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AIBU?

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Original poster

How long for ESTA approval?

434 replies

Acourtof · 05/08/2023 17:58

Starting to panic!! We’re flying to the US tomorrow afternoon and I only just remembered that we all need ESTAs 🤦🏼‍♀️

Submitted applications online. Website says up to 72 hours to come through. We’ve got 24 hours…

DH and I have travelled to the US several times and never had an issue. Our young DC have never been to the US, so I’m worried that it will need extra time for a first application.

Any comfort please on your own recent ESTA timelines, especially for DC? Thank you 🙏

OP posts:
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5
DinnaeFashYersel · 06/08/2023 11:07

Fingers and toes cross for you x

Choux · 06/08/2023 11:06

Just wait till ETIAS - the Schengen version - comes in. So many people will be caught out by the new requirement.

spiderlight · 06/08/2023 11:06

Everything crossed so so so tightly for you, OP!!

Notgnillew · 06/08/2023 11:05

sazzy5 · 06/08/2023 11:01

I was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago, I didn’t realise I needed a visa, and the flights only mentioned it a few days before. Looks like yours will all get sorted, mine took less than 24hrs. Fingers crossed for you.

It's totally mad to me that holiday companies allow people to forget. Why isn't there a constant reminder in emails about the holiday? A text message a 2 weeks/a week before saying DON'T FORGET. I know it's the individual's responsibility to do it, but allowing people to get to the day of their holiday having forgotten to do it, after spending thousands on the holiday... not great customer service.

Choux · 06/08/2023 11:04

TenOhSeven · 06/08/2023 11:02

You can leave the 5yo home alone, right?! Wink
Fingers crossed for you!

Yes at what age will BA take unaccompanied minors? Am sure someone on the thread can take care of the 5 yr old and deliver him or her to the airport when his ESTA gets sorted Grin

TenOhSeven · 06/08/2023 11:02

You can leave the 5yo home alone, right?! Wink
Fingers crossed for you!

sazzy5 · 06/08/2023 11:01

I was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago, I didn’t realise I needed a visa, and the flights only mentioned it a few days before. Looks like yours will all get sorted, mine took less than 24hrs. Fingers crossed for you.

InspectorGidget · 06/08/2023 10:58

Praying to the Esta gods for you!

TequilaNights · 06/08/2023 10:58

Everything crossed OP 🤞🏽

bravotango · 06/08/2023 10:57

Oh OP I'm with everyone else crossing fingers for you!! Only one to go! Worst comes to worst one of you can travel with the 5 year old on the next available flight, less cost than 4 new return flights!

Choux · 06/08/2023 10:55

10HailMarys · 06/08/2023 10:53

Mine was approved pretty much instantly - within an hour. I did it via the app which was a bit fiddly but not difficult.

How is that helpful to the OP whose family is still not fully approved 16 hours later?

Stompythedinosaur · 06/08/2023 10:55

I have everything crossed for you, op!

Notgnillew · 06/08/2023 10:55

5 year olds should be okay now - you've still got two hours until taxi. Everything crossed OP!

AllAboardTootToot · 06/08/2023 10:53

You would have added to her stress, they take much longer in my experience.

10HailMarys · 06/08/2023 10:53

Mine was approved pretty much instantly - within an hour. I did it via the app which was a bit fiddly but not difficult.

NotThisWeekSatan · 06/08/2023 10:53

Oh so pleased to see this! Fingers crossed for the final one …. I’ve been vicariously so stressed about this so cannot begin to imagine how awful it’s been for you.

Hopefully it’s now your go-to dinner party story rather than a holiday-wrecker.

Good luck for your five year old’s (which assuming she hasn’t been to Cuba on her own or been arrested should be a given) and then relax and enjoy your holiday! I feel like a need a large drink myself! 🤣

Basketballqueen · 06/08/2023 10:52

Quick tip
for next time - you can do a group application!

OhYouBadBadKitten · 06/08/2023 10:52

I'm crossing all my fingers for you.

Poetnojo · 06/08/2023 10:51

Keeping everything crossed for you

AllAboardTootToot · 06/08/2023 10:50

We are all invested, you are gonna have such a large postcard list 😂😂

Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 10:50

From original applications put through yesterday. Little one’s application was last one I did.

Everything crossed. Please please please system please 🙏

OP posts:
TiredandLate · 06/08/2023 10:49

Omg what a rollercoaster! Large drink at the airport to try and undo the stress, and then enjoy your holiday!!

taxquestiontime · 06/08/2023 10:48

So pleased to see this update! Fingers crossed the final one will come through now. The experience will make getting on the plane even more exciting!

Andywarholswig · 06/08/2023 10:47

Oh OP hoping that your 5 year olds one comes through in the next few mins. I can’t even imagine the stress

Ljc1985 · 06/08/2023 10:47

I'm so invested! One on final one