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Been to the US before, no problem. Flying from Prague to Frankfurt and from Frankfurt to New York tomorrow (2 separate flights) at 11am. My ESTA was not authorised and I found out just today, as I had no passport with me last week.

We are staying in New York till 1st of January then flying to Cuba. While applying I entered that its not transit. Should I try applying for ESTA as "transit"?

I have 2 passports, both are Czech. I used the new one VALID til 2029, The old one is full of old visas from mostly Africa and Eastern Asia.

I reapplied for new ESTA just now. I will fly to Frankfurt tomorrow for sure, is there any chance to obtain the ESTA on the airport? Or to receive ESTA in like 18h? I would call the embassy but unfortunately its holidays.

Midavalo
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Richard Nemeth
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2 Answers2

41

My second ESTA application was denied as well. I did not state it here before but I've been to Iran in 2014 for a week. I just found out that anyone who has been in Iran, Somalia, Yemen etc. after 2001 or 2011 has to apply for a Tourist visa from the embassy.

Muzer
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Richard Nemeth
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21

The simple answer is that there is nothing you can do to expedite your application.

Historically many ESTA applications were approved (near) instantly, however as of late 2018 most now take at least a few days to be approved, although there have been occasional reports of them taking less.

The official ESTA application sites also makes this very clear before you start your application :

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Airlines are able to submit an ESTA application on your behalf, but this goes through the exact same process as applying online, and will take the same time, so there is no benefit of applying at the airport. In practice, most airlines will no longer do such applications now as they are aware of the delay.

Depending on the airline, it is very likely you will not be allowed fly to Frankfurt without an approved ESTA. Most airlines will check that you have travel authority to your destination before they will issue a boarding pass for even the first flight - at least when both flights are on the same airline.

Doc
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