Is a return ticket required for ESTA?

ESTA without a flight ticket: to remember

• It is advisable to buy airline tickets before applying for an ESTA.
• The ESTA can be used for several visits to the USA and is valid for two years.
• Your return ticket may sometimes be checked when you arrive in the USA
• No airline will ask you for your ESTA before you board.

Do I need a return ticket to apply for an ESTA?

It is of course obligatory to hold a return ticket to complete your ESTA application and here we will explain the reasons why.

An ESTA authorisation is possible when your visit to the United States is for a period of no longer than 90 days. To ensure that the American authorities have tangible proof of the true duration of your visit it is therefore necessary to specify a return travel date.

You can benefit from the ESTA scheme to visit the United States only if you are travelling by cruise ship or plane as, before boarding, the travel company you have chosen will verify that you hold a return ticket and that its date corresponds to that indicated on your ESTA application.

Of course your return ticket should specify a return date that is within 90 days of your departure date.  

We therefore recommend you to buy return tickets before completing your online ESTA application.

The other conditions to fulfil for obtaining an ESTA authorisation:

Holding a return ticket is not the only condition required to obtain your ESTA authorisation. To prepare for a trouble free trip to the United States you should respect the following conditions:

• You should be a citizen of one of the ESTA scheme member countries.
• You should possess a biometric or electronic passport that is valid for the entirety of your visit.
• Your visit should not exceed 90 days. If it is for longer then you should apply for a traditional visa.

If you fulfil all the above conditions you can complete your ESTA application form online right now. It is best to undertake this step at least two weeks before your departure date to ensure that you will obtain a positive response, or, if not, you can reapply after a one week legal delay or apply for a traditional visa from an American consulate or Embassy in your country of residence. Once obtained the ESTA authorisation is valid for two years.

What are the consequences for obtaining the ESTA if the traveller does not have a return ticket?

On the question of a return ticket, it is important to note that the ESTA itself does not explicitly specify the need for a return ticket. However, there are some important considerations to take into account:

• Airline policy: The airline carrying the traveller to the US may have its own requirements for return tickets. They may require passengers to present a return or onward ticket in order to be allowed to board. It is essential to check the requirements of the airline you are booking your flight with.
• Inspection on arrival in the United States: During the inspection on arrival in the United States, immigration officials may ask questions about the length and purpose of your stay. They may ask whether you intend to leave the United States at the end of the period authorised by the ESTA. Although the return ticket is not strictly necessary, it can serve as proof of your intention to leave the country at the end of your authorised stay.

In summary, although the ESTA itself does not require a return ticket, it is recommended that you have one or an onward ticket, as it can facilitate your journey by meeting the airline's requirements and showing your intention to comply with the terms of your authorised stay.

Can I obtain ESTA authorisation before buying my plane tickets?

Obtaining your ESTA travel authorisation before booking your plane tickets has several practical advantages. Firstly, obtaining your ESTA early in the travel planning process ensures that you meet all the conditions required for travel to the United States. This includes criteria such as eligible nationality, purpose of travel and absence of inadmissible conditions.
Secondly, having your approved ESTA in hand before you book your flight gives you peace of mind that your travel to the USA is authorised. This can be particularly useful if you are planning a last-minute trip or need to book flights on specific dates due to personal or professional constraints.

What's more, as the ESTA is generally valid for two years, you can obtain it in advance even if you haven't yet set a specific date for your trip. This allows you to prepare in advance and have your travel authorisation ready when you are ready to finalise your travel plans and book your plane tickets.

In short, obtaining your ESTA before booking your plane tickets allows you to plan your trip with confidence, ensuring that you have the necessary authorisation to enter the United States when you are ready to travel.

When is the return ticket checked on arrival in the United States?

On arrival in the United States, the return air ticket may be checked in a number of situations, mainly linked to the traveller's eligibility and the conditions of their stay:

• Travel without a visa under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP): If you are travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), you may be questioned about your intention to leave the country before the end of your authorised period of stay (generally 90 days). Although the return flight ticket is not always systematically checked, it may be requested as proof of your intention to leave the United States before the end of your authorised stay.
• Random security and immigration checks: Even if you are not subject to specific visa or Visa Waiver Programme requirements, the US immigration authorities may sometimes carry out random security checks on arrival, during which they may request various documents, including your return air ticket.

ESTA and flexible travel plans: what are your options?

ESTA authorization comes with certain obligations, including proving your intention to leave the United States after your stay. This can be a challenge for travellers wishing to retain some flexibility in their travel plans. Fortunately, there are ways of reconciling freedom with compliance with ESTA requirements.

One of the major ESTA requirements is to have a return or onward ticket before entering the United States. This document is used to demonstrate your intention to leave US territory within the allotted time, i.e. a maximum of 90 days. Without proof of return or onward travel, you risk being refused boarding by the airline or entry into the United States by customs.

For travellers who prefer flexible plans, this requirement may seem restrictive. However, it doesn't mean that your options are limited: there are several ways of complying with this rule while retaining a certain amount of freedom when travelling.

Solutions for flexible travel:

• Opt for refundable tickets: Fully refundable tickets are an excellent option for travellers who don't want to tie themselves down to a specific return date or destination. Although these tickets are often more expensive than non-refundable options, they offer the possibility of changing or cancelling your plans without financial penalty.
• Choose changeable tickets with reduced fees: Many airlines offer tickets with reasonable change fees. These options are more affordable than fully refundable tickets, while still offering a degree of flexibility. You can book a return ticket for a provisional date and change it later to suit your needs.
• Book an affordable onward ticket: If you don't want to return directly to your home country, you can book an onward ticket to another destination. For example, a flight to a country neighbouring the United States can often be found at a lower cost. This ticket proves that you will be leaving American territory, while allowing you to continue your adventures elsewhere.
• Use specialist travel agencies: Some online agencies offer specific solutions for travellers wishing to obtain a temporary onward ticket. These services, often called ‘proof-of-ticket reservations’, generate a reservation valid for a limited period, allowing you to comply with customs requirements without committing to an actual purchase.

Even with flexible solutions, it is crucial to respect the maximum length of stay authorised by the ESTA, which is 90 consecutive days. Exceeding this limit may result in sanctions, such as a ban on returning to the United States.

In addition, when you arrive, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may ask you for further proof of your intention to leave the United States. These documents may include hotel reservations, a detailed itinerary, or a letter from your employer confirming that you must return to work by a certain date.

Travelling with an ESTA while maintaining flexible travel plans is entirely possible if you prepare properly. By opting for refundable, changeable or continuation tickets, you can comply with official requirements while retaining the freedom to adapt your plans. These strategies allow you to make the most of your stay in the United States without compromising your freedom or your finances.

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.