Formalities for Entering the United States

Preparing for a stay in the United States requires securing the appropriate documents for entry. Depending on the length and purpose of your visit, different requirements apply.

For stays of less than 90 days: You may complete the necessary entry formalities online without needing to visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or obtain a visa.
To obtain your certificate in a few minutes click on the online form. The United States offers a wide array of opportunities, whether you're visiting for tourism, business, medical care, or higher education. There are several pathways to legally enter the country, including:

ESTA Travel Authorization under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for nationals of VWP member countries;
U.S. Visa, such as a business visa for professional purposes or a tourist visa for leisure travel;
Permanent Resident Green Card, either through the Diversity Visa Program or by direct application to the U.S. government.

In the following sections, we will provide detailed information on the ESTA travel authorization, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and important considerations to keep in mind.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory online application required for individuals wishing to visit the United States by air or sea. Administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ESTA was established to simplify the process of traveling to the United States.

While the ESTA is a prerequisite for travel, it is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the United States. It serves as an authorization to board a U.S.-bound flight or vessel, provided certain conditions are met. If these conditions are not fulfilled, the traveler must apply for a traditional visa. It is crucial to understand that ESTA is only a pre-authorization for travel. Upon arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will make the final determination on whether you are permitted to enter the country.

What are the ESTA requirements?

To qualify for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), travelers must meet several key requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participating country.
Purpose of Visit: Your visit must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes, and you plan to stay in the U.S. for no longer than 90 days.
Passport: You must hold a valid e-passport, which is an electronic passport containing a chip with biometric information.
Travel Method: You must be traveling by a signatory carrier (such as a commercial airline or cruise ship) to the U.S.
No Visa: You must not already have a U.S. visa. If you have previously been denied a visa, you may not be eligible for ESTA.
Health and Security: You must answer specific health and security-related questions as part of the ESTA application and meet all health and security requirements.

What is the List of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
As of now, the list includes 40 countries, such as:

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Asia-Pacific: Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.
South America: Chile.
Others: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Liechtenstein.

Please note that this list is subject to change, and it's important to verify eligibility before applying for ESTA.

What are the questions asked during an ESTA application?

During the ESTA application process, you will be asked a series of questions, including:

Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, gender, and passport details.
Travel Information: Purpose of your visit, your flight or cruise details, and the address where you will stay in the U.S.
Eligibility Questions: These include queries about your health (e.g., contagious diseases), criminal history, previous immigration violations, and any involvement in terrorist activities.
Security Questions: Questions regarding past visa denials, deportations, or visa overstays in the U.S.
Social Media: Information about your social media accounts (this is optional but encouraged).

Answering these questions accurately and truthfully is crucial, as they are used to determine your eligibility for ESTA.

How much does it cost to get ESTA authorization?

The cost for applying for ESTA authorization is $21 as of the latest update.
This fee is comprised of two parts:

Processing Fee: $4, which is charged regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.
Authorization Fee: $17, which is charged only if your application is approved.

Payments can be made online via credit card or PayPal at the time of application. The fee is non-refundable, even if your ESTA application is denied.

Do I need an ESTA or a Transit visa for a stopover in the USA?

If you are transiting through the United States en route to another country and are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you will need an ESTA, even if you do not plan to leave the airport. If you are not eligible for ESTA, you must apply for a C-1 Transit Visa. ESTA is generally the simpler and faster option for VWP citizens, allowing you to transit through the U.S. without needing a visa, provided your stay is under 90 days and you meet all ESTA requirements.

Is ESTA the equivalent of a visa?

No, ESTA is not the equivalent of a visa. ESTA is a travel authorization specific to travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, allowing them to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to 90 days without needing a visa. However, unlike a visa, ESTA does not guarantee entry into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry have the final authority to admit or deny entry. If you plan to stay longer or for other purposes, you will need to apply for an appropriate U.S. visa.

What can I do with an ESTA?

With an ESTA, you can enter the United States for the following purposes:

Tourism: Visiting family or friends, sightseeing, or engaging in recreational activities.
Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations, but not for employment or long-term work.
Transit: Passing through the U.S. en route to another destination.
Short Educational Courses: Enrolling in short, non-credit courses, such as a brief language course or cooking class.

It is important to note that an ESTA only permits activities that fall under these categories. It does not allow you to work, study for credit, or remain in the U.S. for more than 90 days per visit.

How to apply on the Internet?

Applying for an ESTA is a straightforward online process:

Visit the Official Website: Go to the official U.S. government ESTA website.
Complete the Application Form: Provide personal details, passport information, travel plans, and answer eligibility questions.
Review and Submit: Carefully review your application for accuracy before submitting it.
Pay the Fee: Use a credit card or PayPal to pay the $21 application fee.
Receive Authorization: In most cases, you will receive your ESTA approval within minutes, though it can take up to 72 hours. You should print or save a copy of your ESTA authorization to bring with you on your trip.

Be sure to apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure to ensure enough time for processing.