USA

USA ESTA | UNITED STATES

COVID infos As of May 12, 2023, it is no longer necessary to be vaccinated against COVID 19 to travel to the USA.

ESTA pending

The procedure for obtaining ESTA travel authorization is entirely online. The applicant completes the form and pays the fee by credit card to obtain the ESTA.

Most authorizations are issued in a matter of minutes. However, some ESTA applications are “on hold”. This status means that your file needs more time to be processed.

To complete your ESTA form, simply click on online form.

Why is an ESTA application on hold?

First of all, it is very rare that an ESTA is refused (around 0.1%). Here are the various reasons why a travel authorization application may be on hold:

  1. When you validate your application form, the checks are carried out automatically by computer. If you validate your application during a busy period on the site, it often happens that the ESTA validity is not processed immediately, and your ESTA application is put on hold.
  2. The American authorities carry out random checks. Your file may be on hold for this reason.
  3. Some additional checks may also be performed as a result of the information you have provided. These are conducted so that the government can ensure that you do not pose a threat to the country in any way.

How long can an ESTA application be held?

While most applications are processed within a day of submission, the maximum ESTA processing time is 72 hours. We advise you to take this timeframe into account when making your application, so that you don’t find yourself ready to embark without your ESTA, as your departure could be jeopardized. Without prior travel authorization, you cannot travel to the United States.

What to do if your ESTA is refused?

After the 72-hour deadline, your ESTA application may be refused. If you have made a mistake, you can reapply within 10 days. In the meantime, check that you have not made any mistakes and that you meet all the eligibility criteria.

If your ESTA is refused, you can apply for a USA visa at an American embassy. The process is a little longer and more expensive, but if successful, you are assured of a safe trip to the United States.