Your ESTA application has a pending status

The procedure for obtaining ESTA travel authorization is entirely online. Although most authorizations are issued in a matter of minutes, some requests end up with the status: pending. This status means that your file needs more time to be processed.

Why is an ESTA application on hold?

There are several reasons why an ESTA application may be put on hold:

1. Busy site: If you submit your ESTA application during a busy period, the validity of your ESTA may not be processed immediately, putting your application on hold.
2. Random checks: U.S. authorities sometimes carry out random checks on applications, which may result in additional delays.
3. Additional checks: Depending on the information provided, additional checks may be necessary to ensure that you pose no threat to the country.

ESTA application waiting times

Most requests are processed within 24 hours of receipt. However, ESTA applications take a maximum of 72 hours to process. It is therefore crucial to take this timeframe into account when making your request, to avoid any risk of a compromised departure. Without prior travel authorization, you cannot travel to the United States.

What to do if your ESTA is refused?

If your ESTA application is rejected, follow these steps:

1. Re-apply: You can re-apply after 10 days. Please check that all the information you have entered is correct and that you meet all the eligibility criteria.
2. Visa application: You can apply for a tourist visa for the USA at an American embassy. Although this procedure is more time-consuming and costly, it allows you to travel to the United States despite the refusal of ESTA authorization.

To ensure that your ESTA application is processed smoothly, please ensure that the information you provide is accurate, and submit your application well in advance to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.