval is only granted until the expiration date of the Passport

dzug1

It doesn't need to be updated for that but you can

But I don't see how you can fail to see it on the official site - it's right there on the front page in big friendly lettering. Right hand of the two blue boxes

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/application.html?execution=e1s1

unless there's different front pages depending where you access it from

BritAbroad

Thanks. They can get into the system, but it's the date of travel that's the issue - they can't see how to update that. Their flight number is the same as their flight last year (same airline/route/day of departure), and as they're staying at my house that's the same as before too.

claire16c

I've updated mine before it takes 2 mins. You never know if you're gonna get an immigration officer on a power trip so that's why I do it. I've never had any issues changing info on it. Maybe there is a bug & they just need to try again?

luci

It doesn't ask for date of travel so there is nothing to update.

You can if you wish update the flight and accommodation details, but it is not mandatory.

I updated those details for every trip the first few times, but I haven't bothered since and it has never been a problem. Not taking the risk of a glitch in the system returning a revised ESTA saying it is not authorised.

In fact I applied for new ESTAs just last week and didn't even bother putting in the details that weren't mandatory and it was still authorised.

What I did notice was that there was nowhere to put a zip code if you are entering an address.

getmore4less

there is no need to put any travel information on the ESTA it is all optional information.

Never put any in and never had a problem.

Last year we entered the US for the second time in a month on a ship and because we did not have the printout(allthough not needed) they just got us to fill in the old forms confused the airline on departure as they don't get many visa waiver exit cards these days.

Delree

I've recently completed my second trip on an ETSA I got a year ago. I did not update it and even flew to a different airport than the first time. Not a problem. Enjoy your trip.

BritAbroad

Thanks all, I will pass the info on. I've never had an ESTA myself, I was a visa holder and now have a green card so wasn't sure what was required.