United States is a country composed of 50 states, plus the capital, Washington DC (not a state, but a federal district), plus Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the U.S. (Puerto Ricans are American citizens, but have no voting representation in Congress). That is the vast territory occupied by the United States of America, bordering Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.
The United States is the world’s leading power, and one of the most populous countries in the world. The OTN (National Office of Tourism and Travel of the United States) estimated 77.1 million international visitors in 2025 spread across all states, with the most popular cities being Los Angeles, Orlando and Las Vegas, the most visited in the country, not to mention New York.
The United States has everything; there is really nothing that cannot be found. From natural parks, spectacular cities, beaches, and theme parks to road trips by car or motorcycle and casinos.
Is a visa required to travel to the United States?
Yes, before traveling to the United States, a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) must be requested, depending on the purpose of travel and the traveler’s eligibility by nationality.
Within visas, two categories are distinguished: the nonimmigrant visa, intended for people who are going to stay temporarily in the country, and the immigrant visa, aimed at those who wish to reside permanently in the United States and, therefore, must apply for the Green Card (permanent resident card).
If the intention is to travel to the United States for leisure and during a vacation period of up to 90 days, and a nationality covered by the VWP (Visa Waiver Program) is held, an ESTA must be requested, an online travel authorization.
Types of visas for the United States
The ESTA or nonimmigrant visas for tourism and study are the most frequently requested documents for travel to the United States.
ESTA: electronic travel authorization for the U.S.
The ESTA is valid for two years, with a maximum stay of 90 days on each visit. Only nationalities covered by the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may apply for it.
- The official list of VWP nationalities may be consulted through this U.S. Government link.
- As a complementary step, eligibility to apply for an ESTA may be checked instantly on the website by entering nationality in the form.
- If questions arise, the customer support chat may help confirm eligibility and respond immediately.
Important information to keep in mind about the ESTA
- The ESTA expires along with the passport. In other words, if the passport has less than two years of validity at the time of applying for an ESTA, the ESTA will expire when the passport does. In that case, the passport must be renewed and a new ESTA must be requested in order to travel again to the United States beyond the passport’s validity period.
- An ESTA must also be requested to transit through U.S. airports, even if the final destination is not the country.
- Some recent travel may affect eligibility, even if nationality is covered by the VWP:
- Iraq, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
- Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
If the traveler’s nationality is not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or if recent travel has taken place to the countries mentioned above, an ESTA cannot be requested. To enter the United States, a nonimmigrant visa (B1/B2) must be applied for. This visa category requires an in-person interview at the appropriate embassy or consulate. The most commonly requested in-person visa types for entry to the United States are listed below.
B1/B2 Business and Tourist Visa
This visa must be requested by people who plan to travel to the United States for tourism or business and are not eligible to request an ESTA. The conditions (maximum stay, validity, and number of entries into the country) depend on the applicant’s nationality.
It must also be requested by people who, even if eligible for an ESTA (or even if one is already held), wish to stay in the country for more than 90 consecutive days.
Transit Visa
This visa is for people who must transit through the United States and are not eligible to apply for an ESTA.
Visa for a commercial crew or flight crew C1/D
This visa is issued to members of aircraft and cruise ship crews to make stopovers on U.S. soil. Even if the stopover is short, this visa must be held.
E-Trade Visa
This visa allows business activities, trade, or investment to be carried out in the United States.
Student F and M visas
The F visa is for international students who travel for academic purposes to a school or university, for a stay of more than 90 days.
Exchange visa J
The J-1 visa is for foreign nationals who participate in an exchange program, regardless of the studies pursued.
Temporary employment visa or H, I, L, O, P, Q, R activities
- H-1B: granted to highly qualified individuals with higher education and extensive experience in the profession.
- H-2A: for individuals who take up temporary employment in the agricultural sector.
- H-2B: for individuals who take up temporary employment outside the agricultural sector.
Media and journalists I
This visa is for qualified individuals who carry out activities or work for foreign media organizations and perform their duties in the United States.
Transferred Personnel L
This visa must be applied for by workers who are transferred to the United States by their employer.
People with extraordinary skills O
This visa is required for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, or business.
Sports P
All athletes attending sporting events, competitions or training sessions must apply for this visa.
International cultural exchange Q
It is required for individuals taking part in a cultural exchange or cultural interchange.
Religious Worker R
It is required for religious workers who plan to work temporarily for a religious organization.
Members of International Organizations G
- G-1: for members of a government delegation traveling to an international event.
- G-2: for government representatives traveling temporarily to attend international events.
- G-4: for individuals appointed to an international commission to attend meetings or events at the United Nations.
Diplomatic visas and A-grade employees
- A-1: required for heads of state, ambassadors, ministers, or consuls, as well as representatives of the European Union or African Union delegations.
- A-2: required for embassy or consulate staff working within U.S. territory.
How to apply for a U.S. visa
All visas for travel to the United States that are not for tourism or business purposes, or that require a stay of more than 90 consecutive days in the country, must be processed in person through the embassy or consulate of the U.S. government in the home country.
If travel to the United States is for tourism or business with a maximum stay of 90 days and eligibility under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) applies, an ESTA must be requested online.
This travel authorization is issued only online, and it is not possible to complete it through the embassy. It may be processed through an agency such as visagov.com that will assist with the procedure. To apply for an ESTA, the form must be completed with the requested information, payment must be made, and approval must be awaited by email.
Who needs a U.S. visa?
Most foreign nationals need either a U.S. visa or an ESTA travel authorization to enter the United States of America.
There are cases in which certain citizens, for temporary tourism or business visits, generally do not need a visa and also do not use or are not eligible for ESTA. For example, Canadian and Bermudian nationals may visit the country with a passport only, subject to entry requirements and the admission decision at the border.
What are the requirements to apply for a visa to the United States?
Valid passport
To apply for a visa or an ESTA to the United States, certain requirements must be met.
Criminal record and legal status
A visa cannot be applied for if the traveler has a criminal record or convictions for offenses. In the event of any past issue with the justice system, the U.S. embassy or consulate must be contacted to assess the situation.
Omitting this information may result in denial of entry upon arrival at border control.
Health and security
Entry into the country is not permitted for individuals with communicable infectious diseases or severe mental disorders that pose a risk.
Restrictions due to recent travel
For detailed information on travel that affects ESTA eligibility, the section “ESTA: exclusions due to travel to certain countries” should be consulted.
If eligibility for an ESTA does not apply, a nonimmigrant visa must be obtained (B1/B2 for tourism or business travel) at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Application and payment
In addition to a passport, the applicant must complete the relevant form and have a credit or debit card available to pay the visa fees. If everything is in order, approval will be sent by email in approximately 48–72 hours.
Can the US visa be changed once it has been processed?
No data can be modified once the application has been processed. In the event that an error has been made, a new application must be submitted.
Applications may be resubmitted as many times as necessary, bearing in mind that each new application involves the payment of new fees. When the process is completed through a specialized company such as Visagov, the form is reviewed in advance to minimize errors and ensure that the application is submitted correctly.
How much does a visa to the United States cost?
The price will depend on the type of visa required. The ESTA travel authorization has a cost of $40.27 in government fees. Visas that must be processed through the embassy have different prices, depending on which one is required. It is best to schedule an appointment at the embassy closest to the place of residence so that information on prices and requirements can be provided.
How far in advance do I need to apply for a U.S. visa?
Processing time depends on the visa type required and the way the application is submitted. For both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, the application should be filed as early as possible to help ensure approval is obtained in time.
If the purpose of travel is tourism or business, an ESTA can be requested, as it is the simplest option. The process is completed online, and applying 48–72 hours in advance is usually sufficient, although submitting the application around 15 days in advance is always recommended in case any issues arise.
What are the entry borders into the United States?
The United States has 2 land borders, including:
- Mexico, with more than 40 border posts along the entire land border
- Canada, which has 13 border posts on US territory and 8 posts on Canadian territory.
The United States is the country with the most airports in the world. Each city included in travel plans has its own airport (and usually more than one), so plenty of options are available. Entry by sea is also possible—by private boat or cruise ship—from different points across the country, as there are more than 300 seaports throughout the territory.
Are vaccines required for travel to the United States?
No vaccinations are mandatory for travel to the United States. A visit to an international vaccination center is always recommended in cases where a condition requires extra caution.
What is the currency of the United States?
The US dollar (USD/$) is the country’s official currency. Euros or any other currency can be exchanged for dollars at any bank or at any airport in the United States. Cash can be withdrawn from any ATM (with a small fee). Payment by credit or debit card is widely accepted throughout the country.
What is the best time to travel to the United States?
The United States spans a very large area and, as a result, climate varies depending on the destination to be visited.
A wide range of temperatures may be encountered depending on the state included in the itinerary. While some parts of the country experience very cold winter temperatures that often drop below -10°C, other states offer near-perpetual summer conditions, maintaining an average temperature of 24°C year-round.
Any time of year can be ideal for travel to the United States. The only factor to keep in mind is hurricane season, which runs from June to November; depending on the state included in the trip, extra caution may be necessary.
Aside from that, the time of year can be chosen according to personal preference. Practically all US states receive tourists year-round.
Is it safe to travel to the United States?
In general, the United States is a safe country to travel to. Aside from the risk of terrorist attacks—present in virtually every country—minor issues can arise from the typical pickpockets found in tourist areas. It is advisable to avoid disadvantaged neighborhoods and certain specific areas at night.
Important tips for traveling to the United States
- During the stay, the passport must be carried at all times.
- Travel with health insurance that includes strong medical coverage is advisable. Healthcare is extremely expensive in the United States.
- A Type A adapter for power outlets must be carried, along with a power converter, since outlets in the United States run at 120 V and in Europe the voltage is 230 V.
- Customs control should not be approached wearing inappropriate clothing, nor with sunglasses, caps, or any item that prevents the face from being clearly seen.
- Travel with a planned itinerary is ideal, but some days should always be left for improvisation. Along the way, things may be seen that might not have been planned.
- In the United States, tips are always left; in some places they are already included in the bill, but if not, and if satisfaction with the service received applies, a tip must be left.
- To have internet in the United States, roaming must simply be activated with the provider before traveling.
- If driving in the United States is planned, an international driving permit is required, and it must be obtained from a traffic office before traveling. It may not be requested, but prevention is preferable. It should also be remembered that speed is measured in miles rather than kilometers.
