US Tightens ESTA Rules With New Photo Requirement

Charlie USA 7 June 2025 | Updated On June 9, 2025 | 0

Travellers heading to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) now face a new requirement: uploading a passport-style selfie when applying for an ESTA online. The move aims to enhance identity verification and reduce fraud.

The US government has begun rolling out a digital identity check as part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application. Applicants from Visa Waiver Program countries are now being asked to upload a selfie that meets official guidelines.

First proposed in April 2024, the update is being phased in on the official ESTA website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Some travellers are already seeing the change, and it’s expected to become standard by 2025.

According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the new selfie requirement is intended to:

Strengthen security by verifying the applicant’s identity using biometric data
Prevent fraud and impersonation
Align the ESTA website with the mobile app, where the selfie feature is already in use

This shift follows a broader global trend toward using facial recognition and biometric verification at borders, especially for travellers entering without a visa.

How to Take an ESTA-Compliant Selfie

To avoid delays or a rejected application, make sure your selfie meets these official standards:

Clear head-and-shoulders shot with full-face visibility
Color photo with a plain, light background
No sunglasses, hats, or face coverings
Only the actual traveler’s photo should be uploaded (no substitutes)
Do not reuse your passport photo—doing so may result in cancellation
No filters or heavy edits

Who Can Apply?

Citizens of 41 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can use ESTA to travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa.

Key Details for 2025:

Fee: $21 per applicant (subject to change)
Processing Time: Apply at least 72 hours before travel
Validity: Two years or until passport expiry (whichever comes first)
Multiple Entries: Allowed, but each visit must stay under 90 days
Entry Points: Required for land crossings from Canada and Mexico, too

If you’re planning to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, don’t overlook this new selfie requirement. A non-compliant photo could lead to delays—or worse, rejection.

To ensure a smooth application, follow CBP’s selfie guidelines closely and apply well in advance of your departure.

Do you have plans to visit the US? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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About
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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.