Which Countries Can Apply for ESTA USA: Full List & Eligibility Guide
Are you wondering which countries can apply for ESTA USA? The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens of select countries to enter the United States for short-term stays without a visa.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we'll go over which countries can apply for ESTA USA, the criteria for eligibility, and some important travel tips for applicants. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip, or a transit stop in the U.S., this article will help you understand who qualifies for ESTA and how to apply online.
What Is ESTA USA?
Before jumping into which countries can apply for ESTA USA, let’s clarify what ESTA is. ESTA is an online travel authorization that allows citizens from approved Visa Waiver Program countries to enter the United States for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit—without needing a visa.
It is not a visa but a pre-approval that simplifies travel for eligible individuals. ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and you can use it for multiple trips to the U.S.
Which Countries Can Apply for ESTA USA?
As of now, there are 40 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens of these countries are eligible to apply for ESTA USA:
✅ Europe:
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Andorra
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Austria
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Belgium
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Croatia
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Czech Republic
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Denmark
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Estonia
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Finland
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France
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Germany
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Greece
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Hungary
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Iceland
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Ireland
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Italy
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Latvia
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Liechtenstein
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Lithuania
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Luxembourg
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Malta
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Monaco
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Netherlands
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Norway
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Poland
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Portugal
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San Marino
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Slovakia
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Slovenia
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Spain
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Sweden
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Switzerland
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United Kingdom
✅ Asia-Pacific:
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Australia
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Brunei
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Japan
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New Zealand
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South Korea
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Singapore
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Taiwan
✅ South America:
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Chile
These are the only countries whose citizens can apply for ESTA USA under the Visa Waiver Program. If your passport is from a country not listed above, you must apply for a standard U.S. visa.
Requirements to Apply for ESTA USA
Being a citizen of one of the countries listed above is just the first step. To successfully apply for ESTA USA, you must also:
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Hold a valid e-passport with an electronic chip.
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Plan to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less.
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Be traveling for tourism, business, or transit.
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Not have a history of visa denials or certain criminal offenses.
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Not have visited Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen after March 1, 2011.
Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.
Why Knowing Which Countries Can Apply for ESTA USA Matters
Knowing which countries can apply for ESTA USA can save you time, money, and unnecessary delays. If your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, applying for ESTA won’t be an option, and you’ll need to go through the U.S. visa process at an embassy or consulate.
ESTA USA vs. U.S. Visa: What’s the Difference?
Feature | ESTA USA | U.S. Visa (Tourist or Business) |
---|---|---|
Who Can Apply | Citizens of 40 VWP countries | All nationalities |
Validity Period | 2 years or until passport expires | Up to 10 years (varies) |
Application Method | Online | Embassy/Consulate visit required |
Stay Limit | Up to 90 days | Typically up to 6 months |
Processing Time | Minutes to 72 hours | Several days to weeks |
Interview Requirement | No | Yes |
If you’re eligible for ESTA, it’s clearly the faster and easier way to gain entry to the U.S. for short visits.
Additional Tips for ESTA Travelers
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Apply early: Even though ESTA can be approved within minutes, it’s best to apply at least 72 hours before your departure.
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Check your passport: Make sure your passport is valid and has an embedded chip. Regular non-electronic passports are not accepted for ESTA.
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Plan your itinerary: You may need to provide a contact in the U.S. and accommodation details when applying.
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Multiple entries allowed: As long as your ESTA is valid, you can re-enter the U.S. multiple times for short stays.
Final Thoughts: Which Countries Can Apply for ESTA USA?
To recap: citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries listed above are eligible to apply for ESTA USA. This system provides a fast, easy, and affordable way to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Make sure you meet all the requirements, and you can enjoy a stress-free trip without needing a traditional visa.
✅ Apply for Visa Online Today
If you're ready to travel and you meet the requirements, the process is simple.
Skip the embassy lines and long wait times—apply for your ESTA or travel visa online in minutes!
👉 CLICK HERE to get started with your application now!
Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.
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