Esta at the moment
 

Normally I would apply for my esta before booking any flights and accom

Can you apply for the esta while there are travel restrictions

Pretty sure you can. Some have reported having ESTAs cancelled if they complete API so don’t do that until nearer your trip.

Yes, I applied and was approved a few weeks ago.

Yes you can. This is as there are exemptions to the travel order. For example British citizens who’s children are US citizens.

Renewed ours with no problems in late May.

Mick

Two very reliable Dibbers have posted directly opposite experiences.

One says they did 2 or 3 APIs since POTUS essentially closed the borders and ESTAs are still intact. Another Dibber's son did his API and his ESTA was cancelled. Took a long phone call with the DHS to get it restored. :confused2

My opinion is that I won't take the risk until I know our flight is going then maybe a couple of days before. Despite BA emailing me encouraging us to do them. :grin: No thanks.

Mick

Had a look at our current esta and they expire august 2021
We are looking at sept 2021 typical

Our Estas are due in March, was hoping to renew in December , without completing api , would this be okay ? They won’t get denied will they ?

Jules

I completed mines in June was authorised within an hour but I made sure that my API hadnt been done as I heard that by doing so is seen as an attempt to fly by the US so will result in it being declined

Absolutely no reason that your ESTA application should be rejected just because of the current conditions. I've read about 95% of ESTA threads since they were introduced. The vast majority of rejections are due to carelessness.

You don't need to do your API until the day before you travel. In fact some Dibbers have done them at the airport.

Mick