Applying for ESTA for families with children requires careful planning — every family member, including infants, needs their own individual ESTA authorization. This guide walks you through the group application process, requirements for minors, and practical tips for hassle-free family travel to the USA in 2026.
The ESTA group application feature on the official CBP website allows you to submit multiple applications in one session, making it easier for families. However, each person — from newborns to grandparents — needs their own ESTA authorization and their own biometric passport.
ESTA Requirements for Family Members
| Family Member | ESTA Required? | Own Passport Needed? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+) | Yes | Yes (biometric) | $40.27 each |
| Teenagers (13-17) | Yes | Yes (biometric) | $40.27 each |
| Children (2-12) | Yes | Yes (biometric) | $40.27 each |
| Infants (0-1) | Yes | Yes (biometric) | $40.27 each |
Yes, even babies need ESTA! There are no age exemptions. A family of four will pay $161.08 in ESTA fees. Each child must have their own valid biometric passport — they cannot be included on a parent’s passport.
How to Apply for ESTA as a Family: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather All Passports
Collect biometric passports for every family member. Check that all passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned US departure date. Ensure the electronic chip in each passport is functional.
Step 2: Use the Group Application Feature
On esta.cbp.dhs.gov, select “New Application” → “Group Application.” This allows you to add multiple travelers under one group and track all applications together. You’ll get a group application number for easy reference.
Step 3: Fill in Each Person’s Information
Complete a separate application for each family member. For children, a parent fills in the information. Key notes:
- Enter names exactly as they appear on each passport
- Children’s ESTA application is filled by a parent or guardian
- For “employer” questions for children, enter “N/A” or “Child/Student”
- Use the same US accommodation address for the whole family
Step 4: Pay for All Applications
The ESTA cost is $40.27 per person with no family discounts. Payment can be made with one credit card for the entire group.
Step 5: Check All Results
Each family member’s ESTA is processed independently. It’s possible for some to be approved while others are pending or denied. Check the status of each using the group application number.
Special Considerations for Traveling with Children
- Tip 1: Children traveling with only one parent may be asked for a notarized consent letter from the other parent at the US border.
- Tip 2: Keep copies of birth certificates showing parental relationship — CBP may request proof.
- Tip 3: If your child has a different surname than the traveling parent, bring documentation proving the relationship.
- Tip 4: Children’s passports typically have shorter validity — check expiry dates well before travel. Learn about common ESTA issues to avoid problems.
- Tip 5: The 90-day limit applies to each family member individually — don’t overstay.
ESTA Application Process for Children and Minors
Every traveler entering the United States, regardless of age, must have their own approved ESTA. This includes infants and toddlers who will be sitting on a parent’s lap during the flight. There is no family ESTA application — each family member needs a separate submission with their own passport details.
Parents or legal guardians can complete the ESTA application on behalf of their children. You will need each child’s passport information, including the passport number, issue date, and expiration date. Make sure every child has their own machine-readable passport that is valid for the duration of the trip. Many countries now issue biometric passports to children, which is the recommended type for US travel.
When filling out the ESTA form for a minor, a parent or guardian is listed as the “point of contact” in the United States. The eligibility questions on the form should be answered on behalf of the child — in most cases, all answers will be “no” for children. The application fee of $21 USD applies per person, so a family of four will pay $84 in total.
A common mistake parents make is waiting until the last minute to apply for their children’s ESTA. Just like adult applications, children’s ESTA requests should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel, and ideally several weeks in advance. Processing delays can occur, and having to cancel a family vacation due to a pending ESTA is a situation best avoided.
Best US Destinations for Families with Children
The United States offers an incredible variety of family-friendly destinations that cater to children of all ages. Planning your itinerary around your children’s interests and energy levels will help ensure a memorable vacation for the whole family.
Orlando, Florida is the undisputed capital of family entertainment. Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND, the city offers weeks of activities. Disney World alone has four theme parks, two water parks, and the Disney Springs shopping and entertainment complex. Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must-visit for older children and teenagers. Many resorts in the area cater specifically to families with children’s pools, kids’ clubs, and character dining experiences.
Southern California offers a different flavor of family fun. Disneyland in Anaheim, the San Diego Zoo (consistently rated one of the world’s best), LEGOLAND California, and the beautiful beaches of San Diego make this region perfect for families who want to combine theme parks with outdoor activities. The weather is reliably warm and sunny, making it ideal for year-round family travel.
For families who prefer nature and outdoor adventures, the US National Parks are unbeatable. The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains all offer junior ranger programs designed to engage children with nature and conservation. Many national parks have family-friendly hiking trails, educational visitor centers, and camping facilities that create lasting memories.
Washington DC is an excellent choice for families with school-age children, as most major attractions — including the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and the monuments on the National Mall — are completely free. The city is easy to navigate by public transit, and the educational value of visiting the nation’s capital is immense.
New York City may seem overwhelming for families, but it offers attractions like the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Broadway shows designed for younger audiences. Many hotels in Manhattan offer family suites, and the city’s diverse food scene means even picky eaters can find something they enjoy.
Travel Insurance and Health Tips for Families
Traveling to the United States with children requires careful attention to health and insurance matters. The US does not have universal healthcare, and medical costs for uninsured visitors can be extraordinarily high. A simple emergency room visit can easily cost several thousand dollars, and a hospital stay can result in bills of tens of thousands.
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for families traveling to the US. Ensure your policy covers all family members, including infants, and provides adequate medical coverage — a minimum of $500,000 USD is recommended for US travel. The policy should cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, emergency dental care, and medical evacuation.
Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications your children take regularly, along with a letter from your doctor explaining the medication and dosage. Over-the-counter medications for common childhood ailments — fever reducers, antihistamines, and anti-nausea medication — should also be packed, as brand names and formulations may differ in the US.
Check whether your children’s vaccinations are up to date before traveling. While no specific vaccinations are required for ESTA entry, ensuring your children are current on routine immunizations provides peace of mind. If traveling during flu season (October through March), consider getting flu shots for the whole family before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions: ESTA for Families
Do babies need ESTA to travel to the USA?
Yes, all travelers regardless of age need an approved ESTA. Infants and babies must have their own biometric passport and their own ESTA application. There are no age exemptions.
Can one parent apply for the whole family’s ESTA?
Yes. One person can submit ESTA applications for the entire family using the group application feature. Each family member still needs their own passport and gets their own individual ESTA.
Is there a family discount for ESTA?
No. The ESTA fee is $40.27 per person with no discounts for families or groups. A family of four pays $161.08 total.
What if one family member’s ESTA is denied?
Each ESTA is processed independently. If one family member’s application is denied, the others remain valid. The denied person must apply for a US visa at a US Embassy to join the family trip.
Can a child travel to the US with grandparents using ESTA?
Yes, but the child needs their own ESTA and passport. When a child travels without both parents, carrying a notarized consent letter from the absent parent(s) is strongly recommended.
What documents should families bring for US border control?
Bring all passports, ESTA confirmation (printed or saved on phone), return tickets, hotel reservations, and for children: birth certificates and any relevant custody or consent documents.
Do adopted children need different ESTA documentation?
No, the ESTA application is the same. However, bring adoption documentation to the border in case CBP officers ask about the parent-child relationship, especially if names differ.
Last updated: March 2026. Verified against US Customs and Border Protection official guidelines.
