ESTA Application
What is ESTA?
ESTA is a computer-based system used for traveling to the United States for tourism, business or transit.Applying for ESTA is mandatory for citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program, and must be done prior to boarding a flight or ship bound for the US.
Esta Overview
Esta Eligibility
To apply for Esta you must be a citizen of one of the 40 Visa Waiver Program countries Esta needs to collect biographic information and answers to security-related questions, which are then used to determine if you are eligible for visa-free travel.
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Eligible countries
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AndorraAustraliaAustriaBelgiumBruneiChileCroatiaCzech Republic
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DenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIceland
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IrelandItalyJapanLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMalta
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MonacoNetherlandsNew ZealandNorwayPolandPortugalSan MarinoSingapore
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SlovakiaSloveniaSouth KoreaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTaiwanUnited Kingdom
What do I need to apply?
- A valid biometric passport that will not expire during your trip
- A photo of your passport data page as jpg, jpeg, png file
- A valid email address
- A home address and telephone number
- The name, address, and phone number of your accommodation in the USA
- If available: your your Personal ID Number
- The name, address, and phone number of your employer if you have a current or previous employer
ESTA Status
You can check your ESTA Status about 72 hours after your ESTA application and find out whether or not your application was approved.
Service Overview
Professional customer support
We offer a high quality customer service, professional handling of documents, trust and reliability
What is allowed with ESTA?
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Recreation
You are allowed to engage in activities such as sightseeing, attending conferences, visiting relatives, and participating in organized sports or cultural events. -
Business travel
ESTA is particularly useful for business travelers, as it streamlines the application process and allows for quicker entry into the country to attend scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions or conferences. -
Medical treatment
ESTA allows you to undergo medical treatment in the US. The United States can provide world-class medical treatment to patients from all over the world. The country boasts some of the best hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities in the world, with highly skilled doctors and advanced equipment. -
Transit/Transfer
ESTA helps to streamline and simplify transit procedures, making travel to the USA more efficient and hassle-free.
What is not allowed with ESTA?
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Work, School, and Study
You are not allowed to work or study during your stay in the United States. -
Residency in the US
ESTA can only be used for travelers who wish to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for a temporary stay of up to 90 days. Therefore, if you plan to seek permanent residency in the US, you must explore other visa options available ( Apply for a Green Card ).
ESTA vs. B-VISA
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ApplicationRequired documentsWait timeCostsMaximum stayPermitted activitiesValidity
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OnlinePassport72 hours$5290 DaysTourism, Business, visiting relatives, Transit, medical treatment2 years
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Online + Interview at your local U.S. Embassy or ConsulatePassport, Form DS-260, Photos~ 21 workdays$160180 DaysTourism, Business, visiting relatives, medical treatment, enrollment in a short course of studyUp to 10 years
Both ESTA and B-visas allow foreign nationals to visit the US for purposes such as tourism, business, or medical treatment. ESTA is only applicable for citizens of select countries and is generally intended for short-term visits up to 90 days. A B-visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows for longer stays of up to 180 days that may have additional restrictions or requirements depending on the purpose of your visit.
How to apply for a B-visa
To apply for a B visa, also known as a visitor visa, you must follow these steps:
- Determine the type of visitor visa (B1 or B2) you need based on your purpose of travel (business, tourism, medical treatment, etc.)
- Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160)
- Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
- Pay the visa application fee
- Attend the visa interview. You must bring all required documents such as a valid passport, evidence of ties to your home country, and proof of financial support
- Wait for a decision on your visa application. If approved, your B visa will be stamped in your passport for entry into the United States.
Reasons why you would not qualify for ESTA
Visa-free entry to the United States is usually not possible if:
- Your country of citizenship is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program
- You don't have a valid passport
- Your ESTA application was denied in the past
- You have been refused entry at the US border in the past
- You have been expelled from the USA in the past
- You have violated US immigration laws in the past
- You already have a valid visitor visa or you are a Green Card holder
Purpose of your trip to the US
With ESTA you are are allowed to
visit the United States for tourism, business, or medical purposes. You can stay for
a
maximum of 90 days, but you cannot work or study while in the country. As an ESTA
holder
you
can travel to all 50 states, as well as to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and
Guam.
However, traveling to other U.S. territories or other countries outside of those
listed requires a separate visa.
ESTA does not guarantee you entry into the United States, as a U.S. Customs and
Border
Protection Officer has final authority to permit or deny entry.
Do children need an ESTA to travel to the United States?
Yes, children of all ages need an ESTA as travel authorization to visit the United States. The ESTA application can be completed by the parents or by the guardian of a child who is travelling to the US. Children must have their own valid passport in order to qualify for ESTA.
April
25, 2023
