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ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) Application for Citizens
of the Netherlands
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This page is available in the following languages:
ENGLISH | DUTCH |
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Country: The Netherlands |
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ESTA Required: Yes |
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The Netherlands is part of the Visa Waiver Program, which enables citizens of
the Netherlands to travel to the United States without a visa. On January 12,
2009, ESTA (the
Electronic System for Travel
Authorization) became a requirement of the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA is an
application system for all travelers from Visa Waiver Countries, including the
Netherlands. The Visa Waiver Program has simplified travel to the United States
for millions of visitors by only requiring a machine readable passport. Now, due
to heightened security regulations, the same visitors must apply for a Travel
Authorization (ESTA) in advance. As always, a machine-readable or e-passport
from a Visa Waiver country is still required to gain admittance into the
country. The entire
ESTA application process is
conducted online and operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
(DHS).
The Travel Authorization is not a visa. In fact, a person from a non-visa waiver
country should not even attempt to apply for a Travel Authorization. The purpose
of
ESTA is to allow DHS to
pre-screen all Visa Waiver Travelers before they leave their respective
countries. U.S.-bound Dutch travelers are recommended to apply for the Travel
Authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure. An approved Travel
Authorization does not guarantee entry, but is a prerequisite to travel to the
United States by air or sea carrier.
Important Facts About ESTA:
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- ESTA (U.S. Travel
Authorization) is not a visa. It is a pre-authorization to board a U.S.-bound
ship or airplane.
- The purpose of ESTA is to let the U.S. government pre-screen all Visa Waiver
Travelers before they leave their respective countries.
- Citizens of one the 36 Visa Waiver Countries (including the Netherlands)
entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program should apply.
- It is recommended to apply
for ESTA at least 72 hours prior to departure.
- If your ESTA Application is denied, you will be required to apply for a B-1
Visitor Visa or B-2 Tourist Visa.
- An approved ESTA Travel Authorization does not guarantee entry in to the
United States.
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Why should I apply for ESTA?
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Who needs to apply for ESTA?
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- Starting on January 12, 2009 citizens from Visa
Waiver countries must apply
for ESTA (U.S. Travel Authorization) in order to be eligible for admittance
into the United States.
- The ESTA Travel Authorization is valid for up to two years and can easily be
updated for future visits.
- You should not rely on travel agents or on airline booking websites to
submit the application in your behalf. You should submit your own application.
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- Any person who intends to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver
Program and is entering the U.S. by air or sea.
- Any person transiting through the United States under the Visa Waiver
Program.
- Children and infants who are visiting or transiting under the Visa Waiver
Program are also required to have an approved
ESTA application.
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Below is an example of the successful confirmation page that you will see on
your computer screen after your ESTA application is approved.
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About ESTA Applications |
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Online
Application
Process |
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Application takes less than 5 minutes |
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Over 99% Approval Rate (Source: DHS) |
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Mandatory Starting on January 12, 2009 |
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Valid for up to 2 Years |
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Warning! Applying through a third party website may not comply with
ESTA regulations. Beware of fraudulent websites that collect your private
information and claim to submit the application on your behalf. Applying for
your own Travel Authorization is the only way to be 100% sure that your
application is submitted properly. Travelers with an invalid ESTA Travel
Authorization may be denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Download our ESTA Application
Guide and submit your own application! |
Download the ESTA
Application Guide and apply today!
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