US government shutdown - ESTA applications

DrPhilG

Anybody applied for an ESTA to visit the US since the government shutdown?

I went and bought flights this morning, then applied for the ESTA this afternoon and its just sitting at pending.

Sat at pending for a day or so the same last time I was out too but of course I'm now twitching a bit! Never clicked at all that the system might be on a go slow due to the current US political saga.

mikhail

This thread says you're okay:
https://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-g34515-i19-k12230462-ESTA_Government_Shutdown-Orlando_Florida.html

Hurrache

It'll be turned around in 24 hours. Shutdown or no shutdown they're no longer instant, there was an announcement about it a while back.

Lenny

Loads of time left, it'll be there in morning

dclifford

Did one last week. It was approved by the next morning.

DrPhilG

Good stuff dclifford. I did think it would be fine but just thought I'd see if anyone here had done one since the start of the shutdown.

I googled and first result was The Sun (scummers) who of course were stirring the sh*t and claiming that the system was completely shut down and anyone who didn't already have their approval would be refused entry.

But a few others including the UK government travel advisory service said nothing of the sort.

DrPhilG

Both approved now. Done and dusted.