Starting in October 2023, citizens from several European countries, including Spain, will no longer need to go through the hassle of obtaining a traditional visa to enter the United States.
Thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), Spanish nationals and other eligible citizens can now apply for an electronic travel authorization in just minutes. This innovation eliminates the previous bureaucracy and long waiting periods associated with obtaining a tourist visa.
What is the VISA Waiver Program?
The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) serves as a streamlined alternative to a visa, allowing travelers to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to 90 days.
For Spanish citizens, this process is both straightforward and swift. All you need is a valid electronic passport and internet access to fill out an online form. This authorization, which costs USD 21, is typically approved within a few hours.
- Eligibility: Available to citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
- Duration: It permits stays of up to 90 days.
- Requirements: Valid electronic passport, internet access, and payment of the USD 21 fee.
- Approval Time: Usually processed within hours.
Exciting news for travelers: the need for a traditional VISA to enter the United States is over! You can now enter the country with just a simple paper that is easy to obtain.
A Streamlined Entry Process
This new system not only simplifies access to the country but has also drastically reduced wait times at airports. Travelers can present this electronic document upon arrival, making the process much more efficient.
It’s important to note, however, that although the process is much simpler than the traditional visa, you must apply for the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) well in advance of your flight.
What’s Changed Since October 2023?
The most significant change introduced by the U.S. government is regarding the payment for the visa application. Now, this payment is valid for one year. This means that if you’ve already made the payment and haven’t scheduled your appointment at the embassy or consulate within that year, you’ll lose the payment and will need to submit a new application.
- New one-year validity for visa application payments
- Loss of payment if no appointment is scheduled within the year
- Mandatory advance application for the ESTA before your flight
These changes aim to make travel to the United States more accessible and hassle-free for everyone involved.
This change aims to streamline the process and reduce the long waits for obtaining a visa. However, if you’re from a country included in the ESTA program, such as Spain, there’s no need to worry about these procedures. The electronic authorization will be sufficient for your travels to the United States.
Benefits of the ESTA Program and Key Requirements
One of the greatest advantages of the ESTA is its simplicity. To apply, you only need:
- A valid electronic passport
- A credit or debit card to pay the fee
- An email address to receive confirmation
The entire process is conducted online, eliminating the need for consulate visits or interviews, which saves time and money for frequent travelers. Additionally, the ESTA is valid for two years, allowing you to use it for multiple trips during this period, as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days.