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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
Curtains70 · 06/08/2023 10:27

Ah OP I'm keeping everything crossed for you.

Jellycat43 · 06/08/2023 10:27

Sorry posted without adding this is from official ESTA website - re apply using the urgent option. I'm keeping everything crossed for you 🤞

StillWantingADog · 06/08/2023 10:26

yes you def have to make sure you’ve used the official website there are lots of copy cats.
really Hope it works out

Jellycat43 · 06/08/2023 10:25

Require an ESTA urgently?
Travellers who are leaving for the USA within three days and do not yet have an ESTAA_ can submit an urgent application. Urgent applications for the ESTA USA are granted, on average, within an hour. You can also apply for an ESTA at the airport if necessary, but keep in mind that delivery times cannot be guaranteed.
Apply for an urgent ESTA now
You can submit an urgent ESTA application with the standard application form. In this form, you are asked if your application has to be processed urgently. If you select this option, your application will be processed with priority.

Birdfeather · 06/08/2023 10:19

When you get to the airport, still queue to check in and if it hasn’t arrived by the time it’s your turn, explain to the agents. They won’t let you board as they have to ensure you have them, but they can at least be aware of the issue and make the gate aware that your group may be rushing at the end to get to get there. Good luck!

Choux · 06/08/2023 10:18

Did you definitely use the official website?

I applied for my last ESTA 2 years ago via a link on the BA website and realized after it was a third party site rather than a link to the official site. They might have changed the link now but the official site is

esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

Apply again. Individually.

EggOverEasy · 06/08/2023 10:15

🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

Caterina99 · 06/08/2023 10:11

God I feel your stress OP. I’ve had dealings with US visas before (we lived there, so didn’t need esta) and it was a nightmare

Fingers crossed for you

Notgnillew · 06/08/2023 10:01

Definitely apply again 🤞

Paq · 06/08/2023 10:01

I'm keeping everything crossed for you OP.

Quartz2208 · 06/08/2023 10:00

I would reapply as well though they do take longer now than they used to this length is very long..
did you add in middle names

EvilElsa · 06/08/2023 09:58

Ah shit OP. I've got everything crossed for you, there is definitely still hope!!!! Some good advice here.

GoingGoingUp · 06/08/2023 09:57

Wishing you luck OP. Really hope they come through.

I know you’ve done this but double and triple check the website and details are all correct, as I’m surprised it’s taking so long. I’ve visited countries that flag on the US system and both times I’ve needed an ESTA since pretty sure I got it really quickly (was just subject to additional searches and questions at both airports instead)

RoomOfRequirement · 06/08/2023 09:56

Oh OP this is awful. I always got mine the same day too.

I agree with others if you can to apply individually. Groups can take longer.

Sending good vibes your way.

Neonyellowfish · 06/08/2023 09:56

Choux · 06/08/2023 09:54

Apply again. Individually.
esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Whoever gets the Esta through can travel today (assuming an adult gets it) and then the additional cost of flights for the others is much less. BA might also show sympathy if you only need one extra seat on a future flight.

Apply again.

Do this!

Re-Apply now!

MarshmallowsOnToast · 06/08/2023 09:54

Re-apply!! There didn't used to be anything to stop you, the new application superseded the previous one.

Choux · 06/08/2023 09:54

Apply again. Individually.
esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Whoever gets the Esta through can travel today (assuming an adult gets it) and then the additional cost of flights for the others is much less. BA might also show sympathy if you only need one extra seat on a future flight.

Apply again.

limons · 06/08/2023 09:52

@notimagain makes total sense.

OP my fingers are firmly crossed for you, you still have time, and I would still try checking in just in case it has been approved but it's just not showing for you for some reason.

LiarLiarKnickersAblaze · 06/08/2023 09:52

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 06/08/2023 09:51

@Acourtof am crossing my fingers for you 🍀

did you def use the direct approved esta site?

PP have said they check in the US so board the flight.

EekGoesTheBaby · 06/08/2023 09:52

Keeping fingers and toes crossed for you!

Neonyellowfish · 06/08/2023 09:52

DaisyAndDonaldDuck · 06/08/2023 09:26

I’m not preaching. Really it’s a helpful comment for others, not you, because this is exactly why it’s important to sort your ESTAs before you even book your holiday.

Show quote history

Don’t be a fucking dick.

LiarLiarKnickersAblaze · 06/08/2023 09:52

Acourtof · 06/08/2023 09:48

My 5 year old just asked me why my face looks funny. I don’t think I’ve ever cried in front of my DC before 😞 I said we might not be fly and neither of them seem to understand.

Devastated. The first BA guy I spoke to (he was nice) said it is linked to the system and they can’t complete check in and take suitcases without it.

We are going to go to the airport regardless. And I will let you know what happens.

It’s a 9 hour flight so I’m ridiculously sad that we will most likely miss the flights and it might come through before it even lands in the US.

Have you checked your spam folder? Did you type your email address in correctly. Can you log in proper instead of relying on email? Have either you or DH been to Cuba in last ten years?

Not trying to patronise. These are all the things I would check.

Also please take my advice to re-apply for each one in turn. Do yours again first and see if it comes back quickly, then kids etc. It’s very unusual how long it is taking so something has gone wrong. PP have said you won’t be asked to show it at airport. I think it’s the other side they check so I’m sure it will come by later on this evening.

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 06/08/2023 09:51

@Acourtof am crossing my fingers for you 🍀

did you def use the direct approved esta site?

Notgnillew · 06/08/2023 09:51

So sorry OP - it's such a rubbish mistake to make. Me and ex forgot to do it once and did it at the airport. Luckily it came through straight away (literally a couple of minutes) so we were saved from our own mistake. It's easily done - I don't know why you don't get more reminders from the airline after booking, or even from Disney. Anywhere that sends you comms about your holiday to the US should say 'Don't forget to do your ESTAs!' All fingers crossed for you.

AllAboardTootToot · 06/08/2023 09:49

So individual ones. Literally nothing to lose at this point!

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