Which countries need ESTA (Visa exempt) for USA?

Knowing which countries can enter the United States without a visa is essential to avoid mistakes when planning your trip. If your home country is not visa-free, you will need to obtain a US visa before your trip. In addition, even if your country is visa-free, there are certain formalities that must be completed to enter the United States, such as ESTA authorization. We have therefore created this page to provide you with all the necessary information on visa exempt countries for the USA and the formalities for entering the USA.

ESTA-eligible countries that can enter the USA without a traditionnal visa

Let's first look at the reasons why some countries are visa-free for the USA.

The United States has established reciprocal agreements with several countries, which allow their citizens to travel to the United States without a visa for short stays. This visa waiver is often based on diplomatic, economic and security considerations.

There are currently 39 visa-exempt countries in the USA. These countries are listed below:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Republic of Korea
• Denmark
• Spain
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• Chile
• Czech Republic

Authorised length of stay for each country

The maximum stay for travellers from visa-exempt countries to the USA is 90 days.

Restrictions to be taken into account

It is important to note that even if your home country is visa-free, certain restrictions apply. For example, if you have recently travelled to certain countries or have a contagious disease, you may be refused entry to the United States. In addition, ESTA authorisation is required for some visa-exempt travellers, which must be obtained before travel.

The formalities to be completed to enter the USA without a visa:

If you are a national of a visa-exempt country, you should be aware that you will need to complete certain formalities before travelling to the USA:

• To enter the United States without a visa, citizens of visa waiver countries must obtain an electronic travel authorisation called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This authorisation is valid for a period of two years and allows stays of up to 90 days. The ESTA can be obtained online at the official website of the US government. It is important to fill in the application form carefully and to provide accurate information to avoid any complications when entering the United States. The application process is generally quick and the processing fee must be paid by credit card.
• In addition to the ESTA, travellers to the US without a visa must complete other formalities to enter the US. They must have proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay, a return ticket and a vaccination certificate for certain diseases, such as yellow fever. It is also advisable to check the specific requirements of each airline before travelling to avoid problems when boarding.
• In summary, nationals of visa waiver countries can enter the United States without a visa, but must obtain ESTA approval and complete other formalities. It is important to find out about the specific requirements to avoid problems when entering the US.

How do I apply for an ESTA to travel to the USA without a visa?

To apply for an ESTA to travel to the United States without a visa, here are the steps to follow:

• Go to the official US government website or a private provider website to apply.
• Select the language in which you wish to fill in the form (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Swedish or Portuguese)
• Fill in the online form with personal and travel information, such as your name, date of birth, address, passport number, etc.
• Check all the information provided carefully before submitting the application.
• Pay the ESTA application processing fee by credit card.
• Receive confirmation of the ESTA application by email. It is recommended that you print this confirmation and take it with you on your trip to the United States.
• Check the status of your ESTA application online, using the reference number provided to you.

It is important to apply for the ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure to the United States, as this will allow the US authorities sufficient time to process your application and approve your travel authorisation.

Countries with reciprocal visa-free travel agreements with the US:

Some countries may be subject to reciprocity agreements with the United States, which means that if US citizens are not required to have a visa to enter their country, citizens of those countries must also be visa-free to enter the US. These reciprocity agreements are based on diplomatic and economic considerations.

Currently, only 3 countries are subject to reciprocity agreements with the US and these are listed below:

• Chile: Chilean citizens can enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days.
• South Korea: South Korean citizens can enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days.
• Taiwan: Taiwanese citizens can enter the United States without a visa for up to 90 days.

The period of stay allowed for citizens of countries with reciprocal agreements is a maximum of 90 days.

It is important to note that although these countries are visa-free to enter the United States, they must still complete other entry requirements, such as obtaining ESTA clearance and presenting supporting documentation upon arrival.

Conclusion: How to travel to the US without a visa?

In conclusion, travelling to the US without a visa is possible for nationals of many countries thanks to visa exemptions and reciprocity agreements. However, it is important to comply with the necessary formalities and to take into account the restrictions to avoid any problems upon entry into the US.

For a safe and serene visa-free trip, it is recommended to take certain precautions such as having sufficient funds, a return ticket and a vaccination certificate if necessary. It is also important to find out about the conditions of entry into the United States depending on your nationality.

To make the process easier, it is possible to apply for an ESTA online on the official US government website. If you have any questions or need help with your trip to the United States, do not hesitate to contact a travel expert or call on professionals for your ESTA application.