Can I fly with my ESTA pending?

Can I Fly With a Pending ESTA? The Short Answer is No.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a vital pre-travel requirement for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries planning to visit the United States. It allows eligible travelers to enter the US for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. However, the system isn’t instantaneous, and sometimes applications require additional screening. This leads to the dreaded “pending” status, and the question: Can you fly with a pending ESTA?

Unfortunately, the answer is a definitive no. If your ESTA application is pending, you are not authorized to travel to the United States. Attempting to board a flight with a pending ESTA will result in being denied boarding. Airlines are required to verify the validity of your ESTA before allowing you to board a US-bound flight. Presenting a pending application is equivalent to not having an approved ESTA at all.

Why is my ESTA pending?

An ESTA application can be pending for several reasons. The most common reason is that your application has been flagged for additional security checks. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong. It simply means that something in your application requires further review. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as similar names on watchlists, previous travel history, or even just random selection.

What should I do if my ESTA is pending?

• Be patient: Most ESTA applications are processed within 72 hours. However, some applications can take up to 120 hours (5 days) or even longer in rare cases. Check the status of your application regularly through the official ESTA website.
• Don’t book flights until your ESTA is approved: Booking flights before receiving ESTA approval is strongly discouraged. You risk losing money on non-refundable tickets if your application is ultimately denied.
• Consider contacting CBP (Customs and Border Protection) if necessary: If your ESTA remains pending for an extended period (longer than 72 hours), you can contact CBP for an update. However, be prepared for the possibility that they may not be able to provide specific information about the delay.
• If your trip is imminent and your ESTA is still pending, explore alternative options: If your travel dates are approaching rapidly and your ESTA is still pending, unfortunately, you may need to postpone your trip. Attempting to travel without an approved ESTA will be futile and costly.

In conclusion, traveling to the United States with a pending ESTA is simply not possible. It’s crucial to apply for your ESTA well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing and any potential delays. Don’t risk your trip – ensure your ESTA is approved before booking your flight.