ETA/ESTA visa’s

[meeann]

Travelling from the U.K. a, touring Canada and then Alaska cruise in May next year - when do we need to get our visa’s etc. Thanks

[VMax1700]

Canadian ETA's are quite quick to issue, usually a few hours, but ESTA's for USA are now taking longer.  The official ESTA website  recommends a minimum of 72 hours, but I would apply at least 10 days before departure, just in case of problems!

[Nang]

30 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

Canadian ETA's are quite quick to issue, usually a few hours, but ESTA's for USA are now taking longer.  The official ESTA website  recommends a minimum of 72 hours, but I would apply at least 10 days before departure, just in case of problems!

Got a new ESTA about a month ago and was approved within 24 hours.

[VMax1700]

5 minutes ago, Nang said:

Got a new ESTA about a month ago and was approved within 24 hours.

Mine was issued a couple of months ago and was approved within two hours, however the website does recommend to allow a minimum of 72 hours.

[meeann]

37 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

Mine was issued a couple of months ago and was approved within two hours, however the website does recommend to allow a minimum of 72 hours.

Thanks for all your replies but was wondering if it’s too early to apply as I read somewhere, were they said you should get them as soon as you’ve booked, while other places advise getting them a month or so before. So conflicting advice! What should we do? 

[VMax1700]

20 minutes ago, meeann said:

Thanks for all your replies but was wondering if it’s too early to apply as I read somewhere, were they said you should get them as soon as you’ve booked, while other places advise getting them a month or so before. So conflicting advice! What should we do? 

If I was going in May, then I would be applying around early April.  No sooner, no later. (unless your passport expires less than 2 years from then as ESTA is only valid for 2 years or until expiration of passport if sooner.