If you're a UK citizen planning to visit the United States, applying for the ESTA visa for USA from UK under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is often the quickest and most convenient option. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) allows eligible travelers to visit the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes without needing a traditional visa. One of the most common questions travelers ask is: How long does it take to get an ESTA for the USA from the UK?
In this guide, we’ll cover how long it typically takes to get your ESTA visa for the USA approved, the factors that may influence the processing time, and tips for ensuring your application is processed as quickly as possible.
The ESTA visa for USA from UK is typically processed very quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the typical processing times:
In most cases, you will receive your ESTA approval within minutes of submitting your application. The U.S. government’s automated system will review your application and send an approval response. This means that, for many travelers, you can expect to know the status of your ESTA application almost immediately.
While ESTA applications are usually approved quickly, it’s possible for the process to take up to 72 hours in some rare cases. This delay could occur due to technical issues, additional checks, or system delays. For this reason, it’s recommended to apply for your ESTA visa for USA from UK at least three days before your planned departure.
If your ESTA is denied, you will receive a notification informing you of the decision. In this case, you will need to apply for a traditional U.S. visa (B1/B2 visa) through a U.S. consulate or embassy, which may take longer to process.
While most ESTA applications are processed quickly, there are several reasons why it might take up to 72 hours for your application to be fully approved:
The U.S. government performs additional checks on some applicants, especially if there is any suspicion or discrepancy in the information provided. These checks can cause a delay in processing.
If you have recently changed your passport, or if there is a question about your eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), your application may undergo further review.
Sometimes, system outages or high volumes of applications can cause delays in processing. This is rare but can happen.
To ensure you have plenty of time for your travel plans, it's recommended that you apply for your ESTA visa as early as possible. Although most ESTA approvals happen quickly, applying at least 72 hours before your flight gives you extra peace of mind in case of any delays or complications.
For optimal results, apply for your ESTA visa for USA from UK at least a week in advance. This allows for unforeseen delays and ensures you have enough time to secure alternative travel arrangements if your ESTA is denied.
While the ESTA approval process is generally fast, certain mistakes can cause delays:
Double-check the accuracy of your details when filling out the ESTA application form. Incorrect information, especially your passport details, can lead to delays or a denied application.
Make sure you submit your application properly and pay the required fee through the official U.S. government portal. Any technical glitches during the submission process may result in delayed approval.
If you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or if you have previously overstayed a visit to the U.S., your application may take longer to process or be denied.
If your ESTA application is denied, you’ll be informed via email. In this case, you will need to apply for a U.S. visa (B1/B2 tourist visa) at your nearest U.S. consulate. This process can take several weeks or even months depending on your location and the availability of visa appointments.
It's important to know that while a denied ESTA can cause significant delays, it doesn’t mean you will automatically be denied a U.S. visa. You’ll simply need to go through the standard visa application process.
Make sure you allow enough time for the ESTA visa application process before your trip to the United States. While most applications are approved within minutes, it’s always a good idea to apply early to avoid last-minute stress.