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Find more info about how to answer each question below:

Select your nationality from the dropdown list. This information is used to determine the visa requirements and applicable fees.

Select the type of visa you're applying for. The various types include different durations and entry types. Make sure to choose the one that matches your travel plans.

Enter your first name and middle name exactly as they appear in your passport, using letters A-Z.

Enter your last name exactly as it appears in your passport, using letters A-Z. If you don't have a last name, enter "N/A."

Select your date of birth from the dropdown menus. Make sure this matches the date of birth listed in your passport.

Enter your email address. We'll use this to send you updates about your application. You won't be enrolled in any promotional messages unless you click the checkbox below.

Enter your passport number exactly as shown on your passport. Include all letters and numbers without spaces.

Select the date your passport was issued. This must match the issue date printed on your passport.

Select your passport expiry date. Make sure your passport is valid for your planned travel duration.
Processing Times

Plan calmly, with realistic timeframes

ESTA decisions are issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The timeframes below reflect typical patterns we observe and are intended to help you plan calmly — not as a guarantee.

Most files

Within 72 hours

The majority of ESTA decisions are issued within 72 hours of submission. This is the most common scenario we see.

Some files

Up to 7 days

A smaller number of files take a few additional days for full review. This is normal and not a reason for concern.

Recommended

Apply 7+ days early

We strongly recommend submitting at least one week before travel for genuine peace of mind.

What happens — and how long each stage typically takes

The timings below are typical examples to help you set expectations. Each stage is followed by an email update so you always know where your file stands.

  1. 1

    Detail submission

    A few minutes

    You complete your guided application calmly, at your own pace.

  2. 2

    Initial verification

    Within 1–2 hours

    Our reviewers verify your entries against passport conventions and flag anything unusual.

  3. 3

    Senior reviewer audit

    Within 4–12 hours

    A senior reviewer performs the final human audit of your file as a safety net.

  4. 4

    Encrypted submission to U.S. CBP

    Within minutes

    Once verified, your file is transmitted through our secure channel.

  5. 5

    Authorisation decision by U.S. CBP

    Most ≤ 72 hours

    The official decision is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

  6. 6

    Status update by email

    Promptly upon decision

    We email you in plain language as soon as the result is available.

When should you begin your application?

The most caring advice we can offer is to give yourself a comfortable buffer of time. The table below outlines our recommended approach for different travel scenarios.

Travel timeframeRecommended approachWhy
Travelling in 30+ daysBegin at your leisure, take it slowlyMost relaxed and safest scenario.
Travelling in 7–30 daysBegin within the next few daysComfortable buffer for review and any clarifications.
Travelling in 3–7 daysBegin promptly today, prioritised reviewTime still allows our full audit process.
Travelling in less than 72 hoursPlease contact our team firstWe will personally advise the safest path forward.

[EXPERT NOTE]

No third party — including us — can guarantee a specific decision timeframe. The authorising decision is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The simplest, safest habit is to begin early whenever possible.

What can affect your timing

  • Time of submission

    Files submitted overnight or on weekends may take slightly longer for the initial human review.

  • Eligibility responses requiring clarification

    Certain answers may prompt our reviewers to email you for additional context before submission.

  • Holiday or peak travel periods

    Around major holidays, both our review queue and CBP decisioning may experience higher volumes.

  • Email deliverability

    If our messages land in your spam folder, your responses may be delayed. Please add [email protected] to your safe-senders list.

Travelling soon and feeling unsure? Email our team and we will gladly advise the safest path forward.

Contact Our Team