ESTA

[Prowlerneedsajump]

Hello. Does anyone know approximately how long it takes to obtain an ESTA (UK passport holder) from the US Embassy in London (postal)? Thanks.

You apply online and it’s usually more or less instant. Be careful to use the official website as, although there is a fee for it, there are a host of lookalike and pretend pages that will apply on your behalf and take lots of money from you for the privilege.

Esta is the visa waiver scheme. You apply online and it can take up to 72 hours. In practice I've found it will be authorised within a day.

The cost is $14.

Great, thank you all very much! Relatively short notice trip, was worried about time but looks fine.