US Customs and Border Protection will require 10 business days for all Electronic System for Travel Authorization approvals beginning August 5 2026. The change affects the 40 visa waiver program countries including the United Kingdom Germany France Japan and Australia. Applications submitted after August 4 will automatically enter the extended queue.
The policy adds automated screening against new Interpol databases implemented on July 1 2026. CBP processed 28.4 million ESTA applications in 2025 with 99.2 percent approved within 72 hours under the previous system. Officials project the new checks will reduce last-minute denials by 34 percent.
Similar extended processing occurred in 2022 during system upgrades when average approval times reached eight days. Airlines report 1,200 passengers were denied boarding in June 2026 due to pending ESTA status within 72 hours of departure.
The extension coincides with a 15 percent increase in ESTA applications year-over-year driven by renewed interest in US national parks. CBP opened two additional processing centers in Phoenix and Orlando on June 15 to handle the volume.
What this means for you
Submit ESTA applications at least 14 days before travel starting August 5 and avoid booking non-refundable flights until approval arrives. Check application status daily through the official CBP website rather than airline apps. British and German citizens should expect the longest delays because those passports trigger additional database cross-checks.
Carry printed ESTA approval plus a copy of your passport data page when boarding because mobile screenshots have caused boarding refusals at European gateways. Families should apply individually even for infants because group applications are no longer accepted.
Monitor CBP announcements for any rollback of the 10-day rule after the November 2026 midterm elections. The policy is scheduled for review on January 15 2027 based on denial rate statistics.