Do I need to go to the Embassy to apply for an ESTA?
European travellers always need a visa or an ESTA to travel to the United States. The ESTA is the simplest and cheapest way to meet the US entry requirements. In this article, you will learn when you need to visit the embassy.
The ESTA application process takes place entirely online
The US ESTA is a digital travel authorisation for travellers who are eligible for visa-free travel to the United States, which means that you don't need to visit the US Embassy. The embassy does not process ESTA applications and cannot provide information about pending ESTA applications either.
To submit an ESTA application, please complete the form and provide a selfie and a passport scan. Completing the form will take about 10 minutes. The ESTA is usually issued within 3 days. If you are leaving at short notice, you can submit an urgent application. Urgent applications are usually processed within 6 hours.
Most European travellers are eligible for an ESTA. You can use the ESTA for a tourist or business trip, or for a transit through the US. The ESTA is valid for up to 2 years, and each stay may last for a maximum of 90 consecutive days. If your nationality allows you to apply for an ESTA, it is always better to travel with an ESTA rather than with a visa.
The benefits of applying for an ESTA via esta-evisa.co.uk
Applying for a physical visa through the US consulate or embassy often takes several weeks, and you will always need to visit the embassy for a face-to-face interview as part of the application process. Furthermore, the visa is more expensive than the ESTA.
ESTA applications submitted via esta-evisa.co.uk are processed entirely online, and ESTAs are usually approved within 3 days. You will also find clear instructions for each field, and you can always contact customer service. Furthermore, we will check if the data and the photos you enter are correct. Most mistakes in the form can usually be corrected straight away, and if your photos do not meet the US Immigration Service requirements, you will be able to submit new photos.
In-person visa applications via the embassy
If the ESTA requirements do not allow you to travel (for example, because you plan to work or study in the US), or if you don't meet the ESTA eligibility criteria, you can apply for a US visa at the consulate or the embassy. There are many different types of visa. Embassy staff can help you apply for the correct type of visa, depending on your travel purpose.
Can I apply for a physical visa and an ESTA at the same time?
Generally speaking, a physical visa is totally independent from an ESTA. You may therefore submit an ESTA application if you already hold a physical visa or if your application for a physical visa is still being processed.
In some cases, it may be advisable to apply for an ESTA as well as a physical visa:
- You have a physical visa that is due to expire soon and you wish to travel to the US for a short stay.
- The visa category you hold does not fully correspond to the purpose of your trip. For example, you have a valid student visa but have planned a tourist trip to the United States.
What if my ESTA application is rejected
Most ESTA applications are approved. If your application is nevertheless refused, it is usually difficult to determine the reason. The US immigration authorities rarely explain why ESTA applications are refused. In this happens, you can contact the US consulate or embassy to apply for a physical visa.
