Which Countries Can Apply for ESTA – Full Guide for Travelers

If you're planning a trip to the United States and want to avoid the lengthy visa process, you might be wondering which countries can apply for ESTA. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a fast, digital alternative to a traditional visa, but it’s only available to citizens of specific nations under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore which countries can apply for ESTA, who qualifies, and how to make your travel plans easier than ever.

What Is ESTA and Who Is It For?

The ESTA visa is an electronic travel authorization system used by the U.S. government to pre-screen travelers from eligible countries before they enter the United States. It allows travelers to stay for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes, without needing a traditional visa.

However, ESTA is not available to everyone. Only citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can apply. So, if you’re asking which countries can apply for ESTA, read on for the full list.

List of Countries That Can Apply for ESTA

As of now, the following countries are part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and can apply for ESTA:

  • Andorra

  • Australia

  • Austria

  • Belgium

  • Brunei

  • Chile

  • Croatia

  • Czech Republic

  • Denmark

  • Estonia

  • Finland

  • France

  • Germany

  • Greece

  • Hungary

  • Iceland

  • Ireland

  • Italy

  • Japan

  • Latvia

  • Liechtenstein

  • Lithuania

  • Luxembourg

  • Malta

  • Monaco

  • Netherlands

  • New Zealand

  • Norway

  • Poland

  • Portugal

  • San Marino

  • Singapore

  • Slovakia

  • Slovenia

  • South Korea

  • Spain

  • Sweden

  • Switzerland

  • Taiwan

  • United Kingdom

These are the countries that can apply for ESTA, and their citizens can travel to the U.S. without a traditional visa, provided their trip is 90 days or less.

ESTA Requirements for Eligible Countries

Even if your country is on the list of which countries can apply for ESTA, you must still meet the following criteria:

  • You must hold a passport from one of the eligible countries.

  • Your passport must be an e-passport with a digital chip.

  • You are traveling for tourism, business, medical reasons, or transit.

  • You do not plan to stay in the U.S. for more than 90 days.

  • You do not have dual nationality with a banned country or have visited certain high-risk nations since 2011.

The ESTA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires) and allows multiple entries into the United States.

Common Questions About Which Countries Can Apply for ESTA

Can I apply for ESTA if my country is not listed?

Unfortunately, if your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, you cannot apply for ESTA. Instead, you will need to go through the U.S. visa application process through an embassy or consulate.

Can residents or permanent residents apply for ESTA?

Only citizens of eligible countries can apply for ESTA. If you are a resident but not a passport holder, you will need to apply for a traditional visa.

What happens if I’m from an ESTA country but have visited banned nations?

If you’ve traveled to countries like Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen after 2011, you may not be eligible for ESTA even if your country is on the approved list. You’ll need to apply for a visa in that case.

Benefits of ESTA for Citizens of Eligible Countries

For those from countries that can apply for ESTA, the benefits are significant:

  • Faster processing – most approvals arrive within minutes.

  • No embassy visits or interviews required.

  • Cost-effective compared to traditional visa applications.

  • Convenient online application process.

It’s ideal for tourists, business travelers, and even those with layovers or connecting flights through the U.S.

Related Topics: ESTA for Families, Transit Passengers, and Renewals

If you’re traveling with children, note that each traveler, regardless of age, must have their own approved ESTA. For those using the U.S. as a transit hub, even a brief layover still requires ESTA approval.

For travelers with expiring passports, be aware that your ESTA will expire with your passport, even if the two-year window hasn’t closed. Renewing your passport means you’ll need to reapply for ESTA.

Apply for Your ESTA Visa Online Now

Now that you know which countries can apply for ESTA, it's time to take action. If your country is eligible and your travel plans align with the requirements, applying for ESTA is the fastest and easiest way to gain entry to the U.S.

Ready to apply for your ESTA visa online?

CLICK HERE to begin your secure application:
https://www.touristrequirements.info

Start your journey to the United States with confidence—apply online today and travel smart!

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