ESTA authorization pending, granted or denied
ESTA authorization not only enhances the security of all travelers wishing to enter the USA without a visa, but also enables US customs to control entry and exit. This is why ESTA is now mandatory for travel to the USA. To obtain it, you need to apply online and fill in a form. Once the form has been completed, there are several possible outcomes: travel authorization is granted, refused or pending.
What does it mean to have ESTA status pending?
If your application has been put on hold, don’t worry, it’s not the final answer yet. The American authorities are putting your application on hold so that they can better analyze it and determine whether or not you represent a threat to American homeland security. It’s also possible that the number of ESTA applications being processed is very high, which is delaying the response time.
In any case, you’ll receive the result within 72 hours. You can check the status of your ESTA application on the official website: enter your name, passport number and ESTA number to access your file.
What does approved authorization mean?
If your application is approved by the U.S. government, it means you can travel to the United States. The person acquiring this travel authorization is free to stay for a maximum of 90 days. However, it must be for tourism, business or transit on American soil.
The ESTA is valid for two years. However, it varies according to your passport. If your biometric or electronic passport expires before the two-year validity period, your ESTA will expire at the same time. If you have a valid ESTA, but obtain a new passport, a new ESTA application must be made using the information in your new passport.
Prepare for your stay in the USA, especially your identity check. The immigration officer will ask to see your electronic or biometric passport. There’s no need to show him your ESTA USA, as it’s electronically attached to your passport. It is therefore important that the passport used to complete the ESTA form is the passport you use to travel to the USA. There’s also a good chance that you’ll have to show your ticket: a round-trip ticket, with a return date not exceeding 90 days, or an exit ticket if you’re making a stopover. Please note that the ESTA does not give you the right to enter the U.S., just to get there. It’s up to the immigration officer to decide.
And if the application is rejected?
If your application for authorization has been rejected, this means, in theory, that you are not authorized to travel to the USA with an ESTA. You can, however, travel to the USA with a visa issued by the American embassy. Please note that a visa application takes longer than the ESTA form, so it’s important to get everything done as soon as possible.
We advise you to think about the reasons for this refusal. If you think you’ve made a mistake on the application form, you can reapply within ten days. If you don’t think you’re eligible, your only alternative is to apply for a US visa. We remind you that to be eligible, travelers must have an electronic or biometric passport issued by a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program.