Immigration / ESTA/VWP

The ESTA program allows citizens from certain countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, to enter the USA for up to 90 days without a visa. All that is required is an ESTA application.

ESTA stands for “Electronic System for Travel Authorization” and refers to an electronic travel authorization system. The ESTA application is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a US government program that has been in existence since 1986. An ESTA authorization has been required since 2009.

ESTA approval can be applied for by travelers for tourism or business purposes as well as for transit purposes. The US embassy recommends applying for ESTA authorization at least 72 days before departure to the USA – however, an ESTA application can generally be submitted at any time. Once issued, an ESTA authorization is valid for two years with a valid passport and can be used for several trips to the USA.

In order to obtain ESTA approval, the person entering the country must be a citizen of a country participating in the program and have a valid passport. The entry may only be for tourism, business or transit purposes and the duration of the trip may not exceed 90 days – a corresponding return or onward ticket must be presented upon entry.

The fee for the ESTA application is currently 21 US dollars.

If you have any further questions about the ESTA / VWP program, you are welcome to seek advice from one of our experienced lawyers.