What types of stay in the USA are allowed with an ESTA?

Set up in 2009 as part of the Visa Waiver Program , ESTA is used by millions of travelers every year. However, the US state does not issue this travel authorization to just anyone. The nationality of the traveler is indeed not the only criterion to be eligible for the ESTA authorization , only certain types of stay in the USA are authorized via an ESTA. Let’s take a look at which travel categories are covered by the USA visa waiver.

ESTA: a temporary residence permit

The duration of your trip to the USA is a key factor in determining whether you can travel to the USA with an ESTA. Like the non-immigrant visa, the ESTA is intended for foreign nationals who do not intend to settle permanently on American soil. Therefore, the US government has set the length of stay with an ESTA to a maximum of 90 days. The American authorities are categorical on this point: if the stay in the USA exceeds one day, the electronic travel authorization cannot be used, and the only valid travel document will be the American visa.

Tourist stay with an ESTA

Like the tourist visa, the ESTA allows you to visit the United States as you please, the only difference being the legal length of stay. Once in possession of an ESTA, you will be able to freely discover the vastness of the American territory, from the national parks of the American West to New York! If you have family members in the USA, you can also visit them, and this, during the 3 months authorized by ESTA. On the other hand, if you are planning a tourist trip lasting more than 90 consecutive days, you will need to contact the American embassy or consulate general to apply for a B2 visa.

Business travel and ESTA

If you’re a sales executive and would like to travel to the United States to develop your company’s international business, you can do so with ESTA authorization. If you want to go to the USA to participate in a convention, visit customers or suppliers or even sign a contract, obtaining your residence permit should not be a problem. On the other hand, the ESTA does not in any case allow you to work for an American employer. Only a visa issued by the US Embassy will allow you to exercise a professional activity on American soil. In addition, for business trips of more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a B1 visa rather than complete an ESTA form.

Transiting through the United States with ESTA

On your next trip abroad, do you have a stopover at an American airport before reaching your final destination? Even if you’re only on American soil for a few hours, you’ll still need a valid ESTA.

Studying in the USA with an ESTA: is it possible?

Do you dream of studying at a prestigious American university? To do so, you’ll need an F visa (for university studies) or an M visa for non-university training. Indeed, the ESTA only applies to the three reasons for stay mentioned above. Any external reason requires traveling to the USA with a visa. The same applies if you want to do an internship on the other side of the Atlantic.

Going to the USA with an ESTA

Does the reason for your stay allow you to go to the United States without a visa? Before applying for ESTA authorization, make sure you have a valid passport. Be careful, keep in mind that having an ESTA does not mean that you will be admitted to the United States of America for sure. Indeed, any traveler who wishes to set foot on American soil is subject to checks at the border post. This formality will be carried out by a federal agent of the customs services. If the latter considers that your profile may represent a threat to the internal security of the country, your access to the USA will be refused and you will be automatically repatriated to your country of origin.