Starting from October 2023, citizens from several European countries, including Spain, can easily visit the United States without needing a standard visa. Instead, they can apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
This program makes it quicker and easier to travel, reducing the long paperwork process and waiting times that came with applying for a traditional visa.
What is the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)?
The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a faster way to get into the U.S. compared to a traditional visa. It allows travelers to stay for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit.
The program is available to citizens of countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, like Spain. All you need is an electronic passport, an internet connection, and payment of a small fee. You can apply online, and it’s usually processed quickly, often within a few hours.
How Does ESTA Work?
- Eligibility: Available to citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries.
- Duration: You can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days.
- Requirements: A valid electronic passport, internet access, and a USD 21 fee.
- Approval Time: It’s usually processed in a few hours.
This program eliminates the hassle of applying for a visa and speeds up the travel process by letting travelers enter the U.S. quickly with just an online authorization.
The Streamlined Entry Process
The ESTA process not only makes it easier to apply, but it also reduces the amount of time spent at airports. When you arrive in the U.S., you can show your electronic travel authorization instead of waiting in long visa lines. However, it’s important to remember that you should apply for ESTA well in advance of your flight.
What’s Changed Since October 2023?
The most notable change in 2023 is the update on how visa application fees are paid. The payment for a visa is now valid for a full year. However, if you don’t schedule your embassy appointment within a year, you’ll lose the payment and have to start the application process again.
Key changes:
- One-Year Payment Validity: The visa payment now lasts for a year.
- Loss of Payment: If no appointment is made within a year, the payment is lost.
- Advance ESTA Application: You must apply for ESTA before your flight.
These changes aim to make the travel process faster and more convenient.
Benefits and Key Requirements of the ESTA Program
The ESTA program is one of the easiest ways to enter the U.S. without the need for a traditional visa. Here’s what you need:
- Valid electronic passport
- A credit or debit card to pay the USD 21 fee
- An email address to receive your confirmation
Because the process is entirely online, you don’t have to visit a consulate or attend an interview. The ESTA is also valid for two years, allowing you to travel multiple times within that period, as long as each stay is under 90 days.
1. What is the ESTA, and how does it work?
ESTA is an online travel authorization that allows visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
2. How long does the ESTA approval take?
ESTA approval usually takes just a few hours, making it much quicker than a traditional visa.
3. How much does the ESTA cost?
The fee for the ESTA is USD 21, and payment is required when you apply online.
4. Can I use ESTA for multiple trips?
Yes, once approved, your ESTA is valid for two years, allowing you to use it for multiple trips to the U.S. as long as each stay is under 90 days.
5. Do I still need to visit a U.S. embassy for ESTA?
No, ESTA is an online process. You don’t need to visit a U.S. embassy or attend an interview.
