If you are a UK citizen planning a trip to the United States, you may be wondering how long does the ESTA visa for USA from UK take? The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) allows British travelers to visit the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Applying for an ESTA visa for USA from the UK is a fast and straightforward process, but many travelers are concerned about processing times and when they should submit their applications. In this article, we will cover how long the ESTA takes to be approved, how far in advance you should apply, and what to do if your application is delayed.
Most ESTA applications are processed within minutes of submission. However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advises travelers to apply at least 72 hours before their departure to allow sufficient processing time.
Here’s what you need to know about ESTA visa for USA from UK processing times:
Even though the ESTA visa for USA from UK is often approved quickly, it is always best to apply well in advance of your trip. Here are some key recommendations:
If you forget to apply for an ESTA and try to submit your application on the day of travel, there is no guarantee you will receive approval in time.
Once approved, the ESTA visa for USA from the UK is valid for two years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the U.S. without needing to reapply, as long as each stay is 90 days or less.
If your passport expires, you will need to apply for a new ESTA, even if your previous authorization is still valid.
If your ESTA visa for USA from UK is still pending after 24-48 hours, don’t panic. Here are some possible reasons and solutions:
To check your ESTA status, visit the official U.S. government ESTA website and enter your application reference number.
If your ESTA visa for USA from UK is not approved before your flight, you will not be allowed to board. In this case, you may:
Applying for your ESTA visa for USA from UK well in advance has many benefits:
✅ Peace of Mind – Avoid last-minute stress.
✅ Faster Check-in – Airlines verify ESTA status before allowing boarding.
✅ Multiple Entries – A valid ESTA lets you travel multiple times to the U.S. within two years.
Don’t wait until the last minute—apply for your ESTA today to ensure smooth travel to the U.S.