Who needs a U.S. visa?

 

Not everyone needs a visa to travel to the USA. Citizens of several nations, including the majority of European Union members including the Netherlands, can enter the USA through the Visa Waiver Program, provided they meet other requirements, such as having no intention to work, not staying in the USA for longer than 90 days, and being in possession of a return or onward ticket. However, Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean are not permissible as final destinations of the ticket.

 

Before the start of the journey, only an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application must be submitted. A link to the appropriate U.S. Customs and Border Protection application form can be found here. In all other cases: A visa is mandatory! You will not be allowed to stay in the USA without the appropriate visa.

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Do I Meet the Requirements for an ESTA?

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• Your stay will not exceed 90 consecutive days.

• You do not currently hold a valid U.S. visa.

• Your visit is for tourism or business purposes.

• You have a valid passport from the Netherlands or from another country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

• You have not traveled to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.

• You have not been present in one or more of the following countries on or after March 1, 2011:

  • Iraq;

  • Iran;

  • Yemen;

  • Libya;

  • North Korea;

  • Sudan;

  • Somalia;

  • Syria.         

• You do not also hold the nationality of:

  • Iran;

  • Sudan;

  • Syria.

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What Do You Need for an ESTA Application?

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• You must possess a valid passport from the Netherlands.

• You must have a valid email address.

• You must have a residential address and telephone number.

• You must have the telephone number and email address of an emergency contact person.

• For payment, you will need a credit card (MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only)) or PayPal.

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What Is the Difference Between a Visa and an ESTA?

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An ESTA is a visa waiver intended for tourist or business stays of up to 90 consecutive days.

With a visa, you may, for example, work or study in the United States. With an ESTA, you are not permitted to do so.

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What Should I Check Before Departure?

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Check whether your ESTA is still valid. An ESTA is generally valid for two years. However, you must apply for a new ESTA if your passport has expired in the meantime, if your name or gender has changed, or if your nationality has changed.

In addition, your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United States.

It is advisable to ensure that your passport has sufficient validity remaining, in case your stay lasts longer than originally planned.

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We recommend checking the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and passport validity with the U.S. Consulate in the Netherlands shortly before departure. Entry requirements and regulations may change at short notice.

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Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA

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-How long does it take for an ESTA to be approved?

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In general, you will receive a decision on your ESTA application within 72 hours.

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I have a layover in the United States but am traveling on to another destination. Do I still need an ESTA?

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-Yes, even if you are only transiting through the United States, you are required to have an ESTA.

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-I am traveling by land from Canada to the United States. Do I need an ESTA?

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Yes, if you are traveling by land from Canada to the United States, for example in a rental car or motorhome, you need an ESTA.

In addition, you will also need an I-94 form.

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I have a criminal record. Can I still travel to the United States?

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If you have a criminal record, entry into the United States may be denied.

Individuals who have previously been denied a visa may also be refused entry.

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What should I indicate as my gender on my ESTA or U.S. visa application if the gender marker in my passport differs from my gender at birth?

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As of January 20, 2025, the U.S. government only recognizes the gender markers “M” (male) and “F” (female).

This means that if your passport contains a different gender marker, such as “T” (transgender), you must indicate your gender at birth when applying for an ESTA or a U.S. visa.

If you have questions regarding this matter, you may contact the U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam.

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