Your ESTA application may show a pending status when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs additional time to complete its review.
This can happen when an immediate decision is not available. It does not necessarily indicate a problem with your application or mean that it will be denied.
ESTA decisions are generally available within 72 hours, although processing times can vary.
► What Should I Do if My ESTA Is Still Pending After 72 Hours?
First, visit the official ESTA website and retrieve your existing application to check whether its status has changed.
If no decision is available, contact CBP through its official help channels for assistance. Have your application number and passport details ready so you can identify the application.
Avoid submitting a duplicate application simply because the original is pending, as doing so does not guarantee a faster decision.