Do children and babies need their own ESTA?
The short answer
Yes. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, must obtain an independent ESTA approval. That includes babies. A relative or travel agent is allowed to submit the application for the traveller.
What CBP says about children and ESTA
The CBP frequently asked questions page for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA states that accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, are also required to obtain an independent ESTA approval. The wording does not set a minimum age, so a newborn travelling on a passport from a VWP country is covered by the same requirement.
This applies to travellers who use the Visa Waiver Program. That includes eligible UK and EU citizens whose countries take part in the programme. Travellers who hold a US visa do not use ESTA, so check which route applies to each family member.
Who can submit the application
CBP says a third party, such as a relative or travel agent, is permitted to submit an ESTA application on behalf of a VWP traveller. In practice a parent can complete the form for a child, but each child needs their own application linked to their own passport.
Passport and validity points
CBP states that you must have an e-Passport to use the Visa Waiver Program. An e-Passport is described as an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip, identified by an international symbol on the cover.
CBP says ESTA approvals are typically granted for a two year period or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever is sooner. If a child's passport expires sooner than two years, the ESTA ends with it, and children's passports often have a shorter life than adult ones. A new application is needed when the earlier approval or passport expires.
The CBP official pages did not state the current ESTA fee, only that a fee is charged for each application and that a credit card is needed to pay it. Check the official application site for the current amount before you pay.
Approval is not a guarantee of entry
CBP also notes that ESTA authorisation does not determine whether a traveller is admissible to the United States. A CBP officer makes that decision on arrival. Rules and fees change, so check the official page linked below before you travel.
Sources: CBP: Frequently asked questions about the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA, CBP: ESTA. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does a newborn baby need an ESTA?
Based on CBP's wording that children regardless of age need an independent ESTA approval, yes. The page does not make an exception for infants.
Can I apply for my child on their behalf?
Yes. CBP says a third party, such as a relative or travel agent, may submit an ESTA application for a VWP traveller.
Can children be included on a parent's ESTA?
No. CBP says each child needs an independent ESTA approval.
How long does a child's ESTA last?
CBP says approvals are typically granted for two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.
Does my child need an e-Passport?
CBP says you must have an e-Passport to use the Visa Waiver Program, which has an embedded electronic chip and a symbol on the cover.
What is the ESTA fee for a child?
The CBP official pages did not state the fee. Check the official ESTA application site for the current amount.