Due to updates to ESTA application rules, travellers are increasingly facing refusals to enter the United States before they even begin their journey. Even previously approved permits can be revoked due to technical errors in the application, resulting in cancelled flights, cruises and business trips. Learn more about the new ESTA requirements, key risks for tourists, and how to prepare for your trip without unpleasant surprises

Travellers planning a trip to the United States under the visa waiver programme are increasingly facing unexpected refusals before they even begin their journey. The reason is the updated requirements for ESTA applications, which are already leading to the cancellation of flights, cruises, and land routes through the United States. Even previously approved permits may suddenly become invalid.

What exactly has changed, who is affected, and how to avoid risks — we will tell you more in this article.

To avoid such situations, it is important to understand the rules of entry, length of stay and document requirements. Visit World travel guides can help with this — step-by-step guides with up-to-date information for travelling to the United States, which are available in PDF format just a few minutes after registration.

What changes have been made to the ESTA rules for entry into the United States?

The latest updates to the ESTA procedure have significantly tightened the requirements for the data submitted when completing the application form. Particular attention is now paid to the applicant's photograph. Permits issued using scanned passport photos or images that do not meet the technical criteria may be automatically cancelled, even if they were previously approved by the system.

In practice, this means that a traveller may learn about the problem while checking in for a flight or boarding a cruise. In this case, the airline or carrier will simply not allow them to travel, because without a valid ESTA, entry into the United States is impossible regardless of the method of crossing the border.

About the H-1B visa to the United States, one of the most popular ways to obtain legal employment, we talked about in our previous article.

ESTA photo requirements: the main reason for permit cancellations

The main mistake that leads to permit cancellations is the use of a passport photo instead of a separate, current photo. Now the system only accepts original photos taken specifically for the ESTA application. Even a high-quality scan or professional passport photo is no longer considered acceptable.

The photo must meet the following standards: clear colour image, neutral background, no filters, glasses or headwear. Violation of any of these requirements can lead not only to rejection, but also to a loss of time, money, and the entire trip if the problem is not identified in advance.

Earlier, we reported that the United States has already suspended the issuance of immigration visas for 75 countries.

Who is most often denied travel due to ESTA issues?

The most vulnerable are those who plan complex itineraries with transit or stopovers in the United States. These are passengers on cruises, combined flights, as well as business travellers with tight schedules. For them, reapplying or delays in processing can disrupt not only their holidays, but also business meetings or contracts.

Regular tourists are also at risk, especially if they apply close to their departure date. During periods of high demand, even a minor error in the application form can result in a delay that cannot be compensated for.

What is the Visa Bond programme in the United States 2026 — read here.

How to check your ESTA status before travelling to the United States?

To avoid unpleasant surprises, travellers should be as careful and proactive as possible. Before travelling, be sure to check your ESTA status and make sure that all your information meets the updated requirements. If your authorisation has been revoked, you will need to submit a new application with the correct materials.

Pay special attention to the following points:

– use only a current photo taken specifically for the application;

– do not upload scans of documents or old photos;

– check the status of your authorisation before each trip, even if your ESTA was issued earlier;

– submit your application in advance, without leaving the process to the last few days.

By the way, in our previous article, we talked in detail about the new US citizenship test in 2026.

Why does preparing for a trip to the US require more attention?

The situation with ESTA shows once again that even visa-free travel requires careful preparation. In addition to entry permits, it is important to consider the rules of stay, terms, carrier requirements, and route specifics. A mistake in one document can ruin all your plans.

That is why many travellers choose ready-made solutions that help them go through all the stages without stress. Travel guides from Visit World are convenient checklists and step-by-step instructions for travelling to different countries, including the United States. The guides contain document requirements, visa-free regime rules, tips and life hacks to help you avoid common mistakes.

After you order the guide, it will be sent to your email in PDF format within a few minutes.

If you are planning a trip and want to be confident in your actions, purchase a travel guide from Visit World and prepare for your trip without the risk of cancellations!

Reminder! The United States has introduced new, stricter border crossing rules for non-US citizens. We discuss the new conditions for foreigners entering the US in 2026 here.

Photo: Freepik

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