Has the US shutdown effected ESTA applications?

lonewolf123

Hi all,

Going to US soon and need to apply for the ESTA.

Are people getting applications processed currently with the US shut down or is it put on hold right now?

Many thanks

shaun_from_Africa

I applied for a new ESTA last Wednesday and had confirmation of it being issued the following day.
As the ESTA process is automated and done by a computer, the only reason I can see for the shutdown causing an issue is if there is a problem with the computer system and there's no one available to sort it out.

jonesMUFCforever

I would make the ESTA application as soon as possible - it is no longer an immediate yes or no - it can take 72 hours under their new rules.

Lilacblue

We made an application last Saturday and heard nothing, but when we logged back in to the official site to see if there was a problem after four days (I was getting worried and I had the same thought as you - that the shutdown was taking it's toll) I entered passport details as requested and was told that the application had been successful within minutes of it being made on the Saturday. I have no idea why they hadn't used the email address I gave, to let us know.

So just passing that on for you to bear in mind really - that even if you don't receive an acknowledgment/confirmation of visa acceptance there might be no issue. Just go to the website again - the whole thing seems to be automated, as someone else has said.

Have a great trip!

pollypenny

They never use email to confirm. I had that worry the first time I applied fir an Esta. OH's application went straight through, mine was pending!

HogMan

The email address is used to inform you when the ESTA is due to expire.

photome

Assuming your trip is booked ( as you say you are going soon) you should have already applied for your ESTA

Lisiamc

Thank you! I’m so pleased I found this thread. We’ve been waiting for our ESTA approval and getting worried. We checked just now after I read this thread, and sure enough they had gone through about an hour after applying. What a relief! The only other mention I’ve seen was something from The Sun saying Brits who hadn’t applied before the shutdown wouldn’t be able to get an ESTA.

twhitehousescat

Lisiamc wrote: »

Thank you! I’m so pleased I found this thread. We’ve been waiting for our ESTA approval and getting worried. We checked just now after I read this thread, and sure enough they had gone through about an hour after applying. What a relief! The only other mention I’ve seen was something from The Sun saying Brits who hadn’t applied before the shutdown wouldn’t be able to get an ESTA.

The Sun

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

bradders1983

If The Sun told me today was Thursday, I would still check the calendar.

Indout96

HogMan wrote: »

The email address is used to inform you when the ESTA is due to expire.

We have never received an e-mail reminder, and I can never remember when they run out