VISA Waiver Program to USA

Hello. How long is everyone waiting lately for a ESTA approval?

Last time I submitted an application for my wife and I, in 2018, it took less than 24 hours.l for approval.

Both of us are Aussies who have never broken the law. I have a Sri Lankan heritage but became a citizen at age 2.

This time we are also submitting an ESTA for our 3 year old daughter.

Cheers
24 to 48 hrs.
 
I am currently unemployed.
Would there be a problem when I apply for an ESTA?
Shouldn't be a problem applying for an ESTA. But you might get some extra questions on arrival.

As an aside, I applied for my latest ESTA on Saturday evening and it was approved 3 hrs later.
 
Shouldn't be a problem applying for an ESTA. But you might get some extra questions on arrival.

As an aside, I applied for my latest ESTA on Saturday evening and it was approved 3 hrs later.

Thank you for replying.
I will apply for Global Entry too when it's open. Hopefully I will get approved and won't get extra questions upon arrival😁🤞

3 hours is quick actually. I will apply tonight and see what happens.
 
…following the SSSS on the BP!

Cue the sound of rubber gloves snapping…😳
The way things are over there at the moment it wouldn't need SSSS to cause body cavity searches!
 
Sorry if this is already covered elsewhere in this thread.

I am flying to London from SYDT via LAX - 3 hours connection or so.

I am still not clear it I need an ESTA and would appreciate clarification. The Qantas site states:

IMPORTANT - For travel to, from or within United States there are a number of necessary requirements you must complete before travelling.

  • For travel to, from or within the United States, including transferring to an international flight, you require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa. If you're eligible for an ESTAThis will open a new tab or window in your browser., we recommend you apply at least 72 hours prior to departure.
  • You are required to provide Secure Flight and Advance Passenger Information (APIS) - enter additional information.

I am still not clear as none of the above criteria apply to me. I am travelling THROUGH, not to, from or within. And I am perhaps not transferring to an international flight as I am going from one to another.

Edited to note: the prevailing view seems to be YES; however, this is the forum I trust. Any other related tips also welcome. I am considering removing all social media apps from my phone. Is this too much?

Cheers, Steve
 
Last edited:
Sorry if this is already covered elsewhere in this thread.

I am flying to London from SYDT via LAX - 3 hours connection or so.

I am still not clear it I need an ETSA and would appreciate clarification. The Qantas site states:

IMPORTANT - For travel to, from or within United States there are a number of necessary requirements you must complete before travelling.

  • For travel to, from or within the United States, including transferring to an international flight, you require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa. If you're eligible for an ESTAThis will open a new tab or window in your browser., we recommend you apply at least 72 hours prior to departure.
  • You are required to provide Secure Flight and Advance Passenger Information (APIS) - enter additional information.

I am still not clear as none of the above criteria apply to me. I am travelling THROUGH, not to, from or within. And I am perhaps not transferring to an international flight as I am going from one to another.

Cheers, Steve
You will need an ESTA, as you are still travelling to LAX for your transfer to LHR.
 
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Any transit through the US requires an ESTA.
  • For travel to, from or within the United States, including transferring to an international flight,
This is the important thing, you're still travelling FROM the US. They require you to enter the country to then leave even on the same day.
 
Sorry if this is already covered elsewhere in this thread.

I am flying to London from SYDT via LAX - 3 hours connection or so.

I am still not clear it I need an ESTA and would appreciate clarification. The Qantas site states:

IMPORTANT - For travel to, from or within United States there are a number of necessary requirements you must complete before travelling.

  • For travel to, from or within the United States, including transferring to an international flight, you require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa. If you're eligible for an ESTAThis will open a new tab or window in your browser., we recommend you apply at least 72 hours prior to departure.
  • You are required to provide Secure Flight and Advance Passenger Information (APIS) - enter additional information.

I am still not clear as none of the above criteria apply to me. I am travelling THROUGH, not to, from or within. And I am perhaps not transferring to an international flight as I am going from one to another.

Edited to note: the prevailing view seems to be YES; however, this is the forum I trust. Any other related tips also welcome. I am considering removing all social media apps from my phone. Is this too much?

Cheers, Steve
Now I am trying to upload my passport and receiving the following error message:

1753829214062.png

Have used many browsers, many reboots, different photos etc. Anyone else had this experience?
 
Sorry if this is already covered elsewhere in this thread.

I am flying to London from SYDT via LAX - 3 hours connection or so.

I am still not clear it I need an ESTA and would appreciate clarification. The Qantas site states:

IMPORTANT - For travel to, from or within United States there are a number of necessary requirements you must complete before travelling.

  • For travel to, from or within the United States, including transferring to an international flight, you require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Visa. If you're eligible for an ESTAThis will open a new tab or window in your browser., we recommend you apply at least 72 hours prior to departure.
  • You are required to provide Secure Flight and Advance Passenger Information (APIS) - enter additional information.

I am still not clear as none of the above criteria apply to me. I am travelling THROUGH, not to, from or within. And I am perhaps not transferring to an international flight as I am going from one to another.

Edited to note: the prevailing view seems to be YES; however, this is the forum I trust. Any other related tips also welcome. I am considering removing all social media apps from my phone. Is this too much?

Cheers, Steve
No need to remove social media apps , recently returned from 3 weeks in the US and my phone wasn't even looked at.
Also download the MPC app , and fill in the form on arrival. Even though it's a transfer in the US, you still have to clear immigration.
 

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