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Travelling to the U.S. without a visa is possible for many nationalities, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, you must first apply for an ESTA visa (electronic System for Travel Authorization). There’s a lot of information out there which can make the process rather confusing, especially if you have never done it before. This article explains everything you need to know about the process, including how to apply through the website or mobile app and what to expect at the airport.

Who qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 43 countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. Instead, travelers must apply for an ESTA visa application before their trip.

To qualify, you must:

• Be a citizen of a VWP-approved country (check here if your country qualifies).
• Have a valid e-passport with an embedded microchip
• Plan to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less
• Travel for tourism, business, or transit purposes
• Have an approved ESTA before departure

In March 2025, Romania becomes the 43rd country to join the Visa Waiver Program. This means Romanian citizens can apply for an ESTA and travel visa-free to the U.S. for up to 90 days.

Restrictions and the Cuba travel rule

Some travelers are not eligible for an ESTA, even if they are from a VWP country. If you have traveled to, or been present in, any of these countries since specific dates, you must apply for a visa instead:

• Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen (since March 1, 2011)
• Cuba (since January 12, 2021)

Additionally, dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, or Syria are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa.

How to apply for an ESTA visa

Applying for an ESTA is a simple process, and after doing this multiple times, I recommend using the official website or app. Here’s what you need to do:

Applying through the ESTA Website

1. Go to the official ESTA website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
2. Create an account and fill out the application form, which asks for:
   • Full name
   • Passport number and expiry date
   • Travel details (flight and accommodation information optional)
   • Previous U.S. travel history
   • Security-related questions
3. Pay the application fee ($21 per person). The website accepts:
   • Credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
   • PayPal
4. Wait for approval (most applications are processed in minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours).

If you are still lost, check out their step by step video here.

Applying through the ESTA Mobile App

1. Download the ESTA Mobile App (available for iOS and Android).
2. Create an account and enter your passport details.
3. Fill out the application form, which will ask for the same details as the website.
4. Pay the application fee using the accepted payment methods.
5. Wait for approval and check your application status directly in the app.

Your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. I recommend applying at least a few days before your trip to avoid any last-minute stress. 

What happens at the airport with an ESTA?

Once you have your ESTA, here’s what to expect when traveling to the U.S.:

• Before boarding: Airlines will verify your ESTA before allowing you to check in for your flight.
• Arrival in the U.S.:
  • Proceed to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  • Use the Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks if available.
  • Present your passport and fingerprints to the CBP officer.
  • Answer any routine entry questions (e.g., purpose of visit, duration of stay).
• Final approval: Once cleared, you’re free to enjoy your stay in the U.S.!

What if you don’t qualify for ESTA?

If you don’t meet the requirements for the Visa Waiver Program, you’ll need to apply for a traditional U.S. visa instead. The process takes longer, so plan ahead.

Where to apply for a visa:

• Visit the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country
• Apply for a B1/B2 visa if you’re traveling for tourism or business
• Schedule an interview appointment well in advance, as wait times can vary

For official visa application details, check the U.S. Department of State website.

Speeding up entry with Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

If you’ve never traveled to the U.S. before, getting through passport control can feel overwhelming. This is where Mobile Passport Control (MPC) can help make the process much faster and easier.

MPC is a free app that allows travelers to submit passport and customs details electronically before reaching a U.S. border officer. This can reduce wait times significantly at major airports because it allows you to use a dedicated, faster lane instead of waiting in long immigration lines.

MPC is available for:

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents
• Canadian visitors
• Visa Waiver Program travelers (with an approved ESTA)

How to use MPC:

1. Download the Mobile Passport Control app (iOS or Android) before your trip.
2. Create a profile by entering your passport details.
3. Complete the customs declaration form electronically before you land.
4. Receive a QR code after submitting your form.
5. Follow signs for the MPC lane when you arrive at the U.S. airport.
6. Show your QR code and passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer for faster processing.

Unlike ESTA, which is required before boarding a flight to the U.S., MPC is optional but highly recommended for a smoother entry process. It’s completely free to use and doesn’t require pre-approval.

Enjoy your time in the US!

The ESTA visa application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Apply well in advance, check for eligibility restrictions, and consider using Mobile Passport Control for a smoother travel experience. If you don’t qualify for an ESTA, be prepared for the longer U.S. visa process. Safe travels!

PS: here are some useful links.

• Apply for an ESTA: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
• Learn about Mobile Passport Control: visit the USA
• More details on the Visa Waiver Program: Department of Homeland Security
• Apply for a U.S. Visa: U.S. Department of State