The ESTA (Electronic System For Travel Authorization) application process is carried out online and a large number of applications are approved in less than a minute after submission. However, it can take up to 72 hours to get your application approved. Once your application gets approved, you will be notified via email or browser.
Content:
- What Is ESTA? Is It Compulsory?
- Factors That Influence ESTA Processing Times
- The ESTA Responses
- How Long Is ESTA Valid?
- When Should You Apply For ESTA?
- Final Thoughts
The approval notification contains the authorization number and the expiry date of the ESTA. There are minimal chances that your application will need more than 24 hours to get approved.
The ESTA application denial can happen due to a medical condition, criminal record, unauthorized immigration history, and similar reasons.
Information consistencies and multiple citizenships can also lead to denial.
What Is ESTA? Is It Compulsory?
ESTA is a web-based system to determine the eligibility of the visitors who want to travel to the United States.
It is important to note that ESTA does not have the authority to allow you entry into the United States. The final decision lies with the Custom and Border Protection officers.
It is compulsory for the citizens of the countries that have enrolled in the VWP (Visa Waiver Program). The program allows the citizens of the participating nations to enter the USA without a visa for up to 90 days.
The ESTA was set up to restrict the entry of people who pose a security risk to the United States. It did not intend to restrict tourism and commerce.
Factors That Influence ESTA Processing Times
Technical issues or issues related to the payment gateway can also cause delays in processing.
You can check the status of your application on https://applyforesta.com/ support.
The issues are mostly resolved in less than eight hours but you must submit your application as early as possible to avoid any unexpected delays.
The ESTA Responses
The application can generate one of the following responses:
- Authorization Approved – you are allowed to travel to the United States.
- Travel Not Authorized – you are not authorized to travel to the United States and you can apply for a travel visa at the US embassy.
- Authorization Pending – ESTA needs more time to approve your application.
How Long Is ESTA Valid?
The ESTA is valid for up to two years and you’re allowed multiple entries into the United States for up to 90 days each year.
Upon receiving a new passport, you must apply for an ESTA approval.
When Should You Apply For ESTA?
Though your ESTA application can get approved in less than a minute, you should apply at least 72 hours before your departure.
It is better to apply for ESTA even before you pay for your trip.
Even if you don’t have any specific plans to travel to the US or your work requires last-minute travel, you must apply for the ESTA.
Final Thoughts
The purpose behind the ESTA is to make traveling to the United States easier, convenient and less expensive.
The UK and the USA want their citizens to travel without any problem for tourist and commercial purposes.
Make sure that you apply for the ESTA well in advance to avoid any trip cancellations and delays.