Do we need a visa to travel to the USA ?

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to the United States depends on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and the length of your stay in the United States. Citizens of certain countries are eligible to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa, through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you are a citizen of one of the 40 countries that participate in the VWP, you can apply for permission to visit the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is a simple, online process that allows eligible travelers to apply for permission to visit the United States without going through the more formal visa application process. If you are not a citizen of a VWP country, or if you are planning to stay in the United States for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa. There are several different types of visas available, depending on the purpose of your trip and the length of your stay in the United States. Some common types of visas include tourist visas (for leisure travel), business visas (for business purposes), and student visas (for study in the United States). To determine whether you need a visa to travel to the United States, you can use the Department of State’s visa wizard tool, which will provide you with information about the specific visa requirements for your country and the type of trip you are planning.

What are the requirements to get an ESTA ?

To be eligible for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), you must:

1. Have a passport from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
2. Be traveling to the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
3. Have a return or onward ticket to a foreign destination.
4. Not have been denied a U.S. visa or ESTA in the past.
5. Not have a communicable disease, physical or mental disorder, or other condition that poses a threat to public health or safety.

  If you meet all of these requirements, you can apply for an ESTA online. It is recommended that you apply at least 72 hours before your intended travel to the United States. ESTA is valid for two years or until the expiration date of your passport, whichever comes first. It allows you to stay in the United States for up to 90 days per trip.