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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
Secnarf · 06/08/2023 12:40

My God. How stressful.

Now go and have the most fantastic time and give your children memories that will last a lifetime.

(and perhaps have a little drink to settle the nerves airside).

rhianfitz · 06/08/2023 12:39

Amazing!! Congrats

Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 12:39

In 10 years on MN, I’ve never had a trending thread 😂

Just for good measure… fuck off Daily Mail!!

How long for ESTA approval?
OP posts:
orangegato · 06/08/2023 12:34

I’m just so pleased for you OP!!! So glad this had a happy ending.

Qilin · 06/08/2023 12:34

Have a fabulous holiday and enjoy Disney. Maybe a nice cocktail in the airport bar to settle the nerves back down is in order!

My dd is currently working there for the summer and we are off to visit her next weekend. Can't wait!

Emmacb82 · 06/08/2023 12:34

Thank goodness for that! Hope you buy yourself a large glass of something when you’re all checked in 😃 have a wonderful holiday x

Qilin · 06/08/2023 12:32

The live photograph/video think must be new. We did ours last in April last year and it wasn't needed. It was just a case of answering questions and ticking boxes!

Gilmorehill · 06/08/2023 12:31

So pleased for you!!

Work2live · 06/08/2023 12:29

I have just skimmed through this thread and seen that it’s all been approved.

So pleased for you OP! With all the hassle of going on holiday something’s always going to slip your mind. Sounds ridiculous but you’ll probably enjoy it even more now, knowing that it could’ve all been cancelled/delayed. Hope you all have a wonderful time, I’m very jealous 😄

Leftittothelastminute · 06/08/2023 12:29

Thank goodness Have a brilliant time- what you do now is crack open a bottle of wine!

Monkeylimas · 06/08/2023 12:29

I’m really pleased for you all, I hope you have an amazing holiday!

toooldtobeamum · 06/08/2023 12:28

Yay!! Have an amazing holiday!!

Philandbill · 06/08/2023 12:28

@QuinionsRainbow thank you for posting that, it had passed me by.
OP have a lovely holiday and a big gin on the plane. 😀

RhosynBach · 06/08/2023 12:28

Bloody hell, I was stressed reading all that. Op that sounds so unbelievably stressful! I’m so glad they all came through. Large glass of wine at the airport and have an amazing holiday!!!

Qilin · 06/08/2023 12:28

Poppyblush · 06/08/2023 11:13

Personal responsibility plus it’s pretty clear when booking!

Such a helpful response Hmm
Feel better after that?!

dizzygirl1 · 06/08/2023 12:28

KatieKat88 · 06/08/2023 11:55

The second-hand stress from this thread was unreal! Have a lovely holiday OP, we don't go until January but off the back of this thread I'm tempted to do our ESTAs now just to make sure it's done!

Please do it ASAP! If you have the passports you'll be travelling on, do it today to allow time for a visa in case of any issues. Visa appointments are usually booked months up.

AllHunsBlazing · 06/08/2023 12:25

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

SmartHome · 06/08/2023 12:21

Crikey!

Also has it been confirmed that if one of your familys passport is renewed during the 2 years your ESTA is valid for that invalidates it and you have to get a new one?

ginny93 · 06/08/2023 12:21

So so so happy for you @Acourtof ! Time for a cup of tea I think, then a nice big glass of something when you're on the plane!

electriclight · 06/08/2023 12:20

Great news op. I've never been so invested! Have a great holiday.

CoffeeLover90 · 06/08/2023 12:20

Oh, just read through updates and my heart was in my mouth!
Have a lovely holiday 😁

QuinionsRainbow · 06/08/2023 12:19

Let us all not forget that from next year, the European Union ETIAS scheme will require UK nationals to have similar pre-entry authorisation to trvel to the Schengen zone.

"Starting from 2024, visitors from countries which do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area will have to obtain a quick electronic entry authorization before they can travel to an EU or Schengen country.
This electronic entry authorization is known as ETIAS and can be quickly obtained online in a matter of minutes. It is not a visa requirement."

You Have Been Warned!

Who Needs ETIAS?
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias/who-needs-etias/

similarminimer · 06/08/2023 12:19

My heart was in my mouth reading that. I did the same flying for a major work conference - and it came through at the airport. I thought my heart couldn't take the strain.

So pleased for you all. Don't beat yourself up and have a brilliant holiday.

Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 12:18

@Jellycat43 it took me so many attempts to get the live photo done for my 5 year old. Maybe that’s why it took longer to get approved, as it may have flagged the 20+ (not exaggerating) attempts!! Basically they can’t move at all, can’t smile and need to stare directly at the camera. Good luck!! And apply with plenty of time 😆

OP posts:
Fairygoblin · 06/08/2023 12:17

I could barely breathe scrolling through this thread 🤣
Happy holidays!!