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Original poster

How long for ESTA approval?

432 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:
Thread gallery
5
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 06:49

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

OP posts:
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:
autienotnaughti · 06/08/2023 07:11

How awful op. Praying for a miracle Flowers

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).

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

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?

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?

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.

Poppyblush · 06/08/2023 07:43

Are you sure you filled them out correctly? If so, they will, should, come through any minute…

MarshmallowsOnToast · 06/08/2023 07:43

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?

Required upon entry I'm afraid!

Poppyblush · 06/08/2023 07:44

Go to airport… worth the risk

Emmacb82 · 06/08/2023 07:45

Mine have always been pretty instant, I really hope they do come through in time. It’s a hard call to make because yes you could go to the airport but I think you may have to start preparing your children for the worst. They will be devastated to get to the airport and then be told they can’t go. Keeping everything crossed for you

totheclouds · 06/08/2023 07:50

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).

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totheclouds · 06/08/2023 07:50

@Acourtof I would risk it, by the time you land and go to customs it should have come through.

dizzygirl1 · 06/08/2023 07:52

totheclouds · 06/08/2023 07:50

@Acourtof I would risk it, by the time you land and go to customs it should have come through.

You can't be checked in or fly without a valid ESTA. It's needed when they get to the UK airport not the US.

widowtwankywashroom · 06/08/2023 07:54

totheclouds · 06/08/2023 07:50

@Acourtof I would risk it, by the time you land and go to customs it should have come through.

rubbish advice, they are checked on departure, you will not be allowed to board without one

totheclouds · 06/08/2023 07:55

@dizzygirl1 yea you can, they don't have access to the us system, they may ask if you have one in which case say yes. It's only when you are actually in the USA that they check.

widowtwankywashroom · 06/08/2023 07:55

Oh bloody hell OP hope it comes through soon

totheclouds · 06/08/2023 07:56

@widowtwankywashroom you actually think a airport staff worker in the Uk have access to a USA government system?

dizzygirl1 · 06/08/2023 07:57

totheclouds · 06/08/2023 07:55

@dizzygirl1 yea you can, they don't have access to the us system, they may ask if you have one in which case say yes. It's only when you are actually in the USA that they check.

You need to note the MANY threads on many forums about how people can't be checked in or fly as they don't have a valid ESTA.

widowtwankywashroom · 06/08/2023 07:58

totheclouds · 06/08/2023 07:56

@widowtwankywashroom you actually think a airport staff worker in the Uk have access to a USA government system?

On reflection I don't know. I had mine printed off last time I went and I am sure Virgin said they wouldn't let us fly without one,.

LeafHunter · 06/08/2023 08:01

Mine too about an hour but DHs took a bit longer than 24hrs.

widowtwankywashroom · 06/08/2023 08:01

Come on OP any update

notimagain · 06/08/2023 08:02

totheclouds · 06/08/2023 07:56

@widowtwankywashroom you actually think a airport staff worker in the Uk have access to a USA government system?

Selective access to certain systems for selective agencies/companies? Of course they do.

The airlines get clobbered with a fine and are responsible for repatriating any passenger who arrives in the US without an ESTA/VISA.

As a result those carriers that serve the US do have the means of checking VISAs/ESTAs prior to boarding.