ESTA authorization pending: what now?
Did you receive the message “authorization pending” after your ESTA application? Learn what this ESTA status means and your options to travel to the USA quickly, easily, and cheaply without a visa.
What is ESTA?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated system for visa-free travel to the United States. If you are from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may apply for ESTA and get to the United States easier, faster, and cheaper than visa travelers.
After submitting your ESTA application online, it usually only takes a few minutes (maximum 72 hours) to receive your ESTA approval. However, in addition to the “approved” status message, there are other notifications you may receive in the ESTA process.
ESTA status: the three options
You can log in to your ESTA account (keep your order number and passport ready) to check your application status. There are three types of results:
- Authorization approved
- Authorization pending
- Travel not authorized
The status message "authorization approved" means that you can now travel to the USA without a visa for a maximum of 90 days during the ESTA validity period of two years.
If you get the “travel not authorized” message, your ESTA is denied, and you must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate to enter the United States.
The outcome of your ESTA application is unclear if you still see the message "authorization pending" during the status check.
Tip
If you submit your ESTA application with the help of the USA experts at esta-application.com, you will be notified of any status change by email. In addition, you can choose from many other ESTA services and security features.
ESTA authorization pending: What does that mean?
The ESTA status message "authorization pending" means that the review of your application is not yet complete. Most applications are processed within 72 hours, but in rare cases, the review may take longer.
For example, server failures or extensive system maintenance at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection may delay updating ESTA results. If your ESTA application is still “pending” after 72 hours, then to be safe, wait a few more hours and contact your ESTA service advisor.
Your ESTA advisor may ask you to provide additional information in order to process your request further. In this case, follow the instructions and submit all the necessary information and documents.
What can I do if my ESTA status is „authorization pending"?
If your ESTA application status is "authorization pending," you should wait a few hours or days before contacting your ESTA service advisor. Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite an ESTA application, nor is there the often-mentioned ESTA fast processing.
Do you need help with your ESTA application? Then use the convenient ESTA service of esta-application.com to get your US travel authorization quickly and easily. With the help of our professional customer support, you can minimize the denial risk when applying for ESTA.