When will I hear back if I’m approved?

The electronic travel authorization system will normally return your application status within 72 hours. We will send 2 status letters, plus one letter from the payment system about the status of the application. And you will receive one SMS if your phone number was entered correctly. Three possible responses to the electronic travel authorization application:

• Permit approved. Your travel authorization has been approved and you are eligible to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. The system displays a confirmation of approval of the application and a notification of receipt of payment indicating the amount charged to your credit card. Travel authorization does not guarantee entry into the U.S., as the final decision is made by the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.
• No travel authorization. You may not be permitted to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. You may be able to obtain a visa from the Department of State for your trip. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://estatousa.com/ for more information on applying for a visa. This response does not prohibit you from entering the United States. This response only prohibits you from traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The system will also display a payment receipt notice showing the amount charged to your credit card for processing your ESTA application.
• Permission pending. Your travel authorization is pending because no immediate decision can be made on your application. This response does not mean a negative outcome. Typically, a decision will be ready within 72 hours. Please return to this website and click on “Check ESTA Status. To check the status of your application, you will need to enter your application number, passport number, and date of birth.