How long does an ESTA take to be approved?
The ESTA processing time is usually quick, with most applications approved within minutes, but some may take up to 72 hours for final confirmation.
Usually approved within minutes.
Up to 72 hours.
The ESTA processing time is an essential factor for any traveler planning to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. While many applications are approved in just a few minutes, the official maximum timeframe is 72 hours. This means that applicants should not rely on instant approval and are strongly advised to apply several days before departure. Understanding how long it takes to get an ESTA approved, as well as how long the authorization lasts once granted, helps travelers avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth trip to the USA.
ESTA processing time: How long does it take?
- ⚡ Fast approval – Most ESTAs are approved within minutes.
- ⏳ Maximum delay – Processing can take up to 72 hours.
- 📅 When to apply – At least 3 days before departure.
- 🛂 Validity – ESTA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
The ESTA processing time is a key concern for travellers heading to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. While the procedure is designed to be fast, approval times can vary. Officially, the maximum processing time for an ESTA application is 72 hours. In practice, however, most applicants receive their response much sooner.
US authorities strongly recommend applying for ESTA several days before departure, to account for possible delays or additional checks. Knowing the official timelines helps travellers avoid last-minute stress at the airport.
In most cases, an ESTA is approved within minutes of submitting the online form. Once the application details and payment are confirmed, the system automatically cross-checks the information (identity, passport data, travel history, security).
For many travellers, this means the ESTA approval is almost instant. Some receive confirmation before leaving the payment page or within minutes by email. This speed is possible thanks to the automated system, which instantly matches the applicant’s details with US databases. When everything is accurate, approval is granted immediately — an ultra-fast ESTA processing time ideal for last-minute trips.
Although immediate responses are common, it is important to remember that the official ESTA processing time can be up to 72 hours. Some applications require further review by the US authorities. This may be due to missing information, further identity verification or an inconsistency detected in the form.
During this period, the status of the application may appear as ‘pending’. This does not mean that it has been rejected, but simply that additional checks are being carried out. In all cases, the final response is sent within the maximum processing time.
It is therefore strongly recommended that you do not wait until the day before departure to apply for ESTA. The authorities advise that you apply at least 72 hours before your flight. In practice, many travellers prefer to apply even earlier, sometimes several weeks in advance, for peace of mind and to avoid any risk associated with a prolonged processing time.
👉 Summary: The ESTA approval time ranges from just a few minutes to a maximum of 72 hours. To ensure a smooth journey, apply well in advance rather than relying on last-minute approval.
The question of when to apply for ESTA is common among travellers to the United States. Although the application process is quick, timing is critical. Submitting the form well in advance avoids the stress of last-minute approval and ensures a smooth journey.
Some travellers consider applying for ESTA just a day before flying. While many applications are approved instantly, relying on this is risky. Extra checks, incorrect details, or failed payments can delay approval. In such cases, boarding may be denied at the airport due to missing authorization.
A late application also increases the risk of passport-related issues. If the document is unreadable or contains errors, there is no time to fix the problem before departure. Depending on instant approval is therefore a gamble that may jeopardize your trip.
US authorities officially recommend submitting the ESTA application at least 72 hours before departure. In practice, however, applying earlier is safer. Doing so provides time to correct mistakes, handle a “pending” status, or, in rare cases, apply for a traditional visa if ESTA is denied.
There is no downside to applying too early: the ESTA is valid for two years or until the passport expires. The best strategy is to complete the process as soon as travel plans are confirmed, rather than waiting until the last minute.
👉 By applying early, you reduce the risk of unexpected problems and ensure a hassle-free departure to the United States.
When applying for ESTA authorization to travel to the United States, the system may not provide an immediate response. Instead of ‘authorization approved’ or “rejected”, the applicant will see the message ‘pending’ (pending). This status may come as a surprise, but it is actually quite common and should not be interpreted as an automatic rejection. Understanding what it means and knowing how to track the progress of your application is essential to avoid worry as your departure date approaches.
When an ESTA is marked ‘pending’, it means that the file is undergoing additional screening. The electronic system was unable to make an instant decision and is forwarding the information to the US authorities for further analysis.
There are several possible reasons for this:
It is important to note that this status does not imply that the application will be rejected in the future. In most cases, the application is ultimately approved within the official 72-hour processing time. However, travellers should remain vigilant and avoid waiting until the last minute to submit their application, as they may not receive authorization in time.
To track the progress of a pending ESTA, simply return to the official ESTA website and click on the ‘Check your application status’ section. Two factors are required:
Once you enter this information, the system will display the current status: ‘approved’, “rejected” or still ‘pending’. If the status remains unchanged for several hours, it is recommended that you wait for a processing time of up to 72 hours. If your application is denied, you cannot reapply for ESTA immediately: you will then need to apply for a traditional visa at a US consulate.
👉 In summary, a pending ESTA is not an anomaly. It is simply an additional verification, usually resolved in less than three days. Anticipating your application and regularly checking its status are the best guarantees for a smooth trip to the United States.
Once approved, the ESTA authorization is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires. During this period, it can be used for multiple stays in the United States without reapplying.
👉 For more details on ESTA validity and conditions of use, see our dedicated guide: USA ESTA validity period.
The ESTA application is simple, but a small mistake or lack of foresight can turn a peaceful trip into a real headache. Here are some useful tips for preparing your authorization without stress and ensuring smooth processing.
It is recommended that you link your ESTA application directly to your travel arrangements. As soon as your flight ticket is booked or your itinerary is confirmed, starting the process will give you a comfortable margin. For tourist departures during the high season or for business trips planned well in advance, submitting your application as soon as your stay is confirmed will avoid any administrative setbacks.
A few simple steps will help ensure smooth processing:
These precautions reduce the risk of error and facilitate automatic validation of authorization.
Several common oversights can slow down or block the ESTA application process:
By avoiding these pitfalls, the application will proceed normally and you will obtain your ESTA authorization within the expected processing time.
👉 In summary, preparing your application as soon as you book your trip, following the instructions for entering information, and avoiding common mistakes are the keys to saving time and travelling to the United States with peace of mind.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Most ESTA applications are approved within just a few minutes. However, the official ESTA processing time set by US authorities is up to 72 hours. During this period, the application may be approved, refused, or placed under review. To avoid last-minute stress, travellers should submit their ESTA request at least three days before departure to the United States, instead of waiting until the day before their flight.
No. It is not possible to board a flight to the United States without an approved ESTA. Airlines are required to check the status of ESTA authorizations before check-in. If the application is still pending or has been rejected, the passenger will be denied boarding. To ensure a smooth trip, apply early and check your ESTA status online well before arriving at the airport.
An ESTA showing the status 'pending' means that the application is undergoing additional screening. This does not imply a rejection. In most cases, the decision is made within the 72-hour processing window. Travellers should wait, then regularly check the official ESTA website using their application number and passport details. If the final result is a refusal, the next step is to apply for a standard US visa through a consulate.
The processing time refers to how long it takes to receive a decision after submitting the ESTA form — from a few minutes up to 72 hours. The validity period, on the other hand, is how long the approved authorization remains valid: generally two years or until the passport expires. Once granted, the ESTA can be reused for multiple trips to the USA without reapplying for each journey.