Visa for the USA

For a trip to the USA, you need a valid entry permit. Depending on the purpose and duration of your trip, different visa types come into question. We explain how to get the right USA visa for your trip.

If you are not a US citizen, Canadian, or Green Card holder, you will need an entry permit to travel to the USA. In addition to the visa issued by a US embassy, there is a fast and affordable electronic procedure: ESTA.

ESTA (short for "Electronic System for Travel Authorization") is an electronic travel authorization that allows all nationals from participating ESTA countries to enter the United States without a visa.

Staying in the United States for tourism or business purposes with ESTA is possible for up to three months at a time. ESTA countries that are members of the so-called "Visa Waiver Program" include:

¹ The validity period of an ESTA authorization for travelers from Brunei was reduced from two years to one year, effective July 6, 2023.

² The validity period of an ESTA authorization for Hungarian travelers was reduced from two years to one year, effective August 1, 2023. Additionally, Hungarians are now allowed only one entry into the U.S. per ESTA and must provide a Hungarian birth certificate for the ESTA application.

³ For all references to "country" or "countries," it should be noted that Taiwan is included, as the U.S. has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

⁴ To travel under the VWP, British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent residence in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

An ESTA authorization to enter the US is not a visa. Instead, countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program are officially exempt from visa requirements. Thus, since the introduction of ESTA, travel to the US has become much easier for citizens of many countries.

The main differences between ESTA and a visa are:

• An ESTA is cheaper to obtain than a visa.
• A valid passport is sufficient for an ESTA, whereas a visa requires an interview at the US Embassy.
• The ESTA application process is done online completely.
• ESTA approval takes a maximum of 72 hours, whereas, for a visa, you sometimes have to wait for months.

In order to obtain ESTA approval for the USA, you must meet some requirements. These relate to your travel intent, planned length of stay, and some personal characteristics.

To travel to the USA with ESTA, your passport must have been issued in one of the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.

You may use ESTA for tourist or short business travel only. ESTA authorization is not a work permit and must not be linked to any immigration intent.

ESTA allows you to stay in the USA for a maximum of three months at a time. Within the validity period of two years, you may travel to the United States multiple times with the same ESTA.

You may only enter the USA with an ESTA if you meet the physical, mental, and biographical requirements. The following conditions apply:

• You have never been denied an ESTA application.
• You have not traveled to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, or Yemen after March 1st, 2011, or been in Cuba since January 12th, 2021.
• You are not simultaneously a citizen of Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria in addition to being a citizen of a visa waiver country.
• You have never been deported from the United States.
• You have not committed any crimes, been arrested, charged, or convicted.
• You are in good health and pose no financial risk to the United States (e.g., in the form of anticipated healthcare costs).
• You have no intention of living and/or working in the United States.
• You have never stayed in the USA without authorization.

If you meet all these criteria and are from one of the Visa Waiver Program countries, you are likely to be eligible for ESTA travel authorization to the USA.

To apply for an ESTA, you will need a biometric passport that is valid for at least the duration of your trip. Since the US authorities electronically link ESTA and the passport, you will also need to apply for a new ESTA when your passport expires.

Children also need a biometric passport to enter the US with ESTA. You must submit a separate ESTA application for each child traveling with you. This can be done using the group travel function in the ESTA application form.

If your child does not have a biometric passport but only a children's passport, you can apply for a visa instead of ESTA.

You can submit your ESTA application for traveling to the USA in just a few minutes at esta-application.com To do so, have your biographical information, biometric passport, home address, employer contact information, and links to your social media accounts, and a valid email address ready.

During the application, you will be asked questions about your health and any conflicts with the law, among other things. Answer them truthfully and then submit the application..

After an automatic check, you will receive your ESTA approval by email, which usually arrives after a few minutes.

With an ESTA authorization, you are allowed to do the following after US entry:

• Meet business partners
• Attend conferences without pay
• Participate in short-term training or recreational study programs
• Take a vacation, visit friends and relatives
• Receive medical treatment
• Participate in events or contests without pay
• Transit the United States to another country

Once approved, most ESTA travel authorizations are valid for a total of two years but no longer than the expiration date of your passport. If your passport expires and you apply for a new one, you must also apply for a new ESTA.

When you arrive at the US border, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has the final decision on whether or not you will be allowed to enter the country. Decisions are made based on all the data the officers have on you. This includes:

• A check of your personal information against official US government databases
• The information from your ESTA application
• Your personal impression/appearance at the border
• The answers you give in the interview at the point of entry

During the interview, border officials will attempt to screen your actual intent to enter the country one last time. Common questions at the United States border include:

• "Why are you visiting the USA?"
• "How long are you staying in the USA?"
• "Where will you be staying?"
• "What's your first address in the States?"
• "Who are you visiting?"

Answer briefly, accurately, and truthfully. If you do, there should be nothing standing in the way of your entry into the United States.

Passport control at the United States border is partly done electronically at the APC (Automated Passport Control) machine and partly still in person by border agents. While waiting in the arrivals hall, you will be signaled by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer if you can proceed to automated passport control.

In some cases, U.S. Border Patrol agents may need to search travelers' luggage to ensure the protection of the United States' security, economy, and environment. Do not be put off by any searches or additional questions and remain friendly.

When entering the USA, follow the current immigration regulations, including all security advisories.

Find out the exact import regulations for the USA before you enter the country. There are strict rules for bringing food, plants, animals, medicines, luxury goods, and other items.