Updated: Aug 25, 2023
Recent changes to the processing of ESTA applications have resulted in increased processing timelines at Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Virtually, all ESTA applications are decided upon within 72 hours. Although instant decisions are still common, many decisions now are delivered via email, sometime in between a few hours or a few days after an application has been submitted. Applicants will be notified via email on the current status of their applications. Travelers who find themselves awaiting a decision on their ESTA applications, should familiarize themselves with the different ESTA application status’. In addition to receiving updates via email, applicants can also check the status of their ESTA applications online if you have not yet received delivery of your ESTA or it has been a few days since receiving an update on your ESTA application.
Email Problems: The ESTA confirmation is usually sent by email. Sometimes, this email can end up in your Spam or Junk folder, so make sure to check those.
Website Glitches: Occasionally, there may be issues with the ESTA application website that can delay the processing of applications.
Incomplete or Incorrect Information: If your application was incomplete or contained errors, it might be pending until those issues are resolved.
Passport Validity: Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned departure date from the U.S. If it's not, your ESTA application may be delayed or denied.
Payment Issues: Ensure that the application fee was successfully paid and processed. Sometimes payment issues can lead to delays.
Routine Checks: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security performs routine background checks on all ESTA applicants. Sometimes these checks can take longer than usual, causing a delay.
Potential Flags: If something in your application raises a flag (perhaps a similarity to a person of interest), additional checks may be required, which can lead to delays.
Peak Seasons: During peak travel seasons or in situations where there's an uptick in ESTA applications, processing times may be longer than usual.
Check Status Online: You can check the status of your ESTA application to ensure it has been received and is being processed.
Contact Authorities: If it's been a significantly long time since you applied, and you've checked all of the above possibilities, you might consider getting in touch with the appropriate authorities to inquire about the delay.
Plan Ahead: To avoid last-minute stress, it's generally advised to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure.
No, visa-waver eligible passengers cannot board aircraft or sea vessel bound for the United States, nor drive through the U.S. border without an approved ESTA and the associated passport used to make the application.
If your ESTA was initially approved, and then at any point before your departure date to the United States, you were notified your ESTA was denied, then you will not be able to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
ESTA eligible travelers will need confirmation of approval before being able to travel to the United States. DHS and CBP are taking longer to process ESTA applications, thus travelers will need to be diligent in checking the status of their ESTA applications if they have not received confirmation via email within 72 hours of submitting an application form.
If you hold a passport from a visa waiver eligible country and wish 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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