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 🙏

@notimagain I wasn't thinking of anywhere, I wrongly assumed the data would be siloed having heard stories of people getting to the US without ESTAs, it makes sense that it is linked on reflection!

I suppose OP could try remote check in and maybe see if the authorisation is showing their end just perhaps not hers?

I'm really hoping it comes through OP, if you'd have to book the flights again anyway if it doesn't, is there any nearby country you could fly to today and then get a short haul flight to your location in the USA when the esta comes?

They don’t need to see anything because they can access the information. When I had an actual visa for the US and therefore didn’t have an ESTA they always had a mild panic at check in because there must ave been a “No ESTA” flag on their system. Even if you got on the plane US immigration would know you didn’t have the right to enter the US and would send you back.

@DaisyAndDonaldDuck yeah alright Captain Obvious. Any other tips? Pre book a flight? Pack clothes?

I'm surprised it's taking thus long to come through - as others have said, my experience is the ESTA coming through within a couple of hours.

We did an Alaska cruise out of Vancouver in 2019 and, of course, some people had got the Canadian version but not realised they needed the US ESTA - US officials at immigration before we boarded the ship took these people off to an office and got them to apply there and then.

You hear off the odd slip up but last I heard the US fine on the airline was I think over $3000 for each passenger who arrived with incorrect documentation and the hassle of an immediate repatriation..which could really screw things if the aircraft’s return flight was already full.

Hence the airlines being somewhat careful with the checks

I'll cross my fingers for you OP. There's still hope. 💐

My 5 year old just asked me why my face looks funny. I don’t think I’ve ever cried in front of my DC before 😞 I said we might not be fly and neither of them seem to understand.

Devastated. The first BA guy I spoke to (he was nice) said it is linked to the system and they can’t complete check in and take suitcases without it.

We are going to go to the airport regardless. And I will let you know what happens.

It’s a 9 hour flight so I’m ridiculously sad that we will most likely miss the flights and it might come through before it even lands in the US.

Yes PP said I am sure taxes are automatically refunded if you don't fly.

I have cancelled points only flights before and the full taxes have been refunded back to me. I 'think' you might have to apply for some airlines.

So individual ones. Literally nothing to lose at this point!

So sorry OP - it's such a rubbish mistake to make. Me and ex forgot to do it once and did it at the airport. Luckily it came through straight away (literally a couple of minutes) so we were saved from our own mistake. It's easily done - I don't know why you don't get more reminders from the airline after booking, or even from Disney. Anywhere that sends you comms about your holiday to the US should say 'Don't forget to do your ESTAs!' All fingers crossed for you.

@Acourtof am crossing my fingers for you 🍀

did you def use the direct approved esta site?

Have you checked your spam folder? Did you type your email address in correctly. Can you log in proper instead of relying on email? Have either you or DH been to Cuba in last ten years?

Not trying to patronise. These are all the things I would check.

Also please take my advice to re-apply for each one in turn. Do yours again first and see if it comes back quickly, then kids etc. It’s very unusual how long it is taking so something has gone wrong. PP have said you won’t be asked to show it at airport. I think it’s the other side they check so I’m sure it will come by later on this evening.

Don’t be a fucking dick.

Keeping fingers and toes crossed for you!

PP have said they check in the US so board the flight.

@notimagain makes total sense.

OP my fingers are firmly crossed for you, you still have time, and I would still try checking in just in case it has been approved but it's just not showing for you for some reason.

Apply again. Individually.
esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Whoever gets the Esta through can travel today (assuming an adult gets it) and then the additional cost of flights for the others is much less. BA might also show sympathy if you only need one extra seat on a future flight.

Apply again.

Re-apply!! There didn't used to be anything to stop you, the new application superseded the previous one.

Do this!

Re-Apply now!

Oh OP this is awful. I always got mine the same day too.

I agree with others if you can to apply individually. Groups can take longer.

Sending good vibes your way.

Wishing you luck OP. Really hope they come through.

I know you’ve done this but double and triple check the website and details are all correct, as I’m surprised it’s taking so long. I’ve visited countries that flag on the US system and both times I’ve needed an ESTA since pretty sure I got it really quickly (was just subject to additional searches and questions at both airports instead)

Ah shit OP. I've got everything crossed for you, there is definitely still hope!!!! Some good advice here.

I would reapply as well though they do take longer now than they used to this length is very long..
did you add in middle names

I'm keeping everything crossed for you OP.