ESTA vs. US Visa – The Difference
For nationals of the Netherlands and other countries belonging to the Visa Waiver Program, traveling to the US is quite easier than other countries. They do not require a VISA America (visum amerika) for their tourism and business-related visits. Instead, they can apply for an ESTA that will allow them to enter the US and stay there for 90 days or less. This makes things much simpler than having to apply for a VISA. With an ESTA, you get quite benefits quite similar to that of a VISA. That said, it must be remembered that an ESTA is not a VISA. There are many differences between the two.
Application process
The first difference that you would notice is the difference in the application process. Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA is a fully automatic process. The application can be made online and will take only a few minutes. Approval is almost instant in most cases. VISA request America, however, must be personally made at the embassy. You will also need to submit several documents and appear for an interview to get your visa approved. Visa approvals take at least a day or more.
Application fee
The cost VISA America for citizens of the Netherlands is 210 € for adults and 95 € for children below 15. This cost is much higher than that of an ESTA.
Validity and duration
An approved ESTA is valid for two years only while non-immigrant visas can be valid for 1 month to 10 years. With an ESTA, you can stay in the US for 90 days only. However, a non-immigrant VISA America can allow you to stay for consecutive six months. Your stay in the US can be extended when you are on a VISA. But people traveling with an ESTA will have to leave the US soil within 90 days from the date of entry. They can return to the States later if necessary.
Purpose of visit
If you are traveling to the US for tourism or business purposes, you can apply for an ESTA. However, if you want to go to the US for work, study, or any other reason, you can put up a VISA request America that would allow you to stay for longer and work or study which isn’t possible with an ESTA. So, the kind of authorization you need depends on your purpose of visit.
ESTA denial and traveling with a VISA
ESTA applications at Estavisumamerika are usually very quickly approved. However, if you are denied an ESTA, you can apply for a VISA. With a VISA, you can still visit the US, even if your ESTA has not been approved. You will need to apply for a US Visa and pay the cost VISA America (kosten visum amerika) to be able to travel. Your ESTA may be denied if you do not fulfill the eligibility criteria but that doesn’t crush your hopes of visiting the States altogether. If the authorities deem that you are eligible, you will be granted a VISA very easily.