When should ESTA be done?

[Unicorn13x]

We are planning on going August 2020, Our Esta has ran out from our first trip 2 years ago. Not sure if we should apply now or wait to nearer the time so it will last longer for going again.

[Gav]

I’d probably apply just before I book. Why pay all that money on the off chance you get rejected for the sale of $14pp.

At the very worst 6 months before you go in case you need to visit the embassy if there are any issues.

[Emmymouse]

I've done mine 9 months out and 2 months out - just whatever suits you best I'd say! If you're definitely going again before it runs out, I'd say maximise it and do it closer.

[Thorpy]

The thing with lasting longer for going again is that you have to actually go again.
The other thing is that if it's refused, then it's an awful lot of money to lose.
If you do them last minute and get a knock back, you lose that holiday as insurance don't pay out for ESTA refusal. So you're actually risking the first holiday for the sake of a chance to save a tenner on the second, and then only if the second trip is about 18 months - 2 years after the first. If the second trip is exactly 12 months after the first, as we do then you can't go wrong following this plan.

We tend to go late August most years.
I do our ESTA's about 7-8 months ahead of travel. That gives me enough time to sort out any issues in the unlikely event it's refused. It also gives me the next year at the same time, with a bit of leeway to move year 2 trip to October half term if we need to.

[carolmc]

Apply before you book anything.

[anneeb]

Before booking anything is the best policy, would you want to lose a few £k for the sake of $14? At the very least 9 months before travelling, so that a visa can be applied for and issued.

[disney332]

Before you fly

Disney332

[PPM]

Originally Posted by disney332

Before you fly

Disney332

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Never! That’s so helpful.


We do it before we have to commit to an Big spends. ( which you will no doubt say is before we fly! )
Normally 6 to 9 months before flight.

[Unicorn13x]

Cheers

[tspill]

We do ours before we book.