The United States of America is a popular vacation destination for many travelers. Not surprising really, because there are many beautiful destinations that are definitely worth visiting and enjoying a wonderful holiday. Whether you choose sun-drenched Miami, the city that never sleeps New York or Los Angeles, the city of the stars, a holiday in the land of the American Dream always leaves you wanting more. But to travel to the United States you need either a visa or an ESTA. We explain the differences here.
Why a visa?
In general, anyone who is not a US citizen and wants to visit the United States must apply for a US visa. Certain international travelers may be eligible to enter the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for the US Visa Waiver Program (more on that later). There are different types of visas for temporary travel to the United States. The type of visa you need depends on your destination. A visa allows any foreigner to enter the US airport. But a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. Entry can still be refused at the airport of arrival.
What types of visas are available?
There are over 20 visa types for people temporarily traveling to the United States. And there are many more for those who want to live permanently in the United States. These visas are divided into two main categories:non-immigrant visas (for temporary travel to the United States) and immigration visas (for permanent residence in the United States). Applying for a US visa is necessary, among other things, if you want to stay in America for more than 90 consecutive days, if you want to work there and if you are visiting the country for purposes other than tourism or business. Even if you have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011, or if you have or have had the nationality of these countries, it is still necessary to apply for a visa (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes). There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and what to do may vary by United States embassy or consulate. You should also take into account that a meeting will follow at the embassy after the application.
Why an ESTA?
International travelers wishing to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must apply for a travel authorization. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows most people from participating countries (the Netherlands and Belgium are also covered by the Visa Waiver Program) to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or medical treatment for a stay of 90 days or less without paying a visa is required. For this reason, the United States Department of Homeland Security has introduced an electronic method:ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This authorization procedure has been implemented to secure travel for travelers from relevant countries who meet the necessary security standards. In addition, it filters out those people from the authorization process who do not require a thorough investigation before traveling to the US – for example, those who do not meet the required standards must apply for the official visa. An ESTA is also required if you have to transfer in the United States of America. The approved ESTA is valid for two years or until the expiry date of the passport. It is possible to travel to the United States multiple times within this time period. Travelers who do not have a valid ESTA or visa will not be allowed to board flights and boat trips to the United States of America.
Apply for an ESTA and the costs
You must apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. You can easily apply for an ESTA online. You do not need to go to the US Embassy for this. You can easily apply for an ESTA online 24 hours a day by filling out a digital form. Subsequently, the ESTA costs of €29.95 per person can be paid through one of the online payment options. The application will be processed immediately after payment has been received. You will often have an answer within 24 hours. If you have to go to the United States urgently, it is also possible to make an urgent application. These are processed faster.
