How to complete ESTA application when "THE PAYMENT STATUS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED AT THIS TIME"?
I received a payment error during my ESTA application and still need to pay. The current application status for the last few hours shows:
THE PAYMENT STATUS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER FOR THE PAYMENT STATUS.Your application is not complete and will not be processed by CBP until the processing fee has been paid.
You must complete payment within 7 days.
The help says to click the payment button if have not paid, however there is no payment button, I guess because already started the payment process.
I tried creating a new application however get an error about an application already existing for my passport. The application will expire automatically in 7 days, however I leave in 5 days.
I tried calling their support number but couldn't get through, and their email support has a 2-3 week turnaround time.
Any ideas how to get the visa-waiver in time? Is there perhaps a way to cancel an ESTA application so can start a new one?
Best Answer
I had the same problem, and unfortunately, hoju's Javascript-fu didn't work for me. For the record, I'm used to this kind of tricks, and use them often myself, so I knew what I was doing.
What magically worked instead was, without closing the browser, to visit this link:
https://www.pay.gov/tcsonline/payment.do?execution=e2s2#
That's the page where my payment was interrupted, and magically, it asked my credit card information again, payment went through and my ESTA was approved!
Notes, this may not work for everyone:
- That link will work if you were in the middle of paying (in my case, with a credit card) and something went wrong, e.g. connection dropped. If you were not in the middle of a payment, it will give you an error, which means this solution won't work for you,
- I assume it was able to resume the previous session because it had some cookie stored, and the session was still active. If you close your browser, or wait too long, this may not work,
- I was using a credit card to pay, not paypal. I'm not sure if this would've worked with paypal.
If it doesn't work, try to look at your browser history for any address including www.pay.gov, and try to reload that (that's what I did).
I don't know if this will work for other people, but I'm posting it here in case I can help some fellow traveler.
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How do I correct an error on my ESTA?
If an applicant made a mistake on their passport or biographical information, he or she will need to submit a new application. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted. Any other mistakes may be corrected or updated by clicking \u201cCheck Individual Status\u201d under \u201cCheck ESTA Status."What reasons would an ESTA be denied?
The most common reasons for rejection of ESTA application In the past, overstayed when visited the US. In the past, worked without required VISA and pointed out from authorities when visited the US. In the past, rejected the entry to the US for some reasons. In the past, deported for some reasons after staying the US.Why was my ESTA not approved immediately?
A pending ESTA application signifies that additional screening is needed to process your application and ensure you do not pose a security or immigration risk. Typically, CBP advises allowing 72 before checking for an update, yet the majority of decisions on ESTA applications are reached within 48 hours.How long does ESTA determination take?
A determination will usually be available within 72 hours. Please return to this Web site and click "Check ESTA Status". Your application number, passport number, and birth date will be required to check the status of your application.Payment Status Not Available According to info cannot determine your eligibility at this time
More answers regarding how to complete ESTA application when "THE PAYMENT STATUS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED AT THIS TIME"?
Answer 2
According to the ESTA payment information page:
If your system "timed out" during th.e step 4 of the application payment process; you have 7 days to return to your Application for payment. Please go to ESTA and "update/check status" . Once you retrieve your ESTA; "payment required" message should appear and click on the "pay" button to begin payment. If you do not pay with in 7 days; you will need to begin a brand new ESTA.
Answer 3
I had the same issue (using Chrome), I tried with Firefox and it worked, I had the "Pay" button and the payment worked well
Answer 4
That's the answer: don't use Chrome for payment. With Chrome, it won't work; and then I tried Internet Explorer, and it works!
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Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Ketut Subiyanto, Castorly Stock, Ivan Samkov