Updated: Aug 24, 2023
ESTA website problems are rare but can be frustrating for travelers on tight timelines. Website technical issues are inherent to any online system, especially those supporting a high volume of users. Although the ESTA systems maintains a high uptime of over 99%, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) typically performs necessary updates on the ESTA website on the weekends, most frequently on Saturday mornings in GMT.
ESTA website outage periods last anywhere from one to ten hours. Unfortunately, these outages make it impossible for travelers to obtain authorizations prior to upcoming travel to the United States.
If you are experiencing ESTA website problems or technical issues, try the following:
One of the simplest solutions is to wait a few minutes or hours and then try accessing the site again. Before trying again, make sure to clear your browser cache before trying to apply again.
Sometimes, the U.S. government will announce scheduled maintenance periods or issues affecting the ESTA system. Check their official social media channels or websites for such announcements.
There might be a helpline or contact email on the CBP website provided for technical issues. You can get in touch to find out how long the outage is expected to last and what you can do in the meantime.
Sometimes the issue can be on your end. Make sure to clear your browser cache, try a different browser, or restart your computer and network equipment.
If you suspect the problem may be with your device or network, try using a different device or connecting to a different network to access the ESTA website.
In urgent situations, consult with your airline, travel agency, or the U.S. consulate/embassy for guidance on how to proceed.
Remember that you're advised to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure. If you're planning a trip and the website is down, consider the time sensitivity and plan accordingly.
If the above steps do not work and the ESTA website is not giving any indication of undergoing maintenance, try submitting your application using a difference internet browser, computer or even location such as at your work or other area with secure and stable internet access point. Applicants can also try applying using a mobile device connected to 3G, 4G or 5G as an alternative or even a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
CBP performs updates to the ESTA website for a variety of reasons. Planned updates are usually announced a couple weeks before they are due to be released. Unplanned outages can occur as well but these are less likely to happen without notice. Updates are necessary to ensure the technology supporting the ESTA is fully functional. This includes ensuring payment processes, applicant data storage, data checks and other functions are capable of supporting the ongoing demands of travelers all around the globe, as well as addressing any security concerns that evolve around travelers visiting the United States. For example, an update may include additional fields on the payment page to verify credit card payments, or, additional fields on the application form requesting information on a travelers previous visits to a non-US territory.
Applicants who wish to not continually check the ESTA website can apply with a third-party so that their data is saved and submitted to the government systems once the ESTA website is back up and again fully functional, although this typically comes at a higher cost which travelers may wish to avoid.
Apply early to avoid being affected by ESTA website issues. Due to the unpredictability of ESTA website outages, travelers are advised to apply for ESTA a few weeks before their departure to the United States. It is not uncommon for applications to go under ‘Pending’ status which may require up to 72 hours processing time before a decision is reached. Thus, at the minimum, travelers should submit their ESTA application at least 72 hours prior to their departure to the United States.
Even if you are able to submit your ESTA application, you will still need an approved authorization prior to being able to enter the U.S. Regularly the check status of your ESTA to ensure you receive it before you depart on your trip to the U.S.
Lastly but most importantly, travelers should not wait until the last minute to apply for their ESTA. Travelers applying for an ESTA with 72 hours remaining before departure to the U.S. can leave themselves vulnerable to disappointment. Thus, to avoid the possibility of travel issues travelers should apply for an ESTA at least weeks or months before their departure to the U.S. to account for the possibility of needing to apply for a U.S. visa if their ESTA application is denied.
If you hold a passport from a visa waiver country such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or other Western European Country, you may be eligible to obtain an ESTA for tourist, business, medical or transit purposes. Get started on your application, otherwise, visit the FAQ to learn more about the ESTA
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