Get your United States ESTA: Apply now

Hi Anna. The same rules apply as normal.

If you're from Germany, and have a German passport, you'll need an ESTA to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in the United States.

This only applies to football matches in the United States. If you're also attending games in Canada and Mexico, local rules apply. Find out more about the FIFA World Cup visa rules here.

Hello D Hawks,

If you already have a valid U.S. visa in your passport, such as a B1/B2 visa (often issued for business or tourism), you do not need to apply for an ESTA when traveling to the United States, even for a holiday.

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is only for travelers from the visa waiver program countries who don’t already have a U.S. visa and wish to enter for short visits. Since you hold a visa that is valid for 5 years, you can use that visa for your upcoming tourist trip without needing to do anything extra.

Just make sure:

The visa category covers tourism (typically B1/B2 or B2),

Your visa will still be valid on the dates you enter and leave the U.S.,

You follow the conditions of that visa while visiting.

If your current visa is only for work and not valid for tourism (for example, a specific employment visa like H-1B), you will need to apply for a separate B2 tourist visa.

Hey Mick,

Your commercial burglary conviction from over 30 years ago could make you ineligible for an ESTA, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to visit the US at all. The ESTA application includes questions about past criminal history, and one of the key factors US immigration authorities look at is whether an offense is considered a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT).

Burglary typically falls into that category, which means that if you declare it on your ESTA application, your request may be denied automatically, not because of how long ago the offense happened but because the system doesn’t allow for any explanations or individual assessments.

However, just because you may not qualify for an ESTA doesn’t mean you can’t visit the US at all. Instead, you would need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at the nearest US embassy or consulate, where you’ll have the chance to explain your situation in an interview. US visas are reviewed case by case, so while the ESTA system might automatically reject you, a visa officer can look at your personal circumstances, the nature of the offense, and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction. Many people in similar situations have successfully been granted US visas, especially when there has been no further legal trouble and the conviction happened decades ago.

Since B1/B2 visa applications involve more paperwork and an interview process, it’s best to apply as early as possible to avoid delays. Reach out to the US Embassy in London for more information.

Hey Brian,

Because you previously held an Iranian passport and traveled to Iran in 2014, you are unfortunately not eligible for an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. Even though you're now a Japanese citizen, the US has strict rules regarding people who have either been nationals of or traveled to Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 1, 2011. Because of these rules, your ESTA application will automatically be denied, and reapplying won’t change that decision.

That doesn’t mean you can’t visit the US; it just means that instead of an ESTA, you’ll need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at the nearest US embassy or consulate. This visa requires an in-person interview, where you’ll have the chance to explain your situation to an immigration officer.

Unlike the ESTA system, which is an automated approval process, a visa application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, so having an interview gives you the opportunity to provide more details about your background and travel history.

Since B1/B2 visa applications can take a few weeks or even longer, starting the process as soon as possible is a good idea. You can reach out to the US embassy in Tokyo to get more information on what you need for your visa application.

Hi Linda,

Yes, you can absolutely apply for an ESTA with your British passport and travel from Jamaica to the US without any issues. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows British citizens to visit the US without a visa, doesn’t restrict where you can fly from. What matters is that you apply with your British passport and use the same passport when entering the US.

Since you have dual citizenship and also hold a Jamaican passport, it’s important to know that your ESTA will be electronically linked to your British passport. That means when you check in for your flight to the US, you’ll need to present your British passport, as that’s the one tied to your travel authorization. If you try to use your Jamaican passport instead, the airline won’t see a valid ESTA attached to it, which could cause issues at check-in.

Even though ESTA approvals are often quick, it’s always best to apply at least a few days in advance in case additional checks are needed. If you want to avoid any delays or mistakes that could result in your ESTA being rejected, we can help make sure everything is correctly submitted so you can focus on planning your trip. Reach out to our customer support team via iVisa chat or WhatsApp.

Hi Anthony,

Your ESTA will work for this trip since it’s valid at the time of your entry into the United States on February 24th, 2025. The ESTA only needs to be valid on the date you enter the US, so you don’t need a new one to cover your departure date on March 5th.

That said, if you’d like to avoid any concerns or questions during your travels, you can renew your ESTA before your trip. Renewing is a simple process when you use our platform, and the new ESTA will replace your old one, giving you another two years of travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program.

Hi Marilyn,

Your current ESTA is valid when you enter the United States on February 24th, 2025. However, since it expires on March 2nd, 2025, it's a good idea to apply for a new ESTA before your trip. While an expired ESTA doesn't affect your ability to leave the US, having a valid ESTA ensures uninterrupted travel authorization for the entire duration of your stay.

Applying early gives you peace of mind, so you don’t have to worry about any issues while traveling. If you need help with the process or have any other concerns, please reach out to our customer support team.

Hi Ying,

Since you’re a US citizen, you won’t need an ESTA or visa for short-term international travel, but it’s a good idea to check the entry requirements of your destination country. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Ensure your passport meets this requirement to avoid any travel disruptions.

Currently, US citizens can travel to EU countries for short stays without a visa. However, starting in 2025, the EU plans to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will require US travelers to obtain an electronic authorization before visiting.

Beginning in January 2025, US citizens will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK for tourism, business, or short-term study.

For other countries, visa requirements vary widely. For instance, US travelers to Brazil currently need a visa, while trips to Japan for short-term stays do not require one. Some destinations may have health-related entry requirements, such as vaccinations or health declarations, especially in light of global health concerns.

Travel advisories and entry requirements can change, so it's wise to check with your airline or official government websites of the country you plan to visit to get the most up-to-date information.

Hi Munshad,

Planning a trip to the United States is exciting! However, as a citizen of Bangladesh, you don't qualify for a US ESTA. You'll need a B1/B2 Visa to enter the US for leisure, tourism, or visiting friends and family. Although we no longer handle B1/B2 Visa applications, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: This is the online application for a nonimmigrant visa. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents.

2. Pay the visa application fee: The current fee for a B1/B2 Visa is $185.

3. Schedule your visa interview: Book an appointment at the US Embassy in Bangladesh. Given that appointment slots can fill up quickly, it's best to do this early enough before your intended travel date.

4. Gather the necessary documentation: Prepare the following: a valid passport, proof of financial means like recent bank statements, and evidence of strong ties to Bangladesh, like an employment contract or property deed.

5. Attend the visa interview: During the interview, the consular officer will ask about your travel plans, financial situation, and reasons for returning to Bangladesh. Answer honestly and provide clear, short responses.

It's important to note that visa processing times can vary, so begin the application process several weeks or even months before your planned trip. For detailed information and to start your application, visit the official US Department of State website.

Hi Kazi,

The ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows travelers from certain countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa. However, Bangladesh is not part of the VWP, so Bangladeshi citizens are not eligible to apply for an ESTA.

Instead, you'll need to apply for a B1/B2 Visa if you want to visit the US for tourism, visiting family, or similar purposes. Although we currently don't handle B1/B2 Visa applications, this is what you'll need to do:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: This is the main application form for a US non-immigrant visa, and it’s filled out online.

2. Pay the visa application fee: This fee is currently $185, though you’ll want to check for the latest information as it can change.

3. Schedule an Interview: You’ll need to book a visa appointment at the US Embassy in Dhaka. It's advisable to schedule this as soon as possible, as appointment availability can vary.

4. Prepare supporting documents: This includes a valid Bangladeshi passport, proof of financial stability, and evidence of ties to your home country.

5. Attend the visa interview: During the interview, a consular officer will assess your application and determine your eligibility for the visa. Be prepared to discuss your travel plans and reasons for returning to Bangladesh.

The whole process can take several weeks, so it’s a good idea to apply well in advance of your travel date. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can visit the official US Department of State website.

It might. Having a criminal record, even for a misdemeanor, may affect your eligibility for an ESTA. During the ESTA application process, you will be asked about any violations of law. A criminal record could require you to apply for a visa instead, as an ESTA is typically only for those without such records. In cases where you're unsure, applying for a visa might be advisable as it involves a more thorough evaluation process that considers individual circumstances​.

If you have renewed your passport, you will need to apply for a new ESTA. ESTAs are electronically linked to the specific passport used during the application. Since you have a new passport, the old ESTA cannot be transferred to it. You should reapply for an ESTA using your new passport details​​.

Yes, you can. Having previously traveled to the US with a visa does not complicate your ability to use an ESTA for future visits. As long as you’re a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—like the United Kingdom—and you meet all other requirements, you can apply for an ESTA. Previous visa use is separate and doesn't affect your eligibility for an ESTA.