ESTA + ETA

[tramsnpandas]

How far in advance should you apply for an ESTA (USA) or a ETA (Canada)? Took me less than 5 minutes to get an ETA approved, but wondering whether to apply for an ESTA now or once the draw has been made?

[allan84]

ESTA takes a few hours max to get approved. 

 

[biffer]

It lasts for two years, so whenever. Just don't leave it until the last minute. 

[tramsnpandas]

43 minutes for ESTA to be approved

[Hamish Inverness]

7 hours ago, tramsnpandas said:

How far in advance should you apply for an ESTA (USA) or a ETA (Canada)? Took me less than 5 minutes to get an ETA approved, but wondering whether to apply for an ESTA now or once the draw has been made?

less than a day mate - as long as never been inside

[Redz]

No need for an ETA into Canada if travelling by road ?

ESTA US side is sufficient, I think 🤔 

Not that the ETA is expensive, of course

[NSIGN]

On 11/22/2025 at 10:24 AM, tramsnpandas said:

How far in advance should you apply for an ESTA (USA) or a ETA (Canada)? Took me less than 5 minutes to get an ETA approved, but wondering whether to apply for an ESTA now or once the draw has been made?

My last ESTA took four days to get approved. My wife applied at the same time and it took minutes for hers to come back. 
 

My brother has had two ESTA applications rejected in the last five years. He has had to travel to the US embassy in London both times. As soon as he walked in for the interview they have issued him a visa almost instantly. 

My advice would be to do the ESTA as soon as possible and be sure to use the app. 

[magoo310-0]

Which Esta app do you use quite a few

[stocky]

20 minutes ago, magoo310-0 said:

Which Esta app do you use quite a few

I can't remember exactly but make sure it is the official government one, not some agency who will charge you lots 

 

[Bzzzz]

You're better off waiting till you've got all your travel arrangements sorted, then at least you can fill the forms in in full. 

 

[tramsnpandas]

8 hours ago, magoo310-0 said:

Which Esta app do you use quite a 

Official ESTA app 

[Ians]

We are staying in Toronto for the duration of the tournament. We have an ETA. When we fill in the ESTA application it asks for a us address and point of contact. Would be grateful if anyone could advise us on this matter.

Thanks 

Ian 

[biffer]

22 hours ago, Ians said:

We are staying in Toronto for the duration of the tournament. We have an ETA. When we fill in the ESTA application it asks for a us address and point of contact. Would be grateful if anyone could advise us on this matter.

Thanks 

Ian 

Stick in the hotel you stay in on your first night.

 

[NSIGN]

21 minutes ago, Fin4ever said:

There's a question that says something like "are you a terrorist?"  

 

Make sure the pick the right option

I seem to remember years ago it used to say something like “Are you or have you ever been a member of the German National Socialist party?”

[Goozay]

Back in the day they used to give you a card to fill out just as you were coming into land.  One of the questions on the card was "Are you a Nazi war criminal?"

[fringo]

16 minutes ago, Goozay said:

Back in the day they used to give you a card to fill out just as you were coming into land.  One of the questions on the card was "Are you a Nazi war criminal?"

How long ago did you visit USA? 😁

[ceudmilefailte]

27 minutes ago, fringo said:

How long ago did you visit USA? 😁

Was like that in 2005 which isn’t long ago…..is it??

[fringo]

17 minutes ago, ceudmilefailte said:

Was like that in 2005 which isn’t long ago…..is it??

Wow. That is scary.

[Goozay]

7 hours ago, fringo said:

How long ago did you visit USA? 😁

Mid 1990s and again in mid 2000s

[Ians]

On 11/26/2025 at 12:27 PM, Ians said:

We are staying in Toronto for the duration of the tournament. We have an ETA. When we fill in the ESTA application it asks for a us address and point of contact. Would be grateful if anyone could advise us on this matter.

Thanks 

Ian 

 

[BryanBlessed]

I still don't think I'll go but I said that about Stuttgart. For any interested parties, the claim is that they've changed the question the ESTA to ask if you've ever been arrested or convicted for any crime. I just filled mine in and that was not my experience. I had the exact same language as before:

"Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority?"

 

I have a very minor conviction from over twenty years ago but I could truthfully answer 'no' to the above question. I'll wait and see if it's approved.

[fringo]

11 minutes ago, BryanBlessed said:

I still don't think I'll go but I said that about Stuttgart. For any interested parties, the claim is that they've changed the question the ESTA to ask if you've ever been arrested or convicted for any crime. I just filled mine in and that was not my experience. I had the exact same language as before:

"Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority?"

 

I have a very minor conviction from over twenty years ago but I could truthfully answer 'no' to the above question. I'll wait and see if it's approved.

Did you get arrested for your performance in Flash Gordon ?

 

🙂😄

[Lion Rampant]

My advice is to get your ESTA in place before spending anything on flights.

Seen too many stories of people who leave it late to get the ESTA and make a mistake on the form, or are just unlucky to have a name that raises a red flag and you get the ESTA knocked back.

The issue then it not actually being issued a visa, but getting an appointment for one could be an issue. Probably still got time, but I've heard of wait times up to 6 months for an appointment.

[Andy of Lochcarron]

I got my ESTA with few mins on Saturday, but my daughters still pending, couldnt wait for flights & accomodation as it was crazy Saturday watchin prices go up by the minute, so we booked & hoping its just 72 hours as others have said can happen

[DoonTheSlope]

Can you apply now and then change passport details at a later date or do you need to redo the whole process?

Im planning on visiting Iraqi Kurdistan in March/April and will likely need a new passport to enter the States due to some of my stamps