CBP Reminds Travelers to Allow 72 Hours for ESTA. Why?
ESTA website has this alert on top in red.
REMINDER: Apply for ESTA no later than 72 hours before departing for the United States. Real-time approvals will no longer be available and arriving at the airport without a previously approved ESTA will likely result in being denied boarding.
Why is that so? ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds. Is this a generic statement or a policy change?
This press release does confirm the policy change but does not list any reason as to why this was changed.
Due to changes in ESTA application processing, real-time approvals will no longer be available. Citizens of participating Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries traveling to the United States are strongly encouraged to apply for an ESTA at the time of booking their trip and no later than 72 hours prior to departure. Applicants who apply on the same day of their flight’s departure risk not having an approved ESTA prior to their scheduled departure. International travelers without an approved ESTA will not be authorized to board their flight.
(the emphasis is mine)
usa esta us-visa-waiver-program
asked 15 hours ago
Hanky PankyHanky Panky
25.5k476122
add a comment |
ESTA website has this alert on top in red.
REMINDER: Apply for ESTA no later than 72 hours before departing for the United States. Real-time approvals will no longer be available and arriving at the airport without a previously approved ESTA will likely result in being denied boarding.
Why is that so? ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds. Is this a generic statement or a policy change?
This press release does confirm the policy change but does not list any reason as to why this was changed.
Due to changes in ESTA application processing, real-time approvals will no longer be available. Citizens of participating Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries traveling to the United States are strongly encouraged to apply for an ESTA at the time of booking their trip and no later than 72 hours prior to departure. Applicants who apply on the same day of their flight’s departure risk not having an approved ESTA prior to their scheduled departure. International travelers without an approved ESTA will not be authorized to board their flight.
(the emphasis is mine)
usa esta us-visa-waiver-program
asked 15 hours ago
Hanky PankyHanky Panky
25.5k476122
Speculation: the changes might be delivered the distributed computer infrastructure (e.g. airlines, ground services) in batch. Batch processes occur usually overnight, but in case a computer system fails there is the need for the technicians to work on the issue, get it fixed, and wait for the next batch.
– usr-local-ΕΨΗΕΛΩΝ
7 hours ago
2
"ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds." Usually, yes. Not always. The 72 hours is in part to accommodate for those situations that aren't the norm.
– Mast
7 hours ago
2
The statement doesn't preclude granting an ESTA within minutes, if not seconds. It just doesn't guarantee that fast of a turnaround.
– A C
4 hours ago
add a comment |
ESTA website has this alert on top in red.
REMINDER: Apply for ESTA no later than 72 hours before departing for the United States. Real-time approvals will no longer be available and arriving at the airport without a previously approved ESTA will likely result in being denied boarding.
Why is that so? ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds. Is this a generic statement or a policy change?
This press release does confirm the policy change but does not list any reason as to why this was changed.
Due to changes in ESTA application processing, real-time approvals will no longer be available. Citizens of participating Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries traveling to the United States are strongly encouraged to apply for an ESTA at the time of booking their trip and no later than 72 hours prior to departure. Applicants who apply on the same day of their flight’s departure risk not having an approved ESTA prior to their scheduled departure. International travelers without an approved ESTA will not be authorized to board their flight.
(the emphasis is mine)
usa esta us-visa-waiver-program
asked 15 hours ago
Hanky PankyHanky Panky
25.5k476122
ESTA website has this alert on top in red.
REMINDER: Apply for ESTA no later than 72 hours before departing for the United States. Real-time approvals will no longer be available and arriving at the airport without a previously approved ESTA will likely result in being denied boarding.
Why is that so? ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds. Is this a generic statement or a policy change?
This press release does confirm the policy change but does not list any reason as to why this was changed.
Due to changes in ESTA application processing, real-time approvals will no longer be available. Citizens of participating Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries traveling to the United States are strongly encouraged to apply for an ESTA at the time of booking their trip and no later than 72 hours prior to departure. Applicants who apply on the same day of their flight’s departure risk not having an approved ESTA prior to their scheduled departure. International travelers without an approved ESTA will not be authorized to board their flight.
(the emphasis is mine)
usa esta us-visa-waiver-program
usa esta us-visa-waiver-program
asked 15 hours ago
Hanky PankyHanky Panky
25.5k476122
asked 15 hours ago
Hanky PankyHanky Panky
25.5k476122
edited 14 hours ago
Hanky Panky
asked 15 hours ago
Hanky PankyHanky Panky
25.5k476122
asked 15 hours ago
Hanky PankyHanky Panky
25.5k476122
asked 15 hours ago
Hanky PankyHanky Panky
25.5k476122
25.5k476122
Speculation: the changes might be delivered the distributed computer infrastructure (e.g. airlines, ground services) in batch. Batch processes occur usually overnight, but in case a computer system fails there is the need for the technicians to work on the issue, get it fixed, and wait for the next batch.
– usr-local-ΕΨΗΕΛΩΝ
7 hours ago
2
"ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds." Usually, yes. Not always. The 72 hours is in part to accommodate for those situations that aren't the norm.
– Mast
7 hours ago
2
The statement doesn't preclude granting an ESTA within minutes, if not seconds. It just doesn't guarantee that fast of a turnaround.
– A C
4 hours ago
add a comment |
Speculation: the changes might be delivered the distributed computer infrastructure (e.g. airlines, ground services) in batch. Batch processes occur usually overnight, but in case a computer system fails there is the need for the technicians to work on the issue, get it fixed, and wait for the next batch.
– usr-local-ΕΨΗΕΛΩΝ
7 hours ago
2
"ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds." Usually, yes. Not always. The 72 hours is in part to accommodate for those situations that aren't the norm.
– Mast
7 hours ago
2
The statement doesn't preclude granting an ESTA within minutes, if not seconds. It just doesn't guarantee that fast of a turnaround.
– A C
4 hours ago
Speculation: the changes might be delivered the distributed computer infrastructure (e.g. airlines, ground services) in batch. Batch processes occur usually overnight, but in case a computer system fails there is the need for the technicians to work on the issue, get it fixed, and wait for the next batch.
– usr-local-ΕΨΗΕΛΩΝ
7 hours ago
Speculation: the changes might be delivered the distributed computer infrastructure (e.g. airlines, ground services) in batch. Batch processes occur usually overnight, but in case a computer system fails there is the need for the technicians to work on the issue, get it fixed, and wait for the next batch.
– usr-local-ΕΨΗΕΛΩΝ
7 hours ago
2
2
"ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds." Usually, yes. Not always. The 72 hours is in part to accommodate for those situations that aren't the norm.
– Mast
7 hours ago
"ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds." Usually, yes. Not always. The 72 hours is in part to accommodate for those situations that aren't the norm.
– Mast
7 hours ago
2
2
The statement doesn't preclude granting an ESTA within minutes, if not seconds. It just doesn't guarantee that fast of a turnaround.
– A C
4 hours ago
The statement doesn't preclude granting an ESTA within minutes, if not seconds. It just doesn't guarantee that fast of a turnaround.
– A C
4 hours ago
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
The reason is right there. You don’t see it because you’re expecting something elaborate.
Due to changes in ESTA application processing
That’s the reason. They don’t need to explain the details of the change.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-reminds-travelers-allow-72-hours-esta
answered 14 hours ago
ThE iLlEgAl aLiEnThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
24.2k367124
Expectations...
– Harper
9 hours ago
I wonder if there are actually any changes in place. Someone who's recently applied for an ESTA could confirm how much it took for an approval to be received.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez You would need more than one data point to be able to draw meaningful conclusions.
– ThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
3 hours ago
1
@ThEiLlEgAlaLiEn if at least one person gets an instant approval then "Real-time approvals will no longer be available" is wrong.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez Turns out I last applied for an ESTA... the day before the press release linked in the question. Doh!
– David Richerby
2 hours ago
add a comment |
Not an official reason but I've had an ESTA delayed because of payment difficulties. I'd used the same card to pay for a plane ticket, a seat upgrade and an ESTA in rapid succession, all to US companies; my bank flagged that as potential fraud and refused the ESTA payment. The next morning, I got an email from CBP saying that I couldn't have my ESTA until I'd paid for it.
So it certainly seems prudent for CBP to recommend that people don't apply right at the last minute. Even completely routine applications can get delayed. As far as I recall, CBP have always advised people to apply at least 72 hours in advance of their planned travel.
answered 10 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.1k84485
1
Hmm. Actually, I'm not sure this really answers the question. Downvote if you think it doesn't; I'll delete it if people think it's not relevant.
– David Richerby
10 hours ago
It doesn't answer the question but it's still good/relevant information... if you end up deleting it maybe put it into a comment.
– Mehrdad
2 hours ago
add a comment |
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2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
The reason is right there. You don’t see it because you’re expecting something elaborate.
Due to changes in ESTA application processing
That’s the reason. They don’t need to explain the details of the change.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-reminds-travelers-allow-72-hours-esta
answered 14 hours ago
ThE iLlEgAl aLiEnThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
24.2k367124
Expectations...
– Harper
9 hours ago
I wonder if there are actually any changes in place. Someone who's recently applied for an ESTA could confirm how much it took for an approval to be received.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez You would need more than one data point to be able to draw meaningful conclusions.
– ThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
3 hours ago
1
@ThEiLlEgAlaLiEn if at least one person gets an instant approval then "Real-time approvals will no longer be available" is wrong.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez Turns out I last applied for an ESTA... the day before the press release linked in the question. Doh!
– David Richerby
2 hours ago
add a comment |
The reason is right there. You don’t see it because you’re expecting something elaborate.
Due to changes in ESTA application processing
That’s the reason. They don’t need to explain the details of the change.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-reminds-travelers-allow-72-hours-esta
answered 14 hours ago
ThE iLlEgAl aLiEnThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
24.2k367124
Expectations...
– Harper
9 hours ago
I wonder if there are actually any changes in place. Someone who's recently applied for an ESTA could confirm how much it took for an approval to be received.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez You would need more than one data point to be able to draw meaningful conclusions.
– ThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
3 hours ago
1
@ThEiLlEgAlaLiEn if at least one person gets an instant approval then "Real-time approvals will no longer be available" is wrong.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez Turns out I last applied for an ESTA... the day before the press release linked in the question. Doh!
– David Richerby
2 hours ago
add a comment |
The reason is right there. You don’t see it because you’re expecting something elaborate.
Due to changes in ESTA application processing
That’s the reason. They don’t need to explain the details of the change.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-reminds-travelers-allow-72-hours-esta
answered 14 hours ago
ThE iLlEgAl aLiEnThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
24.2k367124
The reason is right there. You don’t see it because you’re expecting something elaborate.
Due to changes in ESTA application processing
That’s the reason. They don’t need to explain the details of the change.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-reminds-travelers-allow-72-hours-esta
answered 14 hours ago
ThE iLlEgAl aLiEnThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
24.2k367124
answered 14 hours ago
ThE iLlEgAl aLiEnThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
24.2k367124
answered 14 hours ago
ThE iLlEgAl aLiEnThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
24.2k367124
answered 14 hours ago
ThE iLlEgAl aLiEnThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
24.2k367124
24.2k367124
Expectations...
– Harper
9 hours ago
I wonder if there are actually any changes in place. Someone who's recently applied for an ESTA could confirm how much it took for an approval to be received.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez You would need more than one data point to be able to draw meaningful conclusions.
– ThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
3 hours ago
1
@ThEiLlEgAlaLiEn if at least one person gets an instant approval then "Real-time approvals will no longer be available" is wrong.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez Turns out I last applied for an ESTA... the day before the press release linked in the question. Doh!
– David Richerby
2 hours ago
add a comment |
Expectations...
– Harper
9 hours ago
I wonder if there are actually any changes in place. Someone who's recently applied for an ESTA could confirm how much it took for an approval to be received.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez You would need more than one data point to be able to draw meaningful conclusions.
– ThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
3 hours ago
1
@ThEiLlEgAlaLiEn if at least one person gets an instant approval then "Real-time approvals will no longer be available" is wrong.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez Turns out I last applied for an ESTA... the day before the press release linked in the question. Doh!
– David Richerby
2 hours ago
Expectations...
– Harper
9 hours ago
Expectations...
– Harper
9 hours ago
I wonder if there are actually any changes in place. Someone who's recently applied for an ESTA could confirm how much it took for an approval to be received.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
I wonder if there are actually any changes in place. Someone who's recently applied for an ESTA could confirm how much it took for an approval to be received.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez You would need more than one data point to be able to draw meaningful conclusions.
– ThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez You would need more than one data point to be able to draw meaningful conclusions.
– ThE iLlEgAl aLiEn
3 hours ago
1
1
@ThEiLlEgAlaLiEn if at least one person gets an instant approval then "Real-time approvals will no longer be available" is wrong.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@ThEiLlEgAlaLiEn if at least one person gets an instant approval then "Real-time approvals will no longer be available" is wrong.
– JonathanReez♦
3 hours ago
@JonathanReez Turns out I last applied for an ESTA... the day before the press release linked in the question. Doh!
– David Richerby
2 hours ago
@JonathanReez Turns out I last applied for an ESTA... the day before the press release linked in the question. Doh!
– David Richerby
2 hours ago
add a comment |
Not an official reason but I've had an ESTA delayed because of payment difficulties. I'd used the same card to pay for a plane ticket, a seat upgrade and an ESTA in rapid succession, all to US companies; my bank flagged that as potential fraud and refused the ESTA payment. The next morning, I got an email from CBP saying that I couldn't have my ESTA until I'd paid for it.
So it certainly seems prudent for CBP to recommend that people don't apply right at the last minute. Even completely routine applications can get delayed. As far as I recall, CBP have always advised people to apply at least 72 hours in advance of their planned travel.
answered 10 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.1k84485
1
Hmm. Actually, I'm not sure this really answers the question. Downvote if you think it doesn't; I'll delete it if people think it's not relevant.
– David Richerby
10 hours ago
It doesn't answer the question but it's still good/relevant information... if you end up deleting it maybe put it into a comment.
– Mehrdad
2 hours ago
add a comment |
Not an official reason but I've had an ESTA delayed because of payment difficulties. I'd used the same card to pay for a plane ticket, a seat upgrade and an ESTA in rapid succession, all to US companies; my bank flagged that as potential fraud and refused the ESTA payment. The next morning, I got an email from CBP saying that I couldn't have my ESTA until I'd paid for it.
So it certainly seems prudent for CBP to recommend that people don't apply right at the last minute. Even completely routine applications can get delayed. As far as I recall, CBP have always advised people to apply at least 72 hours in advance of their planned travel.
answered 10 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.1k84485
1
Hmm. Actually, I'm not sure this really answers the question. Downvote if you think it doesn't; I'll delete it if people think it's not relevant.
– David Richerby
10 hours ago
It doesn't answer the question but it's still good/relevant information... if you end up deleting it maybe put it into a comment.
– Mehrdad
2 hours ago
add a comment |
Not an official reason but I've had an ESTA delayed because of payment difficulties. I'd used the same card to pay for a plane ticket, a seat upgrade and an ESTA in rapid succession, all to US companies; my bank flagged that as potential fraud and refused the ESTA payment. The next morning, I got an email from CBP saying that I couldn't have my ESTA until I'd paid for it.
So it certainly seems prudent for CBP to recommend that people don't apply right at the last minute. Even completely routine applications can get delayed. As far as I recall, CBP have always advised people to apply at least 72 hours in advance of their planned travel.
answered 10 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.1k84485
Not an official reason but I've had an ESTA delayed because of payment difficulties. I'd used the same card to pay for a plane ticket, a seat upgrade and an ESTA in rapid succession, all to US companies; my bank flagged that as potential fraud and refused the ESTA payment. The next morning, I got an email from CBP saying that I couldn't have my ESTA until I'd paid for it.
So it certainly seems prudent for CBP to recommend that people don't apply right at the last minute. Even completely routine applications can get delayed. As far as I recall, CBP have always advised people to apply at least 72 hours in advance of their planned travel.
answered 10 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.1k84485
edited 6 hours ago
answered 10 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.1k84485
answered 10 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.1k84485
answered 10 hours ago
David RicherbyDavid Richerby
13.1k84485
13.1k84485
1
Hmm. Actually, I'm not sure this really answers the question. Downvote if you think it doesn't; I'll delete it if people think it's not relevant.
– David Richerby
10 hours ago
It doesn't answer the question but it's still good/relevant information... if you end up deleting it maybe put it into a comment.
– Mehrdad
2 hours ago
add a comment |
1
Hmm. Actually, I'm not sure this really answers the question. Downvote if you think it doesn't; I'll delete it if people think it's not relevant.
– David Richerby
10 hours ago
It doesn't answer the question but it's still good/relevant information... if you end up deleting it maybe put it into a comment.
– Mehrdad
2 hours ago
1
1
Hmm. Actually, I'm not sure this really answers the question. Downvote if you think it doesn't; I'll delete it if people think it's not relevant.
– David Richerby
10 hours ago
Hmm. Actually, I'm not sure this really answers the question. Downvote if you think it doesn't; I'll delete it if people think it's not relevant.
– David Richerby
10 hours ago
It doesn't answer the question but it's still good/relevant information... if you end up deleting it maybe put it into a comment.
– Mehrdad
2 hours ago
It doesn't answer the question but it's still good/relevant information... if you end up deleting it maybe put it into a comment.
– Mehrdad
2 hours ago
add a comment |
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Speculation: the changes might be delivered the distributed computer infrastructure (e.g. airlines, ground services) in batch. Batch processes occur usually overnight, but in case a computer system fails there is the need for the technicians to work on the issue, get it fixed, and wait for the next batch.
– usr-local-ΕΨΗΕΛΩΝ
7 hours ago
2
"ESTA approval previously used to be granted within minutes if not seconds." Usually, yes. Not always. The 72 hours is in part to accommodate for those situations that aren't the norm.
– Mast
7 hours ago
2
The statement doesn't preclude granting an ESTA within minutes, if not seconds. It just doesn't guarantee that fast of a turnaround.
– A C
4 hours ago