ESTA & B-2 TOURIST VISAS
Most tourists and business travelers to the United States need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or for a USA Visa. There are a few fundamental differences between ESTA and a B-2 Tourist Visa:ESTA:
- Only citizens of Visa Waiver Countries can apply
- Online application
- Result of status determined the same day
- 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 normally valid for 2 years
- Required for entry via air or sea (not land borders)
- Electronic or machine-readable passport required
B-2 Tourist Visa:
- 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
Types of USA Visas
There are several types of visas available depending on the reason for your visit to the United States:
Eletronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Treaty Trader for Investment (E-2)
Work Visa for Australians (E-3)
Work Visa for College Educated Professionals (H-1B)
Work Visa for Skilled and Non-Skilled Professionals (H-2B)
It is important to understand that a valid USA visa or an approved ESTA is a requirement for check-in at airports and with sea carriers for US travel.
START YOUR USA VISA APPLICATION TODAY
This website is dedicated to provide USA Visa applicants with all the help they need in order to successfully apply for a USA Visa and enter the United States. We cannot guarantee that your visa application will be approved, but we do guarantee that if you follow our instructions you will be exceptionally well prepared. Our USA Visa Application Guide explains in detail how to complete the application forms, how to schedule and prepare for your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and what to expect at the U.S. border. We want your trip to the United States to be as pleasant as possible, and a worry-free USA Visa application is the first step.
Give yourself time! The application for a USA Visa can take several weeks or even months. Delays are normally related to scheduling the interview and providing additional documentation (if requested by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate). It is strongly recommend to start the application process as early as possible.