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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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niwi1 · 06/08/2023 07:40

I was in NZ in April due to fly back to the UK via the US (3 hour transit) when at check in realised I needed an ESTA, even for transit! The airlines can't issue your boarding pass without it. A stressful hour of applying then constantly refreshing and it came in 10 minutes before check in closed! Was me and 2 kids flying.

TropicalTrama · 06/08/2023 07:39

Oh no! Last time we did them they were all about 24 hours, except mine which was instant but I have Global Entry so I’ve already been vetted. Can you move to the last possible flight today to get some more breathing room?

OneCup · 06/08/2023 07:31

Ours took a good couple of days I'm afraid but I can see we are the exception rather than the rule. I hope you get yours soon.

Are ESTAS checked at the point of leaving or only upon arriving?

Pushpull · 06/08/2023 07:31

Oh I really hope they would have come through for you. I'm with your husband - maybe move your flight if you can just to give the machine more time to crank. Everyone makes mistakes please don't beat yourself up

DaisyAndDonaldDuck · 06/08/2023 07:24

You should apply for your ESTAs before you book your actual holiday.

Majority of the time they are accepted, but sometimes if a name is too similar to one on a no fly list they can be declined and you would need to apply for a visa (which takes months).

autienotnaughti · 06/08/2023 07:11

How awful op. Praying for a miracle Flowers

Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 06:53

Very short wait time on the phone to speak to a human. Absolutely zero help 😭

Apparently it’s all run by machines and no humans are involved.

OP posts:
Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 06:49

I’m on the phone to the only ESTA helpline I could find🤞

OP posts:
Rewis · 06/08/2023 06:39

It took a few hours in december. I wouldn't be worried about the 4h yet.

Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 06:38

Thank you all for your reassurances.

I’m just turning on my laptop to check the website, rather than app on phone.

I’m going to check the website, call the US help number, call BA and pray. And try not to cry.

Our DC just came into our room singing “we’re going on holiday”. They’re so excited.

OP posts:
Simbaiamyourfather · 06/08/2023 06:35

I've found it depends when you submit. On a weekday it tends to be quicker but on a weekend it tends to be the next day. Has never been more than 24 hour hours. Go to the airport, I'm pretty sure you will be fine if not talk to the airline and chances are they will just put you on the next flight. Either way I'm sure you will have the most magical time 💕

Divebar2021 · 06/08/2023 06:31

There is a help line isn’t there ?

Divebar2021 · 06/08/2023 06:31

We had a palaver with ours… for some reason they sent us an email with a reference number that when entered showed our expired ESTA from 2018. I’ve no idea how that was triggered. My DH eventually logged in a different way ( maybe passport number or name / dob) and found they had actually been approved but we didn’t receive a confirmation email.
How long have you got until your flights?

Ljc1985 · 06/08/2023 06:30

I know you say official app but have you double checked it's the right place to apply ( sure you have)

I applied via the wrong website once but soon managed to correct it

Sorry OP this is really shit! I was hoping they would have pinged over night for you. Is there a live chat or anything you can go on to discuss?

lucywho123 · 06/08/2023 06:29

I’ve had to do mine at the airport just before a flight OP and it was approved very quickly obvs so really hoping another couple of hours and they’ll be authorised for you alll

Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 06:21

Just woke up. Logged in to the official app… They’re all still “PENDING AUTHORISATION” 😭

Shit shit shit.

It’s been 14 hours since application. We are supposed to leave for the airport in 5 hours.

There’s no recent it won’t get approved, as we’re as boring and normal as can be.

DH wants to move our flights, I’m still (pretending) hoping it will be fine.

I feel sick with worry.

OP posts:
megansmarkle · 06/08/2023 00:28

LiOLeary · 06/08/2023 00:18

Always a good idea to do it before booking flights. If for some reason you’re refused, there’s no appeals process and you need to apply for a visa.

But I’m sure you’ll be fine.

Not needed

LiOLeary · 06/08/2023 00:18

Always a good idea to do it before booking flights. If for some reason you’re refused, there’s no appeals process and you need to apply for a visa.

But I’m sure you’ll be fine.

NewNovember · 06/08/2023 00:12

Am sure it will be fine op I hope you get some sleep.

Emilizz34 · 05/08/2023 23:58

I’ve been traveling to the US several times per year for the last 30 years . The two yearly ESTA application approval used to be immeadiate but I’ve noticed in the last few years it can take up to 1-2 hours . Fingers crossed it all comes through 🤞🤞

megansmarkle · 05/08/2023 23:51

Fingers crossed OP

RelaxedPigeon · 05/08/2023 23:46

12 minutes last week on the official site!

Milkand2sugarsplease · 05/08/2023 23:44

Mine have come through immediately both times I've applied. I literally logged out and back in again and it had been authorised.

HopelessEstateAgents · 05/08/2023 23:43

Mine took six hours, last year

ticketstickets · 05/08/2023 23:36

I realised when I tried to check in at Dublin airport that my ESTA was attached to my expired passport and not my new one. Aer Lingus wouldn't let me check in without it. I quickly did it and it came within approx 1 hour and I made my flight. :)