Before you can board a flight to the United States, you'll need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) - and that applies to every UK visitor, including children. Unless you already hold a valid US visa, no approved ESTA means no boarding pass. It's worth sorting this before you do anything else, including booking your holiday.
Article Summary
- Who needs an ESTA: All UK passport holders travelling to the US, including children and infants, who do not have a US Visa
- Cost: $40.27 per person (roughly £31-£33), covering a two-year period or until your passport expires
- Where to apply: Only through the official US government site at esta.cbp.dhs.gov - avoid third-party sites charging extra fees
- Apply before you book: A denied ESTA after paying a deposit could mean losing that money, as refunds are rarely given and travel insurance usually won't cover it
- New passport = new ESTA: Your ESTA is tied to your passport number, so a renewal means applying again even if the old one hasn't expired
Check current Walt Disney World holiday prices here
Read on for the full breakdown including what happens if your ESTA is denied, why a previous approval doesn't guarantee the next one, and what to do if you're renewing your passport before you travel.
Use the Official ESTA Website
It's worth being clear up front that the only place to apply for your ESTA is the official US government website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Don't search for "ESTA application" and click the first result - paid ads from third-party companies frequently appear above the official site, and while they'll still process your application, they'll charge you extra for the privilege of doing something you could do yourself in about 20 minutes.
There's no need to use a third-party service. Go directly to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and apply there.
What Is an ESTA?
An ESTA is an online pre-travel authorisation for visitors from countries on the US Visa Waiver Programme - which includes the UK. You fill in your personal details and travel plans, the US government runs a background check, and (in most cases) you get approved within 72 hours. It's not a visa, but it functions similarly in that without it, you're not getting on the plane.
The current fee is $40.27 per person - roughly £31 to £33 depending on the exchange rate. That covers every member of your party, including children and infants. If your application is denied, you only lose the $4 processing portion of that fee. An approved ESTA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
You can apply any time before you travel - so if you're thinking about a Walt Disney World holiday, it's worth doing this first, before anything else.
Apply for Your ESTA Before You Book
A lot of people sort their ESTA after they've booked the holiday. It's understandable - once you've confirmed the dates and handed over the deposit, it can feel like the hard work is done. But applying for your ESTA after booking is a risk, and one that's easy to avoid.
Why ESTA Before Booking Matters
ESTA applications can be denied. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen - and the reasons aren't always obvious in advance. A criminal record (including old or minor offences), travel to certain countries, or a change in US immigration rules can all result in a refusal.
If your ESTA is denied after you've paid a deposit on your holiday, you won't get that money back. Travel agents and tour operators won't refund deposits on the basis of a failed ESTA, and travel insurance generally won't cover it either - ESTA denial isn't usually classed as an unforeseen circumstance, because you could have checked in advance.
If you are denied, the next step is applying for a US tourist visa - which is a longer process that involves completing paperwork and attending an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. That takes time, which is another reason to start early. Applying at least three months before you travel gives you room to deal with a refusal without losing your holiday.
Check the latest Walt Disney World deals for UK guests once you know you're clear to travel.
A Previous Approval Is No Guarantee
If you've had an ESTA before and it went through without any problems, that's a good sign - but it's not a guarantee that your next application will be approved. US border rules change, and the criteria for approval can shift at any point.
One recent example: the US started refusing ESTA applications from people who had visited Cuba in recent years - a rule that came in without much notice. Countries can be added to restricted lists at short notice, and other factors outside your control can change between applications.
Check your ESTA status before every trip, even if you think it's still valid.
The Exception: New Passports
If your passport is due to expire around the time of your trip, or if you're planning to renew it before you travel, be aware that your ESTA is linked to your passport number. A new passport means a new ESTA application - even if your existing ESTA still has time left on it. You can't transfer it across. Factor in the $40.27 fee again for everyone in your group when budgeting for a passport renewal before a US trip.
The practical upshot: if your passport is coming up for renewal, either renew it first and then apply for your ESTA, or accept that you'll be applying twice. Renewing first and applying once is the tidier option.
Once you've confirmed your ESTA is approved, you're ready to start planning in earnest. Take a look at the UK guide to Walt Disney World tickets for what to book next, or check current Walt Disney World holiday prices here.
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ESTA for Walt Disney World: Your Questions Answered
Do UK visitors need an ESTA for Walt Disney World?
Yes. All UK passport holders travelling to the United States - including for holidays to Walt Disney World - must have an approved ESTA before boarding their flight. There are no exceptions for children or infants.
How much does an ESTA cost in 2025/2026?
The current fee is $40.27 per person (roughly £31-£33). This applies to every traveller regardless of age. The fee increased from $21 in September 2025.
How long does an ESTA take to get approved?
Most applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply well in advance - ideally before you book your holiday - to avoid any issues.
What happens if my ESTA is denied?
If your ESTA is denied, you'll need to apply for a US tourist visa instead, which involves an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. This takes time, so applying early gives you the best chance of resolving any issues before your travel date.
Can I use my old ESTA with a new passport?
No. Your ESTA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you need a new ESTA - even if your existing one hasn't expired yet.
