ESTA declined - 3 weeks before trip - Further Update Post 79

[adamtoonarmy]

Asking on behalf of a colleague of my wife.

They visited Iraq a few years ago to do some voluntary work

They only did their ESTA application a few days ago, they were declined. I am aware of the new rules about visiting Iraq and other countries - they obviously weren't.

They have an appointment at the US embassy in London in 10 days (made yesterday)

Is there any chance they will have a visa agreed on the day and still be able to make their trip?

The trip has been booked for months and this could so easily have been avoided by applying for the ESTA earlier.

[Dilovesflorida]

I think that even after visiting the Embassy, there is a wait time for a Visa. There's more info here:

travel.state.gov/content/vis...ait-times.html

[adamtoonarmy]

Originally Posted by Dilovesflorida

I think that even after visiting the Embassy, there is a wait time for a Visa. There's more info here:

travel.state.gov/content/vis...ait-times.html

See more...

Thanks. When I populated that search box with London it said 10 days average wait for an appointment followed by 5 days processing time. Maybe there is some hope for them - tbh I thought they had no chance.

[KellyWellyWoo]

I haven't experienced this myself but from what I know, people wait for their passport to be sent back to them following the interview. I've just read this uk.usembassy.gov/visas/touri...cessing-times/ and it says potentially another week before she gets her passport back. I'd be prepared for this trip not to happen.

[choccielover]

I think I read somewhere recently that the embassy were set up to fast track visas required as a consequence of this but can't find the article.
Good luck to them, hopefully the embassy will approve visas and issue them in time.

[Guest]

There was a lucky fella on here that managed to get it all sorted in under 3 weeks, I believe his initial embassy meeting was on the same week his esta was declined though so might have had a head start on your wife's colleague.

Worth a read though I think! http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/show...=Esta+declined

I guess they should be prepared for the worst but just don't give up yet!

[mushumadness]

I think they'd be incredibly lucky if they get it that quickly
Why did they leave it so late to apply

[toonarmani]

Some comments seem to have been deleted, so I'll repeat that I hope they get it sorted OP

[MJC66]

Can I slightly hijack this thread?! Where can I find the list of "banned" countries that may mean we need a visa? My husband has a UK passport but worked in Russia for 6 months so has an expired visa in his passport. Will it be better to apply for a US visa rather than an ESTA?

[Scully]

From here... gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa

From 21 January 2016 most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or are dual nationals of these countries, will no longer qualify for entry under the VWP and existing ESTAs could be cancelled. You’ll instead need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If in doubt contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Also, from 1 April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the VWP will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). See Entry requirements