When to apply for ESTA?

The regulation of procedures concerning access to American soil has been greatly facilitated by the Visa Waiver Program from which the ESTA stems. This program aims to simplify the process for nationals of selected countries, so that they can enter the United States without a visa.

When preparing for a trip to the United States, it is possible to anticipate certain steps to lighten the list of things to do. The ESTA application can be made in advance. An ESTA is valid for two years. This visa waiver allows access by air or sea to the borders of the United States of America. Airline tickets are not required to complete the ESTA application form. If the travel program is not yet finalized, this is not a problem because a number of ESTA changes are possible after the ESTA application has been accepted.

Apply for ESTA no later than 72 hours before departure

A trip is often something you prepare. However, there are times when we have to travel to the United States on an urgent basis for personal or business reasons. In this case, and if the reasons for travel meet the eligibility requirements of the ESTA, it is possible to apply for this authorization just before departure. Indeed, if the maximum response time is 72 hours, the answer usually arrives much faster. In the vast majority of cases, the latter is almost instantaneous. It is therefore possible to know very quickly if your ESTA application has been accepted.