New ESTA Photo and Selfie Requirements in 2026: Official US Rules
USA
In short. Starting in 2026, applying for an ESTA requires uploading a "live" selfie and a clear passport photo, both in the app and on the website.
- Starting in 2026, a "live" selfie is mandatory for all ESTA applications (on the website and in the app).
- The system uses liveness detection technology to verify identity.
- Uploading a passport photo instead of a selfie is prohibited and will automatically lead to rejection.
- The official ESTA application fee is $40.
Main change: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has strengthened the identity verification process for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Starting in 2026, obtaining an ESTA authorization requires uploading a "live" selfie and a photo of the passport's biographical page, regardless of whether you apply via the mobile app or the official website.
What has changed
Previously, uploading a selfie was primarily required when using the ESTA Mobile app, while the website requirements were less strict. Due to instances of using poor-quality or other people's photos to bypass the facial recognition system, CBP has implemented "liveness detection" technology (verifying that a live person is in front of the camera) across all platforms.
| Parameter | Before (prior to changes) | Now (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Selfie on the website | Not mandatory or had flexible requirements | Mandatory "live" selfie under strict standards |
| Identity verification | Basic data matching | 3D facial scan (Liveness detection) |
| Third-party submission | Passport data was sufficient | Mandatory upload of the applicant's current selfie |
| ESTA fee | $21 (until September 2025) | $40 |
Who is affected
The new rules apply to all citizens of Visa Waiver Program participating countries (e.g., Poland, Germany, Romania, Italy) planning a tourist or business trip to the US for up to 90 days. Although Ukraine is not part of the VWP, these rules are critically important for Ukrainians who hold dual citizenship (e.g., an EU country passport) and travel to the US under an ESTA authorization.
What to do now
- Prepare the correct passport: Ensure you have a biometric passport (e-Passport) with a chip.
- Take a high-quality passport photo: Photograph the biographical page so that the machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom is fully visible, without flash glare or shadows.
- Take a selfie according to the rules: Take the photo against a light, plain background. Remove glasses, hats, and masks. Your facial expression must be neutral, with eyes open.
- Use the official app: CBP strongly recommends using the ESTA Mobile app, as it allows reading data from the passport chip via NFC, reducing the risk of errors.
- Pay the fee: The official ESTA cost is $40. Avoid unofficial intermediary websites that charge additional fees.
Common mistakes
- Uploading a passport photo instead of a selfie: If you take a picture of your passport photo and upload it as a selfie, the system will automatically reject the application.
- Using filters: Any retouching or social media filters will cause the facial recognition system to fail.
- Poor MRZ code quality: If the system cannot read the bottom two lines of numbers and letters on the passport photo, you will not be able to proceed with the application.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- Do I need to upload a new photo if my ESTA is still valid?
- No. If your ESTA authorization is already approved and valid, you do not need to upload a photo or update your application until it expires.
- Can I upload a passport photo as a selfie?
- No. The system requires a "live" selfie, which is different from the photo in your passport. Uploading a copy of your passport photo will result in the cancellation of your application.
- How much does an ESTA application cost in 2026?
- The official ESTA application fee is $40. Beware of fraudulent websites that demand a higher amount for intermediary services.