When to apply for ESTA

The American administration recommends that you apply for ESTA at least 72 hours prior to boarding your flight to the United States of America. This is the time limit that the American authorities have set for themselves to respond to an ESTA request. You will have your answer before you have to present your ESTA at the boarding gate.

It is recommended that you apply for ESTA in the weeks before your departure to be able to correct your application in case of refusal, or to apply for a US visa. Below, we detail the different scenarios according to the answer obtained for your ESTA.

ESTA application deadlines

The ESTA is a pre-authorization granted to travelers wishing to enter the United States for a trip of up to 90 days.

Indeed, in order to enter the United States, travelers must have an authorization. It can be a visa, a green card or an ESTA.

The ESTA form is valid for two years and has the advantage of allowing multiple visits during this period. Quick and easy to obtain, it can be requested directly from our platform.

Once the online questionnaire is completed, our team takes over. It verifies the information entered on your behalf and then sends your request to the appropriate ESTA authorization service.

The request must be made no later than 72 hours before departure (within which time the U.S. authorities undertake to provide an answer).

Deadlines for an ESTA application following a first refusal

If you receive an unfavorable opinion on your initial ESTA application, you may have made a mistake when filling out the form. Start by checking all your answers (spelling of first and last names, passport number, passport validity, etc.).

Once the error is detected, you can send a new ESTA application directly from our website (making sure to respect a 10-day delay between the two applications).

However, if after rereading you do not find any errors, you have no other option but to turn to an alternative, such as a visa application.

Deadlines for a visa application following an ESTA refusal

ESTA refusals are very rare. If, after several applications, you still have not received a favorable opinion, you can then apply for a visa for the USA.

This procedure is longer and more expensive than ESTA. Obtaining a visa requires an appointment at the American embassy.

You must apply for a B2 visa for tourist travel or a B1 visa for business travel. Valid 6 months after issue, the waiting period to receive it is variable.