Are you planning to travel to the United States and have just applied for an ESTA online, but have no idea what the status of your application is? Don’t panic, the procedure for checking your ESTA is extremely simple, and we’ll explain it in detail in this article.
When should I check the status of an ESTA application?
For check the status of your ESTA fileHowever, you must first make sure that you have submitted your application online. As a reminder, the ESTA is not a visa, and can only be applied for online, unlike the classic visa, which requires you to go to the US embassy or consulate general. You can apply for an ESTA on two different platforms:
- the official U.S. government website;
- private websites specializing in ESTA, offering individualized support in this process.
To be sure that your ESTA application has been transmitted to the American authorities, you must pay the processing fee. There is no such thing as a free ESTA.
Following your request, you should receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application for a temporary residence permit. Only then will you be able to check the progress of your ESTA USA.
How to check the status of an ESTA STATUS?
As mentioned above, checking an ESTA is quick and easy. All you need are three elements:
- the file number given in the e-mail acknowledging receipt of your request;
- your passport number (biometric or electronic passport) ;
- your date of birth.
To continue, simply log on to your online space on the U.S. government website and click on “check existing application”. Note that it is also possible to check ESTA status of a group request. To do this, click on “Check group status”.
If you can’t find your ESTA application number, don’t despair: the U.S. government has provided an option in case you forget. All you need to do is fill in a few additional details relating to your electronic or biometric passport (country of citizenship, date of issue and expiry date). You will then be able to access your application file and check the status of your ESTA.
Checking the ESTA The different possible statuses
If you have successfully accessed your file, you will be able to instantly check the status of your ESTA authorization request. At this stage, there are three possible options.
ESTA is granted
Approval of your ESTA application is the only way to travel to the USA without a visa. If this status appears in your file, congratulations, you’re eligible for the Visa Waiver Program! You’ll then be able to travel to the USA whenever you want, for one (or more) stay(s) of up to 90 days within a two-year period.
ESTA application pending
If your ESTA application is still pending, don’t jump to conclusions. This in no way means that your application will be rejected. In most cases, travelers with a pending ESTA receive approval of their application within a few hours.
Two situations can cause this specific status:
- The U.S. government’s website is very busy, so it naturally takes longer to process files;
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection will review your file in greater detail to ensure that you pose no threat to the country’s internal security.
In the case of a pending ESTA, we therefore advise you to check the status of your ESTA application every few hours. Whatever the final decision, the final status of your application will be determined within a maximum of 72 hours.
ESTA refused
After you have check the status of your ESTAHave you noticed that your application has been rejected? Don’t panic, the rejection may simply be the result of a careless error or a typing mistake made when filling in the online form.
As a first step, we advise you to check all the information provided in your ESTA application. If you make a mistake, you’ll need to reapply and pay the application fee.
If all the information is correct, it’s very likely that you don’t meet one of the ESTA eligibility criteria. There are many reasons for refusal: length of stay in the USA too long, expired passport, reason for travel other than tourism, business or transit, legal convictions, etc.
If your application has been refused and you are determined to go to the USA, the only possible alternative is to apply for a visa at the US consulate or embassy.
We’ve just seen how to check the status of an ESTA application but what about travelers who already have ESTA authorization and simply want to check whether their their ESTA is still valid?
Check if the ESTA form is still valid
For your information, an ESTA in the USA is valid for two years (provided you have a valid passport), so if you’ve applied for an ESTA recently, chances are your travel document is still valid.
In order to check the validity of the ESTA formIt couldn’t be easier! Follow exactly the same procedure as above, i.e. access your personal space via your ESTA file number and your valid passport number.
If your ESTA is still valid, you are free to travel to the USA, subject of course to the limits of this authorization.
If your ESTA has expired, you’ll need to reapply. After ordering, please remember to check the status of your ESTA form. Renewal of authorization is not systematic. However, if your situation has not changed, your application should be approved without a hitch!
