Are you planning a trip to the United States and wondering how long it will take to get your ESTA visa approved? Understanding the ESTA visa processing time is an important part of planning your trip and making sure that you have everything in order before you leave.
In this article, we'll delve into the details of ESTA visa processing and help you understand what to expect as you prepare for your trip to the United States.
What is an ESTA Visa?
The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) visa is a travel authorization that allows citizens of certain countries to enter the United States for short-term stays, typically for tourism or business purposes. ESTA visas are valid for two years and allow travelers to stay in the United States for up to 90 days at a time. To be eligible for an ESTA visa, travelers must be citizens of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which currently includes 39 countries.
How Long Does it Take to Process an ESTA Visa?
One of the most common questions that travelers have about the ESTA visa is how long it takes to get approved. The good news is that the ESTA visa processing time is typically very fast, with most applications being approved within a few hours. In some cases, it may take up to 72 hours for an application to be processed, but this is rare.
If you need to travel to the United States on short notice, the ESTA visa is a good option because it allows you to apply for travel authorization quickly and easily. However, it's important to keep in mind that the ESTA visa is not a guarantee of entry into the United States. Travelers who are approved for an ESTA visa may still be denied entry at the border if they are deemed inadmissible for other reasons, such as having a criminal record or being deemed a security risk.
Factors That Can Affect ESTA Visa Processing Time
While the ESTA visa processing time is generally fast, there are a few factors that can affect how long it takes to get your application approved. These include:
The time of year: The ESTA visa processing time may be longer during peak travel seasons, such as around the holidays or during the summer months.
The completeness of the application: Make sure that you fill out the ESTA application completely and accurately to avoid any delays in processing. Incomplete or incorrect information on the application can cause delays.
Technical issues: If there are technical issues with the ESTA website, it may take longer for your application to be processed.
Security checks: If your application triggers additional security checks, it may take longer for it to be approved. This can happen if you have a common name or have traveled to certain countries in the past.
If you are worried about the processing time, it's recommended to apply for an ESTA at least 2 weeks prior to the intended date of entry. This will give you plenty of time to get your travel authorization before your trip.
US ESTA Application Process
The fastest and most convenient option to get a US ESTA is via VisaHQ. Through VisaHQ, all you need to do is follow the following simple steps from the comfort of your home:
Select your citizenship
Complete the online ESTA application form
Pay the ESTA fee with online payment methods
Submit your application with supporting documents
Applicants can complete this entire process within 10 minutes. Afterward, the embassy will process your application, and you'll get your valid ESTA via email!
Tips for a Smooth ESTA Visa Process
To ensure that your ESTA visa process goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Apply early: As mentioned earlier, it's best to apply for your ESTA visa as soon as you start planning your trip to the United States. This will give you plenty of time to get your travel authorization and make any necessary changes to your plans if your application is delayed or denied.
Make sure you're eligible: Before you apply for an ESTA visa, make sure that you're eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. This means that you must be a citizen of one of the 39 participating countries and have a valid passport.
Double-check your application: It's important to fill out the ESTA application completely and accurately to avoid delays in processing. Make sure to double-check all of the information you enter to ensure that it's correct.
Be prepared for additional security checks: If your application triggers additional security checks, it may take longer for it to be approved. Be prepared for this possibility and plan accordingly.