+971 4 334 2231
Get a Free Consultation
Leave your details, and we'll get in touch with you shortly!
By filling out this form, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
USA Tourist Visa vs. ESTA: What’s the Difference? Insights From a Visa Expert
Planning to visit the United States can be an overwhelming experience, be it tourism, family visits or short business travels.
However, travellers often failed to understand what differentiates between a USA Tourist Visa and an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).
When applying for a USA visa from the UAE or exploring ESTA, we must know its requirements, eligibility and benefits fully before proceeding with the application.
At Ontime Visa, our experts assist applicants in navigating the complex U.S. visa system with ease. In this blog post, we'll outline key distinctions between a USA Tourist Visa and an ESTA to enable you to select an option suitable for your travel needs.
What Is A USA Tourist Visa?
A USA Tourist Visa, also Known As B1/B2, allows visitors to enter the U.S. for purposes like medical treatment or visiting family/relatives, as well as short-term business activities.
Key Features Of Such An Entry Permit Are As Follows:
Validity Period: These cards typically expire between 1-10 years, depending upon your nationality.
Stay Length: Up to six months per visit.
Application Procedure: Submitting a DS-160 form, setting an appointment at a U.S. embassy/consulate, providing biometric information and attending an in-person interview are necessary steps in this application process.
Eligibility: Open to applicants worldwide, including residents applying for an America visa from Dubai.
If you plan to visit the U.S. multiple times for longer stays or your nationality does not fall within the Visa Waiver Program's eligibility guidelines, this visa may be suitable.
What Is an ESTA?
An ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation and serves as an online travel authorisation that enables citizens of VWP countries to travel directly into the U.S. without first needing a traditional visa.
As its name implies, an ESTA provides citizens of these VWP nations the means of travelling without hassle!
Key Features of an ESTA
Validity: Approved for two years or until passport expiration (whichever occurs first).
Stay Duration: A visit can last no more than 90 days.
Application Procedure: Simply submit an online form; no embassy interview needed!
Eligibility: Only open to citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, such as the UK, France or Germany.
USA Tourist Visa vs. ESTA – The Major Differences
Which Type Should You Apply For?
Choose an ESTA if:
Experienced Advice From Ontime Visa
Submitting for a U.S. visa application can be daunting, and On Time Visa's experienced consultants offer expert assistance by helping applicants manage the document preparation, interview process and long wait time with ease.
Applicants who seek our support receive:
Conclusion
If you're looking to obtain a US tourist visa from Dubai, The OnTime Visa is here to make your travel planning easier.
Our team of experienced visa consultants is dedicated to helping you navigate the complicated visa application process. We'll help you find the best option for your travel needs and guide you through the entire application process, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.
Our experts will carefully review your documents to ensure they comply with all requirements. Contact us for a hassle-free US visa experience!
However, travellers often failed to understand what differentiates between a USA Tourist Visa and an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).
When applying for a USA visa from the UAE or exploring ESTA, we must know its requirements, eligibility and benefits fully before proceeding with the application.
At Ontime Visa, our experts assist applicants in navigating the complex U.S. visa system with ease. In this blog post, we'll outline key distinctions between a USA Tourist Visa and an ESTA to enable you to select an option suitable for your travel needs.
What Is A USA Tourist Visa?
A USA Tourist Visa, also Known As B1/B2, allows visitors to enter the U.S. for purposes like medical treatment or visiting family/relatives, as well as short-term business activities.
Key Features Of Such An Entry Permit Are As Follows:
Validity Period: These cards typically expire between 1-10 years, depending upon your nationality.
Stay Length: Up to six months per visit.
Application Procedure: Submitting a DS-160 form, setting an appointment at a U.S. embassy/consulate, providing biometric information and attending an in-person interview are necessary steps in this application process.
Eligibility: Open to applicants worldwide, including residents applying for an America visa from Dubai.
If you plan to visit the U.S. multiple times for longer stays or your nationality does not fall within the Visa Waiver Program's eligibility guidelines, this visa may be suitable.
What Is an ESTA?
An ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation and serves as an online travel authorisation that enables citizens of VWP countries to travel directly into the U.S. without first needing a traditional visa.
As its name implies, an ESTA provides citizens of these VWP nations the means of travelling without hassle!
Key Features of an ESTA
Validity: Approved for two years or until passport expiration (whichever occurs first).
Stay Duration: A visit can last no more than 90 days.
Application Procedure: Simply submit an online form; no embassy interview needed!
Eligibility: Only open to citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, such as the UK, France or Germany.
USA Tourist Visa vs. ESTA – The Major Differences
Factor | USA Tourist Visa (B1/B2) | ESTA |
Eligibility | Open to all nationalities | Only VWP country citizens |
Stay Duration | Up to six months | Able to spend 90 days per visit |
|
|
|
Application Process | Embassy appointment + Interview required | Online application only |
Travel Purpose | Tourism, family, medical, business meetings | Short tourism, transit, business visits |
Which Type Should You Apply For?
- A USA Tourist Visa may be necessary when:
- Your eligibility for an ESTA program does not exist.
- Your stay will exceed 6 months in totality.
- Are You Planning Multiple Trips for Business, Medical or Family Purposes?
Choose an ESTA if:
- Your passport comes from one of the Visa Waiver Program countries.
- Your trip should not last more than 90 days.
Experienced Advice From Ontime Visa
Submitting for a U.S. visa application can be daunting, and On Time Visa's experienced consultants offer expert assistance by helping applicants manage the document preparation, interview process and long wait time with ease.
Applicants who seek our support receive:
- Step-by-step guidance on applying for an America visa from Dubai.
- Assist in compiling supporting documents.
- Mock interview sessions to boost confidence.
- Stay current on U.S. immigration policies by subscribing here.
Conclusion
If you're looking to obtain a US tourist visa from Dubai, The OnTime Visa is here to make your travel planning easier.
Our team of experienced visa consultants is dedicated to helping you navigate the complicated visa application process. We'll help you find the best option for your travel needs and guide you through the entire application process, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.
Our experts will carefully review your documents to ensure they comply with all requirements. Contact us for a hassle-free US visa experience!
