How long does it take to obtain ESTA?

The ESTA is an essential document for travellers wishing to visit the United States. This travel authorisation is obtained online and has been mandatory since January 2009. However, it is important to know how far in advance of your trip you should apply for the ESTA to avoid any stress or unforeseen circumstances. On this page, we will explain how long it takes to obtain the ESTA, as well as the different steps to follow to apply.

What is the processing time for obtaining the ESTA?

The ESTA is a mandatory document for travellers to the United States by air or sea for less than 90 days. It is important to know how long it takes to obtain the ESTA so that you have enough time to apply before departure.

• Standard processing time: The standard processing time for an ESTA application is usually 72 hours (3 working days). It is therefore recommended to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before departure to the USA to allow sufficient time for the application to be processed.
• Accelerated processing time: It is possible to obtain a faster response by opting for the accelerated processing time. With this service, the processing time is reduced to 24 hours (1 working day). However, it is important to note that this service is subject to an additional fee.
• Urgent processing time : In exceptional cases, it is possible to request urgent processing of the ESTA application. This service is reserved for emergency situations such as health problems or unforeseen circumstances. The time taken for urgent processing may vary from a few hours to a few days depending on the situation. It is important to contact the customer support service to find out more about this service.

It is important to note that even with the expedited or urgent processing time, it is recommended that you apply for your ESTA as soon as possible to ensure that everything is in order before departure.

How do you estimate the time needed to obtain the ESTA?

To ensure that you receive your ESTA in time, it is essential to know how long it will take to obtain it. However, the time needed to obtain the ESTA may vary depending on several factors.

The time it takes to obtain the ESTA depends mainly on how quickly the US authorities process your application. However, there are a number of factors that can influence this time, including

• The number of applications being processed: During busy tourist periods, the time taken may be longer, although this is not specified on the site where you are carrying out your procedure.
• The quality of the information provided: If information is missing or incorrect, it may delay the processing of your application;
• Provider-specific processing times: Some online service providers offer accelerated processing times for an additional fee.

To find out the estimated time it will take to obtain your ESTA, it is advisable to refer to the standard, accelerated and urgent processing times presented above. You can also consult the information provided by the US government on average ESTA application processing times.

In addition, it is important to take into account the time needed to complete the ESTA application formalities, such as entering personal information and paying the fee. It is recommended to allow sufficient time to fill in all the requested information accurately and to verify the data provided before submitting the application.

How to apply for ESTA in time?

Getting your ESTA in time for your trip will depend largely on how you apply and how much preparation you do. Here are some tips to help you get your ESTA in time for your trip.

To prepare your ESTA application, you will need your passport, travel dates and information about your work and accommodation in the USA. Make sure that all the information you provide is accurate and up to date. However, it is important to note that filling in ESTA forms can be tedious and mistakes can be made. It is therefore recommended that you use a third-party website with assistance to complete your ESTA application.

If you wish to speed up the processing of your ESTA application, it is recommended to use the online application form available on the official website or a responsive service provider. You may also pay an additional fee for expedited or urgent processing of your application. It is important to note that this does not guarantee that you will receive your ESTA, but it may reduce the processing time.

If your ESTA application is refused or delayed, it is important not to panic. You can submit a new ESTA application if the reason for its refusal is corrected. If you are unable to obtain your ESTA in time for your trip, you may have to cancel or change your travel plans.

In conclusion, it is important to know how long it takes to obtain your ESTA to avoid confusion and frustration before your trip to the USA. By carefully preparing your application and using tips to speed up the process, you can get your ESTA in time for your trip.

Mistakes that can lengthen the time it takes to obtain an ESTA:

It is important to fill in your ESTA application correctly and completely to avoid delays in the application process. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Typing errors: A typing or input error in the personal information may result in a refusal or delay in processing the application.
• Date errors: It is important to check that the dates of travel and stay in the USA are correct. An error in the date may result in the application being refused.
• Incomplete information: All questions must be completely and accurately filled in. Missing information may result in the application being refused.
• Criminal history: If you have a criminal history, you must declare it in your ESTA application. However, this may result in a more thorough review of your application, which may take longer.
• Payment problems: It is important to ensure that payment for the ESTA application is made correctly and on time. Any delay in payment may result in a delay in processing the application.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help speed up the processing of your ESTA application and obtain your US travel authorisation on time.

In conclusion, obtaining your ESTA in a timely manner is crucial to avoid stress and inconvenience during your trip to the United States. It is important to be aware of the different processing times and the factors that can influence the time needed to obtain it.

By preparing your ESTA application carefully and avoiding common mistakes, it is possible to minimise the risk of ESTA being delayed or refused. If time is of the essence, expedited or urgent processing options are also available. Finally, to maximise your chances of obtaining your ESTA on time, it is advisable to use the official website or a serious service provider to apply for your ESTA. By following this advice, it is possible to obtain your ESTA without worrying and enjoy your trip to the United States.