ESTA – travel to the USA visa-free
For short stays up to 90 days from a Visa Waiver country: the electronic travel authorisation, applied for through our cooperation partner.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is not a visa but an electronic authorisation under the Visa Waiver Program. It allows nationals of participating countries to make tourist and business stays of up to 90 days – without a visa. The authorisation should be in place before departure and is usually valid for two years. It is not a guarantee of entry: the final decision is made by the border authority.
Visas in this category
Which visa types belong here – and who they are intended for.
Tourist travel
Who it’s for: Holidays, visiting family and friends up to 90 days.
Business travel
Who it’s for: Meetings, trade fairs and conferences up to 90 days.
Transit
Who it’s for: Passing through a US airport.
Requirements
What you should generally meet for this category.
- Nationality of a Visa Waiver country with an electronic passport (e-passport).
- A stay of no more than 90 days for tourist or business purposes.
- Travel with a carrier participating in the program.
- No circumstances that exclude the Visa Waiver (certain prior travel/refusals).
- An approved ESTA before departure.
No. ESTA is an electronic travel authorisation under the Visa Waiver Program. It replaces the visa for short stays but is not a visa itself.
Usually two years from approval – or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Within that time multiple entries of up to 90 days each are possible.
Yes. If ESTA is not approved, a regular visa is usually required. A careful, correct application reduces avoidable problems.
We do not offer ESTA applications ourselves. They are handled by our cooperation partner and sister company esta-online.org.
Not sure which visa you need?
The visa check asks a few simple questions and gives you non-binding orientation – no sign-up required.
Important: we are a private service provider, not a government body. Decisions on visas and ESTA are made solely by the responsible US authorities. No one can guarantee approval.