Help

Find more info about how to answer each question below:

Select your nationality from the dropdown list. This information is used to determine the visa requirements and applicable fees.

Select the type of visa you're applying for. The various types include different durations and entry types. Make sure to choose the one that matches your travel plans.

Enter your first name and middle name exactly as they appear in your passport, using letters A-Z.

Enter your last name exactly as it appears in your passport, using letters A-Z. If you don't have a last name, enter "N/A."

Select your date of birth from the dropdown menus. Make sure this matches the date of birth listed in your passport.

Enter your email address. We'll use this to send you updates about your application. You won't be enrolled in any promotional messages unless you click the checkbox below.

Enter your passport number exactly as shown on your passport. Include all letters and numbers without spaces.

Select the date your passport was issued. This must match the issue date printed on your passport.

Select your passport expiry date. Make sure your passport is valid for your planned travel duration.

Check Your Application Status

Track your ESTA application progress and understand what each status means

How to Check Your ESTA Application Status

After submitting your ESTA application, staying informed about its progress is important for your travel planning. Our status tracking system provides real-time visibility into where your application stands in the review process. This comprehensive guide explains how to access your status information, what each status designation means, and what actions you should take based on the current state of your application.

Accessing Your Application Status

To check the current status of your ESTA application, you will need two pieces of information: your application reference number (provided at the time of submission and sent to you via email) and the passport number you used during the application process. Navigate to the status checking section by logging into your account or using the direct status lookup feature. Enter both pieces of identifying information, and the system will retrieve the most current status of your authorization request. For security purposes, the system requires both identifiers to prevent unauthorized access to your application information.

Understanding Status Designations

Pending — Application Under Review

A 'Pending' status indicates that your application has been received and is currently being evaluated. This is the default status immediately after submission and during the review process. Most applications transition from pending to approved within minutes, but some may remain in this state for up to 72 hours if additional verification is required. No action is needed from you while your application is pending — the review process is entirely automated and will proceed without your intervention. However, if your status remains pending for more than 72 hours, we recommend contacting our support team for further investigation.

Approved — Authorization Granted

An 'Approved' status confirms that your ESTA authorization has been granted. You are now cleared to board a carrier destined for the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Your authorization is electronically linked to your passport, so there is no physical document to print or carry — although we recommend saving or printing the confirmation email for your records. Your approval remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first. Remember that an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry; final admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.

Denied — Authorization Not Granted

A 'Denied' status means that your ESTA application has not been approved. This determination indicates that you are not currently eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Denial does not permanently prevent you from visiting the U.S. — it means you will need to pursue the standard visa application process through a U.S. embassy or consulate. Common reasons for denial include matching entries in security databases, previous immigration violations, certain criminal history, or travel to specific countries. The specific reason for denial is typically not disclosed in the ESTA system.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cannot Find Your Reference Number

Check your email inbox (including spam and junk folders) for the confirmation email sent at the time of submission. If you created an account, you can also find your reference number by logging in and viewing your application history. If you cannot locate your reference number through either method, contact our support team with your name and passport details for assistance.

Status Shows 'Not Found'

If the system cannot locate your application, verify that you are entering both your reference number and passport number correctly, including any leading zeros. Ensure there are no extra spaces in your entries. If the issue persists, it may indicate that your application was not successfully submitted. Contact our support team to verify whether your submission was received.

Status Has Not Changed After 72 Hours

While rare, some applications may take longer than 72 hours to process due to high system demand or complex verification requirements. If your status has not updated after this timeframe, reach out to our support team with your reference number. Our team can investigate the status of your application and provide guidance on next steps.

Received Approval But Planning to Change Travel Dates

An approved ESTA is not tied to specific travel dates. You can travel to the United States on any date within the two-year validity period of your authorization without updating your application. Changes to your itinerary, airline, or destination within the U.S. do not affect your ESTA status.

Need Help With Your Application?

Our support team is available 24/7 to assist with status inquiries and application questions.

Contact Support