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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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AllHunsBlazing · 06/08/2023 11:54

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

ElBandito · 06/08/2023 11:54

Fantastic!

OhYouBadBadKitten · 06/08/2023 11:54

Hurray!!!! It's not too early for a quick glass of wine to recover!

Sssudio · 06/08/2023 11:54

Thank F for that, have been watching but didn’t want to add stress to thread as has nothing useful to add.

Have a wonderful holiday

InspectorGidget · 06/08/2023 11:54

Woo hooooo! So pleased for you! Have a fabulous holiday!

Mix56 · 06/08/2023 11:54

Not good for the blood pressure!
Oooof

LonelyFlans · 06/08/2023 11:54

Hooray!

ChilliPixie · 06/08/2023 11:53

Omg so pleased it all worked out and in time for the taxi!

Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 11:53

As in…. APPROVED.

we can all go on holiday

OP posts:
Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 11:53

Approved approve approved

OP posts:
ImATrain · 06/08/2023 11:52

Come on number 4!!

Caterina99 · 06/08/2023 11:49

I’m clicking for an update. Come on littlest ESTA!!

Reminds me of having to do covid tests for all and waiting for the results to come in so we could get on the plane. So stressful

VibrantGreen · 06/08/2023 11:47

I’m still stressed for you, OP and really hoping you have an update soon!

I imagine you’re exhausted.

megansmarkle · 06/08/2023 11:47

Yes yes yes.

Come on, just one more to go!

SmartHome · 06/08/2023 11:45

Thanks for answering, that makes sense. Useful to know for future reference for others. I know already mentioned somewhere as well but also might be useful for someone else, that is just looking at updates an didn't going to read through an entire thread of people saying 'fingers crossed' - I always do a group booking if travelling to the US with DH or the kids as at least then it's all or nothing and you don't have to wait for them to trickle through.

Poppyblush · 06/08/2023 11:45

Hopefully they are legging it to the gate!!!

mondaytosunday · 06/08/2023 11:40

@BarbaraV - every day is a school day! Now I know how to do that 😁!
OP best of luck!! I had trouble returning from the states once as they insisted my baby needed a printed ticket (ours were digital) even though we had flown there without one! Stuck at check in for ages being stressed.
We need ESTA visas for Christmas and I will be sure to do it well in advance!

Itsacebeingme · 06/08/2023 11:39

Oh poor you I can only imagine what you're going through. I'm sure the last one will be approved shortly. Defo still travel to the airport you might as well. Thank god it's only 1 you're waiting for. Keeping my fingers crossed for you xx

Aphotoaday · 06/08/2023 11:39

A friends was done in an hour. Got to the airport and at check in was told her previous esta which was still in date wasn’t valid as she had got a new passport. Airline allowed her to check in, but told her she had until boarding for it to be approved. If it wasn’t, she would be denied travel. She got on the plane. Keep the faith.

AppleKatie · 06/08/2023 11:38

omg OP the second hand stress is painful I can’t imagine how you feel. Got everything crossed for the last one.

Libraryloiterer · 06/08/2023 11:37

C'mon littlest ESTA!!!!! You can do this

mrsbyers · 06/08/2023 11:36

We’ve done ours at the gate before and it took about twenty mins

CrabbiesGingerBeer · 06/08/2023 11:35

SmartHome · 06/08/2023 11:19

Do you need to have it before check-in i.e do BA check in check? Or do you just need it by the time you go through US border controls?

Apparently the BA systems won’t allow check in without it.

The airlines have to fly people home if there are visa issues so they have the systems set up not to allow it.

themessygarden · 06/08/2023 11:33

Just saw your update, fingers crossed little one's will be through before you get to check in.

themessygarden · 06/08/2023 11:29

Same happened to us, realised at last minute our Estes's were out of date, had the new ones in about 3 hours.