If you're planning a trip to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), one of the most important steps in your travel prep is applying for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. This travel document is your gateway to the U.S. if you're coming from one of the VWP-approved countries. But what happens after you've submitted your application? How do you actually check the status and make sure everything's on track?
The good news is, checking your ESTA application status is straightforward—if you know where to go and what to look for. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, knowing how to verify your ESTA status is a small task that can save you from big headaches at the airport.
Let’s walk through the entire process together, step by step.
Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” An approved ESTA is your ticket to board a flight bound for the U.S., but if it's still pending or worse—denied—you could be denied boarding. That’s a stressful (and expensive) situation you definitely want to avoid.
Even if you’re pretty sure your application went through, it's always smart to double-check. The ESTA system can occasionally glitch, and input errors like mistyped passport numbers or birthdates can lead to issues. Plus, ESTA approvals are typically valid for two years. If you've traveled to the U.S. in the past, you might already have a valid one and not even know it. So it’s not just about checking if you're approved, but also when your authorization expires.
There’s only one official source for ESTA applications and status checks: the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. Don’t get lured by third-party sites charging extra fees or asking for unnecessary personal details. You should visit the official site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Bookmark it. Save it. That’s your digital passport hub.
Once on the site, click on “Check Existing Application” or “Check ESTA Status.” You’ll be asked for a few key details—typically your passport number, date of birth, and application number if you have it. Don’t worry if you didn’t jot down your application number; you can still access your status using your passport info and country of citizenship.
After you input your information, you'll be shown your current status. Here’s what each one means:
Authorization Approved – You’re good to go. This means your travel authorization is valid, and you’re cleared for travel under the VWP.
Travel Not Authorized – Unfortunately, your application was denied. This doesn’t mean you can’t go to the U.S., but it does mean you’ll need to apply for a traditional visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Application Pending – This means your request is still under review. ESTA applications are typically processed within minutes, but in some cases, it can take up to 72 hours. Check back later if you see this status.
Once you see "Authorization Approved," make sure to either print out the confirmation or take a screenshot. While you're not required to have a paper copy to board your flight, it's a good idea to have a backup in case of any system issues or airline questions.
Quick Tip: Never assume your ESTA is approved until you actually check it. Even a minor typo could derail your entire travel plan. So take two minutes, log in, and confirm.
What if you made a mistake during the application process? Say, you entered the wrong email or misspelled your name. Can you fix it?
It depends. After an ESTA is approved, you can still update some parts of it, like your email address or your U.S. point of contact. But if you made an error in critical areas like your passport number or your name, you’ll need to submit a new application—and yes, pay the fee again.