American Visa Bureau » American Immigration » Tourist Visa

American Tourist Visa and ESTA

All visitors to the United States, except for Canadian and Mexican passport holders, require either a travel authorization or a visa to enter the country.

If you wish to travel to America as a tourist you will be required to either apply online for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), or hold an American B1 or B2 travel visa.

ESTA Online Application

ESTA is the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization. If you hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country, you must apply online for an ESTA before you travel to the United States.

Note: An approved ESTA is NOT an American tourist visa. While it provides travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries with an authorization to enter the United States on a short-stay visit for the purposes of business or tourism, it does not meet the legal or regulatory requirements to serve in lieu of a USA visa.

Click here to Apply Online for your American ESTA

Tourist and Business Visitor Visas

If you are not from a Visa Waiver Program country, or if you wish to stay in the United States for more than 3 months, you must apply for a Tourist Visa (B2), or a Business Visitor Visa (B1).

Learn more about the B2 Tourist Visa

Learn more about the B1 Business Visitor Visa

ESTA and Travel Visa Information - Quick Links

ESTA Travel Authorization

The ESTA is mandatory for all passport holders from Visa Waiver Countries, including the European Union. An ESTA is valid for multiple entries. To apply for an ESTA you must hold a valid passport. More Information Apply Online for an ESTA

B2 Tourist Visas

The B2 Tourist Visa allows visitors to come to the United States for tourism for a period of up to 6 months. Travelers who wish to stay longer than 3 months, or who are not from Visa Waiver countries, should apply for a B2 visa.More Information

Top of Page