Understanding ESTA: A Key Requirement for Visa-Free Travel to the USA

If you are from a nation that is included in the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which is a program of the United States that makes it easier for citizens of some countries to travel and stay in the USA without obtaining a visa, then you will need something called ESTA, which stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It's like special permission. 

Being an ESTA-approved visitor, you are permitted to stay in the US for no longer than 90 days, but it will be valid only for short visits. It is not the same as the US Visitor Visas (which have a maximum of 6 months or more) which lets you stay in for a longer time.

Recall, that ESTA is not the actual visa. This is only a temporary visa for tourism or business stays. A reason you might be going to the US differs from others, you must have the right visa.

Which countries need ESTA?

Visa Waiver Program Countries

Recent Changes in ESTA

In 2016, the US changed the rules for a program that lets people from some countries visit without a visa. Some folks can't use this program anymore because of a law from 2015. Here's who it affects:
  • If you're from a visa waiver country and visited certain places like Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen after March 1, 2011, you can't use this program. But diplomats and military personnel have some exceptions.
  • If you're from a visa waiver country and also have citizenship in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria, you can't use this program.
  • Since August 6, 2019, if you visited North Korea after March 1, 2011, you can't apply for ESTA, which is needed for visa-free travel to the US.
  • Starting January 1, 2021, if you visit Cuba after this date, you can't use ESTA to enter the US. You need to get a visa. Before traveling, it's smart for all foreign visitors to check their ESTA status and talk to a US embassy nearby

Who Needs ESTA for Visiting the USA?

If you have the below factors, you can get an ESTA for visiting the USA:
  • Your citizen from a visa waiver country visiting the US
  • Your visit is short, 90 days or less, and it's for fun or work
  • You don't have a visa to enter the US
  • You're coming by plane or cruise ship

How Do I Get ESTA?

  • Fill out the ESTA form.
  • Send the required documents.
  • Pay the fee.
  • Wait for your application to be processed.
process of getting ESTA

Filling Out the ESTA Form

To start, go to the Customs and Borders Protection website and complete the ESTA form. You can apply for just yourself or a group if you're traveling with family or friends. The form will ask for your personal details, mainly your passport identification numbers, including:

  • Your name and last name
  • Parent information
  • Citizenship
  • Contact information 
  • Employment details, and more

Afterward, the system checks this information against legal databases to make sure you're not a security threat.

Sending the Required Documents for ESTA

To apply for ESTA, you'll need these documents:

  • A valid e-passport with at least 6 months left before you plan to visit the US.
  • A valid home address, email, and phone number
  • A valid payment method (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or PayPal)
  • Once you've entered your details and finished all the steps, you'll have to wait for your application to be processed

How Long Does ESTA Processing Take?

In most situations, if your details don't show any security concerns or past criminal issues, you should get a response within 72 hours.

What to Do If ESTA Is Denied?

If your ESTA application is rejected, you'll have to apply for a non-immigrant visa. This usually means scheduling an appointment at a US embassy and going there in person. Keep in mind that this process takes time, so it's best to plan well ahead and book in advance.

How Long Does ESTA Last?

If your ESTA application is approved, it's typically valid for either 2 years or until your passport expires. If your passport expires before 2 years, then your ESTA will be valid until your passport's expiration date.

Managing and Using Your ESTA Information While Traveling

You don't have to print or bring your ESTA details when you travel; they'll be automatically sent to your carrier. It's your choice whether you update your travel information in the ESTA system for future trips.

How Many Times Can I Enter the US With an ESTA?

You can visit the USA many times, but each visit should be no more than 90 days. Try not to visit too often. For instance, if you stay for 90 days and then return after just 10 days, they might ask you questions. There's no specific waiting time, but it's a good idea to wait a bit between visits.

Is it Possible to Extend My Stay Visit With an ESTA?

No, you cannot extend your stay with an ESTA. The maximum allowed time is 90 days, and you are not able to extend it. If you need to stay longer or for a different purpose, you would have to leave the U.S. and apply for a different visa from your home country.

Do Kids Need an ESTA?

Yes, children, including infants, need an ESTA if they are traveling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. There are no exceptions. Even if a child doesn't have a passport yet, they must have an approved ESTA. Parents can include their children in group applications, and the process is the same for both adults and kids.

B1/B2 Non-immigrant Visas for Entering the US

Foreigners who wish to visit the United States of America for a temporary stay require a B1 or B2 Visa (Non-immigrant Visas). Visitor visas or non-immigrant visas are for those who are interested in entering the United States for business (B1 Visa), tourism (B2 Visa) or a combination of both (B1/B2). The process of applying for B1 and B2 Visas entails several steps and starts by applicants filling the online form (DS 160). Before you apply, make sure you know which category you are eligible for. We have compiled all the necessary information you need if you are currently contemplating or about to apply for your US visit visa.

B1/B2 Non-immigrant Visas

Visiting the United States for a temporary stay requires non-immigrant visas B1 or B2. Your eligibility for either one or both depends on the purpose of your visit. B1 Non-immigrant visa is for business purposes whereas B2 Non-immigrant Visa is for tourism purposes. Applicants must carefully evaluate their purpose of visit before applying to avoid a rejection. Here are more important details to understand which visa you are eligible for.

B1 Non-immigrant Visa

A non-immigrant visit visa category for foreigners who intend to visit the United States for business purposes. Before applying for this visa, it is crucial that you check if you are eligible for the visa and whether or not you can provide the needed documents. B1 US Visa is for the following purposes.

  • Consultation or meeting with business associates or business partners.
  • A scientific, professional, educational, or business conference or convention.
  • Settling an estate or family-owned property
  • Negotiate or conclude a business contract.

If the purpose of your visit complies with one of the conditions given above, you are eligible for a B1 Visa. After you ensure your eligibility, it is time to gather your documents to prove that you are visiting for the purpose mentioned. If your visit entails business and leisure purposes both, you can apply for both B1 and B2 Visas together with the necessary documents.

B2 Non-immigrant Visa

Another non-immigrant visa category is the B2 Visa suitable for foreigners who want to visit the US for tourism purposes. You can apply for this visa if one of the conditions below apply to you.

  • You have plans to visit the US for a vacation.
  • You want to visit friends and family residing in the US.
  • For Medical Treatment
  • Attending gatherings organized by fraternal, social, or service organizations.
  • Participating in musical, sporting, or comparable events or competitions as an amateur, without receiving compensation.
  • Signing up for a short course that does not count towards a degree (such as a two-day cooking workshop during a vacation).

How to Apply for B1/B2 Visas

There are several steps involved in applying for B1 and B2 non-immigrant visas. The first step of the application process is the completion of the online form, DS 160. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can apply for B1/B2 Visas.

1. Complete the Online Form

The first step in the B1/B2 Visa application is the completion of the DS-160 form online. It is an online non-immigrant visa form for a temporary stay in the United States. The DS-160 form is available online on the US Department of State’s website. Once you submit your visa application, you can schedule your interview appointment at the US Embassy. Before you book an appointment for your interview, make sure you check the waiting duration as it is affected by location, season and visa category.

2. Schedule an Interview at the US Consulate in your residence country

After completing the DS-160 Form and paying the visa application fee, you can book an appointment for your interview. Book an appointment in your residence country to avoid any unnecessary complications. The official US Department of State’s website states that you may schedule your interview at an embassy outside your country but it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa.

3. Complete your Documents (B1/B2 Visa Documents Checklist)

Once you finalize your interview appointment, you can prepare the documents needed to prove the purpose of your visit. The required documents include:

  • Passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Print out of Form DS-160 Non-immigrant Visa confirmation page.
  • Application fee payment receipt
  • 2 x 2 inches digital photo if you could not upload your photo in the DS-160 profile.
  • Past Visas (if any).

List of additional documents

  • Proof of funds to cover the expenses of the trip, including tickets, accommodation, and living expenses.
  • Proof of ties to your home country and evidence that you will depart the US after your trip. .
  • A well-prepared travel itinerary with bookings.

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4. Attend your Interview at the Embassy

Reach the embassy a few hours before the interview so that you have ample time to prepare and calm your nerves. A consular officer evaluates your documents and asks you questions related to your application. Digital fingerprints are taken during the interview but not at all embassies. After the interview, the consular officer might conclude the application right there and then or may ask for further administrative processing. After the visa is issued, applicants are asked to pay the visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality).

Entering the United States

Issuance of US B1 or B2 Visa does not ensure entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have the right to accept or deny your entry. If you are permitted to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

How Long Does it Take to get B1/B2 Non-immigrant Visas?

The waiting time for B1 and B2 Visa interview varies from country to country according to the embassy’s workload. On an average, it can take 2 months to 2 years to receive the results. If you are applying for the visa outside your home country, waiting time for your interview can take longer than in your own country. As per the US Department of State, from November 2022, the average worldwide wait time for a tourist visa (B1/B2) interview appointment is about two months, and applicants with urgent travel needs who meet certain criteria can apply for an emergency appointment, usually available within days

How Long Can You Stay in the US with a B1/B2 Visa?

Non-immigrant B1 and B2 Visas are mostly valid for 10 years but visitors can only stay for up to 6 months per entry. It is also important to be aware that the maximum stay of 6 months per entry is not an entitlement and the CBP officer might grant a shorter stay or deny entry altogether. The exact length of your stay depends on the US Customs and Border Protection officer at the airport when you enter.

How Many Times Can You Enter the US with a B1/B2 Visa?

B1 and B2 Non-immigrant Visas are multiple entry visas which means that you can enter the US more than once if customs approve your entry. There is no given number of how many times you can enter the US with this visa but you can stay only 6 months per visit. The duration of your stay depends on the CBP officer because they own the right to approve or deny your entry into the US.