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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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Gargantuan2023 · 05/08/2023 18:02

Yes, a few hours a couple of weeks ago for all of us inc. DC. Hopefully you will be ok.

LiarLiarKnickersAblaze · 05/08/2023 18:02

Mine and DD's came in ten minutes a couple of weeks ago.

Do you need to show anything at the border with them?

CatMum27 · 05/08/2023 18:01

Last couple of mine have had ‘additional checks’ and still come through in a few hours. Fingers crossed!

BritWifeInUSA · 05/08/2023 18:01

I haven’t needed one for over a decade as I’m now a dual citizen but when my mum recently applied it was minutes. My stepfather’s took a few hours.

PuffyShirt · 05/08/2023 18:01

Ours took less than 2 hours, a couple of weeks ago.

EvilElsa · 05/08/2023 18:00

Always had ours within the hour (and I've done lots). I'd say you'll be ok fingers crossed.

anon3738 · 05/08/2023 18:00

I did mine just 8pm and came back 2:42 am and dc’s at 3:17am fingers crossed it as quick for you.

DontCallMeBaby · 05/08/2023 18:00

About four hours, IIRC, on a Sunday.

Cazzovuoi · 05/08/2023 17:59

I think ours came through in a couple of hours last time.