United States Visa Applications
How can you determine if you need an ESTA Travel Authorization or a visa to visit the US? Simply take our eligibility test and you will find out in minutes. The test is 100% free! This website is not affiliated with the United States Government and is operated by a private company. We do not issue ESTA Travel Authorizations or visas.

ESTA OR VISA? DETERMINE WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENT YOU NEED TO VISIT USA

Take the test below and find out if you need a visa or if you are allowed to visit the USA under the Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA Travel Document. The test is 100% free, secure and confidential.

THE TRAVELER

TRAVEL PLANS



esta visa

ESTA (ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION)

The American Visa Waiver Program allows travelers from selected countries to enter the US without a visa. Instead, travelers from these countries may apply for an ESTA Travel Authorization via an online application form. The ESTA Travel Authorization may be printed and brought with the traveler when entering the US via air or sea. The application is only available online, and the approved ESTA document will be sent to the applicant via email within 72 hours. The document is valid for 2 years and can be used for multiple entries. However, if the applicant changes passport details, or any other personal information, the ESTA has to be renewed.

  • Only citizens of Visa Waiver Countries can apply
  • Online application
  • Valid for stays up to 90 days only
  • Change of status in the U.S. is not allowed
  • Can be used for tourism, business or medical purposes
  • Is usually valid for 2 years
  • Required for entry via air or sea (not land borders)
  • Electronic or machine-readable passport required
  • Required for check-in at airports and with sea carriers
b2-visa

B-2 TOURIST VISA

The B-2 visa is defined as a visa for travelers that has citizenship in a foreign country that wishes to visit the US for leisure. The B-2 visa applicant may not apply for the purpose of study or work. However, incidental study programs that are considered recreational and does not offer any credit are allowed. Commonly, a citizen of a foreign country that wish to enter the US must first apply and acquire a visa. It can be a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. B1/B2 visas are nonimmigrant visas for travelers who want to enter the US only temporarily for business (B-1), pleasure, tourism or visiting (B-2), or in some cases a combination of both

  • Anyone can apply for a B-2 Tourist Visa
  • Application form must be completed online
  • In-person interview required (in most cases)
  • Application process can take weeks or months
  • Change of status in the U.S. is allowed
  • Can be used for tourism, business or medical purposes
  • Is normally valid for 1-10 years
  • Required for entry via air, sea or land borders
  • Required for check-in at airports and with sea carriers