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AIBU?

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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
Notgnillew · 06/08/2023 10:01

Definitely apply again 🤞

Caterina99 · 06/08/2023 10:11

God I feel your stress OP. I’ve had dealings with US visas before (we lived there, so didn’t need esta) and it was a nightmare

Fingers crossed for you

EggOverEasy · 06/08/2023 10:15

🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

Choux · 06/08/2023 10:18

Did you definitely use the official website?

I applied for my last ESTA 2 years ago via a link on the BA website and realized after it was a third party site rather than a link to the official site. They might have changed the link now but the official site is

esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

Apply again. Individually.

Birdfeather · 06/08/2023 10:19

When you get to the airport, still queue to check in and if it hasn’t arrived by the time it’s your turn, explain to the agents. They won’t let you board as they have to ensure you have them, but they can at least be aware of the issue and make the gate aware that your group may be rushing at the end to get to get there. Good luck!

Jellycat43 · 06/08/2023 10:25

Require an ESTA urgently?
Travellers who are leaving for the USA within three days and do not yet have an ESTAA_ can submit an urgent application. Urgent applications for the ESTA USA are granted, on average, within an hour. You can also apply for an ESTA at the airport if necessary, but keep in mind that delivery times cannot be guaranteed.
Apply for an urgent ESTA now
You can submit an urgent ESTA application with the standard application form. In this form, you are asked if your application has to be processed urgently. If you select this option, your application will be processed with priority.

StillWantingADog · 06/08/2023 10:26

yes you def have to make sure you’ve used the official website there are lots of copy cats.
really Hope it works out

Jellycat43 · 06/08/2023 10:27

Sorry posted without adding this is from official ESTA website - re apply using the urgent option. I'm keeping everything crossed for you 🤞

Curtains70 · 06/08/2023 10:27

Ah OP I'm keeping everything crossed for you.

Peridot1 · 06/08/2023 10:28

@Acourtof have you seen @Jellycat43 post about applying for an urgent ESTA?

notimagain · 06/08/2023 10:30

@Jellycat43

Good link..and since the idea of "just boarding" and sorting it out on arrival in the US has been floated yet again..from that same link:

" However, you do not need to print or save this digitally, as the US immigration authorities and your airline will be able to see from your passport data whether you have a valid ESTA. The airline will already check during check-in whether you have a valid travel authorisation. Is this not the case? Then you will not be allowed to board the plane.

Ljc1985 · 06/08/2023 10:30

I'm keeping everything crossed for you! Come on system update and approve them !

megansmarkle · 06/08/2023 10:30

OP I really hope you get the visa xxxx

MrsPositivity1 · 06/08/2023 10:31

Mine came through in about 10 mins

MoralOrLegal · 06/08/2023 10:36

I'm sorry to bring bad news, but @Jellycat43's link seems to be to a third-party site. All the official ones end in .gov

Good luck, OP, really hoping for a positive update!

LiarLiarKnickersAblaze · 06/08/2023 10:36

OP tell us if you’re applying again!!!!!

jeaux90 · 06/08/2023 10:39

OP did the person you spoke to on the US tell you the system itself was ok?

We had to cancel a holiday about 3 years ago because the system was down for about 5 days.

Original poster
Acourtof · 06/08/2023 10:39

DH’s is approved!!!!!!

OP posts:
Oysterbabe · 06/08/2023 10:40

Amazing!!!! I'm so pleased for you.

Paq · 06/08/2023 10:40

Hurray!

Norma27 · 06/08/2023 10:41

Fingers crossed for you the others are approved in time too.

Choux · 06/08/2023 10:41

LiarLiarKnickersAblaze · 06/08/2023 10:36

OP tell us if you’re applying again!!!!!

I know you mean well but OP's priorities will be dealing with the stress, handling her children's excitement/ sadness and hopefully filling in four new ESTA applications and then hitting refresh constantly on her apps and emails.

Updating us is not a priority.

Ilovethewild · 06/08/2023 10:42

Fabulous news op, yours and kids will be through v soon, get your selves on route to your holiday 😁

GoingGoingUp · 06/08/2023 10:42

Wooo! One down, three to go! Hopefully that means your application is now being dealt with!

Curiosity101 · 06/08/2023 10:42

So happy for you! Hopefully the others are on their way too!

Did you reapply or is this the original application?

So unbelievably stressful. I do feel for you OP, we all make mistakes, I'm really hoping this all comes through for you. 🤞🤞🤞

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