ESTA advice - can I apply now?

[twogoto]

Hi everyone

Not been on the Dibb for a few months now after cancelled trips etc so sorry if this has been covered...

Just moved our trip to September 2021 which means existing ESTAs would be expired. I seem to recall something from several months ago about applications being suspended etc?

Can I/should I apply now for our new ESTAs? It's not quite clear on the website...

Thanks in advance

[Gryff]

Yes you can it’s Visa and Visa interviews that are suspended

[Guest]

Yes, I did ours a few weeks ago.

[mick]

Absolutely no reason why you shouldn't apply for your ESTA now.

Dozens of Dibbers have renewed since the flight ban was introduced including us in May. The warning on the web site suggests that your ESTA will be cancelled if you ATTEMPT to fly.

There have been posts on here suggesting that doing your API might be considered an attempt to fly. Do it now if you like but maybe don't do your API until much nearer the flight.

Mick

[Gryff]

Friends returning to Columbia both hold dual Spanish and Columbian passports applied This morning approved about an hour ago and their a American Airlines flights booked
For 23 a October to:Miami and then home
They were due to fly home April 1st so it’s been a long wait they had come to Glasgow in January to visit family and got stuck not through want of trying believe me

[twogoto]

Thanks everyone I’ll get them done ✅

[Pussycat Doll]

Originally Posted by Gryff

Yes you can it’s Visa and Visa interviews that are suspended

See more...

I think these are up and running fir certain visas now, I just saw a lady on Fb was granted hers to join her American fiancé

[fireforhair]

I’d be tempted to leave it until closer to the time so the ESTAs will expire later. If September 21 is the only trip to the US you plan to take over the next couple of years then that might not matter to you. It also depends on when your passports expire as you have to reapply when you get a new passport

[Donaldfan]

Originally Posted by fireforhair

I’d be tempted to leave it until closer to the time so the ESTAs will expire later. If September 21 is the only trip to the US you plan to take over the next couple of years then that might not matter to you. It also depends on when your passports expire as you have to reapply when you get a new passport

See more...

The problem with leaving it till nearer the time is if it's rejected and a visa is required there might not be enough time to get one. In which case no holiday and insurance won't pay out in these cases. People pay thousands for these holidays and for the sake of £10 ($14) I'd rather get it far in advance and get one use out of it rather than leave it till nearer the time and risk losing all that money. I do mine on a rolling basis. As soon as it runs out, I get another one.

[twogoto]

All done now, as Donaldfan says I don’t like leaving it until closer to the time incase there are any issues or incase I forget! I can relax now it’s all done 😁