As a non-US national you may be eligible to travel to the United States visa-free under ESTA. The following guide looks at the meaning of ESTA, who is eligible to apply and we also answer the question, how long does ESTA take?

 

How Long Does an ESTA take?

 

In most cases, a response will be received within minutes of submitting the ESTA application.

You will usually be notified of the final decision on your application within minutes, but in some cases, it can take up to 48 hours.

ESTA applications can be flagged for additional security checks. In circumstances where it says “application pending”, this means that the information provided on your form is being reviewed. A pending ESTA application signifies that additional screening is needed to process your application so as to ensure you do not pose a security or immigration risk.

Importantly, while your ESTA application is pending, you are not authorized to travel to the United States.

 

When should you apply for ESTA?

 

Travelers are advised to make their ESTA application at least 72 hours before they are due to travel.

 

Are you ESTA eligible?

 

ESTA stands for the “Electronic System for Travel Authorization”. This refers to the authorisation granted to an eligible foreign citizen to travel to the United States without a visa under what’s known as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The VWP permits citizens of certain partner countries to travel to the US for tourism or business without needing a visa for a period of up to 90 days. In return, those countries must permit US citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism purposes.

Where eligible under the VWP, ESTA is essentially the automated system used to screen foreign citizens before they travel to the United States, and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk.

Under the VWP you are only permitted to remain in the United States for a period of up to 90 days. However, once authorization has been granted under ESTA you can generally use this several times, in other words, for several separate trips to the US without having to re-apply, unless the rules specifically prohibit multiple use of ESTA for your nationality.

That said, there should be a reasonable amount of time between visits to avoid any accusations that you may be using ESTA to reside in the United States, albeit on a temporary basis. The authorisation granted under ESTA is for a period of two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

 

Is your ESTA valid?

 

To check whether or not any previous authorization under ESTA remains valid, you will need to visit the ESTA website to check the status of your authorization and its validity period using your original application number. In the event that you no longer have this number, you can retrieve this through the website using your name, address, date of birth and passport number.

 

Who is eligible for ESTA?

 

To be eligible to travel under the VWP you must be a foreign citizen of one of the participating countries, which include:

United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.

You must also possess a valid electronic and machine-readable passport. These are enhanced secure passports with an embedded chip containing key biometric information about the passport holder.

 

How do I apply for ESTA?

 

Foreign citizens that qualify under the VWP must first obtain authorization to enter the US using ESTA prior to boarding a US bound air or sea carrier. You can do this by completing an online pre-registration form on the ESTA website at least 72 hours before departure, although VWP travellers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States.

To apply for an ESTA you will need to visit the US Department of Homeland Security’s special ESTA web page and complete the online form.

 

When is ESTA denied?

 

In some circumstances, even as a qualifying citizen of one of the partner countries possessing a valid e-passport, ESTA may still be denied approval to travel visa-free to the US, not least where it is deemed that you may pose a threat to the welfare, health, safety or security of the United States.

In particular, you will be denied entry under ESTA where:

 

• You have been arrested for certain crimes or have a criminal record.
• You have been previously denied entry to or deported from the US, or you have previously overstayed on the VWP.
• You have a serious communicable illness.

 

You will also be ineligible for visa-free travel under the VWP if are a dual national of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria, and if you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Somalia or Yemen at any time since 1 March 2011. You will also be ineligible if you have traveled to Cuba since January 2021.

If your ESTA application is denied you will need to apply for an appropriate US visa from the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Any denial under ESTA only prohibits travel under the VWP. It is not a final determination of eligibility for a visa to travel to the United States.

Typically, you will need to apply for what’s commonly known as a visitor visa, either for business or tourism purposes, namely a B-1 or B-2 visa. However, the visa process is much more complicated than applying for ESTA and, consequently, can take much longer, causing any travel plans to be delayed.

It is therefore advisable to ensure that you are eligible for ESTA before confirming any travel bookings to avoid any unnecessary delay or wasted costs. If you attempt to reapply for ESTA with false information, this will make you permanently ineligible for travel to the United States under the VWP.

 

Re-applying for ESTA

 

You will need to re-apply for fresh authorization under ESTA where your previous approval has expired. You will also need fresh authorisation where:

 

• You are issued a new passport
• You change your name
• You change your gender
• Your country of citizenship changes
• Your circumstances change, for example, you are convicted of a crime or you develop a serious communicable illness.

 

In some cases, any changes in personal details may only require an update to your existing authorisation without having to reapply.

 

Need Assistance?

 

Contact our US immigration attorneys for guidance on the ESTA application process.

 

How Long Does an ESTA Take FAQs

 

How long does it usually take to get an ESTA approval?

Most ESTA applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours for some cases. It’s best to apply as early as possible before your trip.

 

What should I do if my ESTA application is still pending?

If your ESTA application is pending, you can check the status online through the official ESTA website. It’s important to wait the full 72 hours before taking further action.

 

Can I apply for ESTA if I plan to travel in less than 72 hours?

You can apply, but there’s no guarantee it will be approved in time. It’s risky to apply at the last minute, so it’s recommended to apply as soon as you know your travel dates.

 

What happens if my ESTA is denied?

If your ESTA is denied, you won’t be able to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. You may need to apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate instead.

 

Can I reapply for ESTA if my first application is denied?

You can reapply, but unless your circumstances have changed, it’s likely that the result will be the same. It’s better to explore the reasons for the denial and consider applying for a visa.

 

How can I check the status of my ESTA application?

You can check the status of your ESTA application by visiting the official ESTA website and entering your application number and passport information.

 

Is there a faster way to get my ESTA approved?

There is no official expedited processing for ESTA. The best way to ensure timely approval is to apply early and ensure all information is accurate.

 

Can I travel to the US if my ESTA is still pending?

You cannot board a flight to the US without an approved ESTA. Make sure to apply well in advance to avoid this situation.

 

Does the 72-hour processing time include weekends and holidays?

The 72-hour processing time includes weekends and holidays, so be sure to account for this when planning your travel.

 

What information do I need to apply for ESTA?

You will need your passport details, travel information, and answers to security questions to complete the ESTA application. Make sure all information is accurate to avoid delays.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
ESTA	The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, an online system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)	A program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without needing a visa.
Processing Time	The time it takes for the ESTA application to be reviewed and approved by the US Department of Homeland Security, typically within minutes to 72 hours.
Immediate Approval	When an ESTA application is approved almost instantly after submission, allowing the applicant to travel to the US.
Pending Status	A status indicating that the ESTA application is still being reviewed and a decision has not yet been made, which can take up to 72 hours.
Application Number	A unique identifier assigned to each ESTA application, used to track and check the status of the application online.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)	The federal agency responsible for overseeing the entry of travelers into the US, including those using ESTA.
Authorization Approved	The status indicating that an ESTA application has been approved and the traveler is authorized to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program.
Travel Not Authorized	The status indicating that an ESTA application has been denied, preventing the applicant from traveling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program.
Security Questions	A set of questions on the ESTA application that help determine eligibility based on factors such as criminal history, health issues, and past immigration violations.
Application Error	Mistakes made during the ESTA application process that can lead to delays or denial, such as incorrect passport details or incomplete answers.
System Downtime	Periods when the ESTA system is unavailable due to maintenance or technical issues, potentially delaying application processing.
US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)	The government department responsible for public security, which includes overseeing the ESTA program and immigration enforcement.
Post-Approval Check	The process of reviewing and confirming the details of an approved ESTA application before traveling to ensure all information remains accurate and up-to-date.
Reapplication	The process of submitting a new ESTA application after a previous application has been denied or if significant changes in circumstances occur.
Visa Application	The process of applying for a US visa at an embassy or consulate, required if ESTA is denied or not applicable for the traveler’s situation.
Authorized Travel Period	The 90-day period within which an ESTA-approved traveler can stay in the US under the Visa Waiver Program.