How long for ESTA approval?

[Acourtof]

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 🙏

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 😄

So pleased for you!!

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!

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

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!

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

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

Just for good measure… fuck off Daily Mail!!

Amazing!! Congrats

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).

I forgot realising as we checked in to board 🙄 I applied there and then. Caught a flight later that day. Unless you're a criminal it'll be through in time, don't panic 💕

just caught this thread now - I was heart in mouth scrolling through your messages - so can imagine how bad you felt. Glad it came through! Speaking as parents who had to leave dd2 behind for a holiday as realised 1 day before that passport was expired.... she had fun with grandparents but still a sore point...

So pleased for you @Acourtof . Understand the absolute relief you must be feeling. What time is your flight? Hope you have a great time

So relieved for you, OP.

I read this with my heart in my mouth. I could only have said what many others had, that mine came through in less than 12 hours. You didn't need to hear that a hundred times but I really felt for you.

Congratulations and enjoy the holiday! You'll be needing a nice massage on landing! Or a gin and tonic...

Yey!!! So happy for you. Large drink for you at the airport. Have the most amazing holiday!

So relieved! That was a stressful read.

Wonderful news. Have a good holiday 😁

I’m so happy for you!!!!! I hope you have the most magical trip!! Disney is my happy place

#phew! Enjoy your holiday OP.

Enjoy your hols. I’m sure it’s given a good few people a reminder.
Another one that catches people is you can’t use ESTA if you’ve been to cuba on a package holiday in past you need full visa.

DD’s friends mum did theirs on coach to airport you aren’t only one!

Enjoy your holiday!!!

I wonder how many readers have been reminded about ESTAs, especially if you've had a new passport since your last one, my OH a few years ago was almost caught out like that, he was adament it would transfer to his new passport, luckily he saw things my way and applied again!

Wow this moved on a lot since it started! What a rollercoaster (not the fun kind 😄).

For the smartarses who say you should apply before booking your holiday - what do you put in the US contact and address details then? Totally stupid and pointless fields given they’re valid for two years, but you DO need to fill them in.

As long as you haven't had new passports then they're valid for 2 years. We once had a scare at our local airport when they took our passports away to check the ESTA status and seemed to be away for ages!

Is the Cuba restriction still in place, I thought the US had eased rules regarding Cuba?