Traveling to the U.S. with your family? Here’s what you need to know about applying for ESTA for multiple family members, including children and infants.
Does Every Family Member Need Their Own ESTA?
Yes. Every traveler – regardless of age, including infants and children – needs their own individual ESTA authorization. There is no “family” or group application; each person requires a separate approval linked to their own passport.
Applying on Behalf of Children
A parent or legal guardian can complete the application on behalf of a minor child. The information entered must match the child’s own passport exactly, not the parent’s.
Can You Submit Multiple Applications at Once?
Some application platforms allow you to submit several applications in one session, entering each family member’s details separately. This can save time, but each application is processed and approved individually.
What If a Family Member Is Denied?
ESTA approvals are individual. If one family member’s application is denied, it does not affect the others. The denied individual would need to explore alternative visa options. See our article ESTA Denied: Reasons and Next Steps for more information.
Traveling with Infants
Even newborns and infants traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program need their own valid ESTA and passport. There is no exemption based on age.
Tips for Family Applications
Apply well in advance of your trip, keep each family member’s passport details organized, and double-check every entry before submission to avoid delays.
Apply for Your Family’s ESTA
Ready to apply for your whole family? Start your ESTA applications online today.