What is the Difference Between a Tourist Visa and ESTA?
What is the Difference Between a Tourist Visa and ESTA?
Looking to do some international travel? Make sure you have the right travel documents that will allow you to travel across borders. When traveling to the United States, there are two different travel documents available for you: the tourist visa, or the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Continue reading to learn more about the differences between these documents, and call Zohar Law for more information.
Visa vs Visa Waiver Program
The biggest difference between a tourist visa and the ESTA is that one is a visa and the other is not. The ESTA is an electronic authorization process that does not go through a visa application, but a program where a visa is waivered. Tourist visas allow you to do more in the United States, while some things are more limited with an ESTA.
Application Process
The application for a tourist visa is long and complex and must be issued by a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, usually taking up to 3 months for approval. An ESTA is the easiest travel authorization that can be obtained by an online application and typically receives authorization within 72 hours.
Eligibility
If you are planning a trip that is less than 90 days and from a country that is a participant in the U.S. Visa Waiver program, such as Israel, then you are eligible to apply for the ESTA. But if you are planning on staying longer than 90 days, or want to receive medical treatment, or participate in business, then you must request a tourist visa.
Fees and Validation Periods
As the ESTA is a much quicker and less complex process, it is also the cheaper option. The rate for a tourist visa is comparably much more expensive, although it also allows you more participation within the US. However, the ESTA is only valid for two years, while the tourist visa will remain valid for ten years.
If you are still uncertain which option is best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Zohar Law. We are here to help you through all the application processes that come with both immigration and non-immigration policies.