Printout of your approved ESTA – Is it required?

Travelers are not required to present a printout copy of the approved application number to board your flight or cruise ship. The approved ESTA travel authorization number is sent electronically to the airlines and signatory carriers.

In spite of the fact, it is recommended to print out a copy of your approved ESTA application as it contains your approved ESTA number that may be needed for future reference purposes and traveler’s peace of mind.

If the traveler is not sure about the ESTA expiration date, or have lost the printed copy of the travel authorization, it is better to renew your ESTA travel authorization or apply for ESTA again, so the traveler is 100% sure that has been authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

Some travelers have manifested that some airlines has asked them for a printed copy of the ESTA travel authorization before boarding the flight, so it is always better to carry on a printed copy of it.

Officially, no printed document is needed for screening at the port of entry as a CBP officer will have all the traveler’s information on file including the approved ESTA number, the CBP officer has the final determination of traveler’s admission to the United States, even with an approved ESTA.