Visa for Washington - ESTA America

Since Washington is in the United States, if you want to visit this region you will have to comply with the normal entry requirements of the U.S. Whether you are going to need a visa or an ESTA depends on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay.

Do I need an ESTA or visa to visit Washington or anywhere else in the U.S.?

If you are a citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days with an ESTA instead of a visa.

There are currently 42 countries that belong to the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Malta, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

If your country does not form part of the VWP group, you will have to apply for a visa if you want to visit Washington or any other part of the United States.

To quickly check whether you qualify to apply for an ESTA we recommend that you check your ESTA Eligibility.

More information about the ESTA (the Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

To travel under the VWP, citizens of the countries listed above must get a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to their trip. The ESTA application form collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. It is recommended to apply for an ESTA as soon as possible, as it must be obtained at least 72 hours before the trip. If you apply too later and you arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA, you will not be allowed to board your flight to the United States.

How do I apply for an ESTA?

To apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you must follow these steps:

Apply online: The ESTA authorization must be applied for online at least 72 hours before your trip starts.

Provide your biographic information: The ESTA application form also collects the applicant’s biographic information and answers to Visa Waiver Program (VWP) eligibility questions.

Validity period: In most cases, an approved ESTA is valid for two years. However, you must apply for a new ESTA if you get a new passport, or change your name, gender, or country of citizenship.

Admissibility once you have an approved ESTA: It’s important to note that an ESTA authorization does not determine that a traveler will be allowed into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will make the final decision upon the traveler’s arrival in that country.

E-Passport requirement for ESTA program: To use the VWP, you must have an e-Passport, which is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip.

If I don’t qualify for an ESTA how do I apply for a US visitor visa?

If you do not qualify for an ESTA, you will have to apply for a non-immigrant visa, for example, a B-2 visitor visa. To apply for a B-2 visitor visa, you should:

Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, and submit it.

Pay the application fee: Pay the required application fee, which is currently $160 for most applicants.

Schedule an interview: After submitting your application and paying the relevant fee, you will also have to schedule a personal interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Prepare the necessary documentation: Gather and prepare the necessary documents before your visa interview, for example, your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, application fee receipt, and any additional documentation requested by the consulate.

Attend the interview: Attend the scheduled interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

If your application is approved, you will receive a B-2 visitor visa, which will allow you to enter the United States for tourism or business purposes.

Once I have a valid ESTA or visa, can I visit anywhere else in the United States?

In this regard, we have good news for readers. Once you have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or visa, you can visit anywhere else in the United States for tourism or business purposes, as long as your stay does not exceed the authorized period. If you travel to the United States for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may stay up to 90 days per visit.

If you have a B-2 visitor visa, you can stay for as long as six months per visit.

Does Washington have an international airport with direct flights from major international airports?

Yes, Washington has several international airports with direct flights from major international destinations. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the biggest airport in Washington State and operates direct flights to many major international cities in Europe, Asia, and Canada.

Other airports in Washington State, such as Spokane International Airport (GEG) and King County International Airport (BFI), primarily serve domestic destinations and do not currently operate international flights outside the US.

What is the climate like in Washington throughout the year?

The climate in this state varies by region. In Western Washington, summer days rarely rise above 79°F (26°C), while in Eastern Washington, summer temperatures can reach the high 70s. Fall brings crisper temperatures and fall colors, while winter is an excellent time for winter sports and exploring cozy restaurants.

In Seattle, the summers are short, warm, and partly cloudy, with temperatures typically varying from 37°F to 79°F throughout the year. The warmest month is August, with an average high of 77°F, and the coldest month is December, with an average low of 38°F.

Which are the biggest cities in Washington?

The three biggest cities in Washington are Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma. Seattle is, however, by far the biggest of the three, with the biggest and best airport and also the best public transport system. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)operates direct flights to many major international airports in Europe, Asia, and Canada.

What are the most popular tourist attractions in Washington’s biggest city (Seattle)?

Seattle is a popular tourist destination with lots of things to see and do. A couple of the most popular tourist attractions in the city include:

Pike Place Market – a bustling market near the downtown waterfront that has been the go-to place for local produce since 1907.

Chihuly Garden and Glass – a museum showcasing the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Space Needle – an iconic observation tower that offers panoramic views of the city.

Seattle Aquarium – a must-see destination for families visiting the city, featuring a wide range of marine life, including seals, sea otters, and a variety of fish species.

Washington State Ferries – a great way to explore nearby Bainbridge Island, which is known for its family-friendly activities, excellent food and wine, and eclectic shops.

Museum of Flight – a museum dedicated to the history of aviation.

Pioneer Square – a historic neighborhood full of beautiful old buildings in Romanesque Revival style, underground tours that take you beneath the streets to see the remains of the city’s first buildings, and an ever-growing slate of hip shops and restaurants.

Seattle Art Museum – the city’s largest museum dates back to the 1930s and houses a collection of art from around the world.

Kerry Park – a small park featuring an open-air plaza and fantastic views of Elliott Bay.

Green Lake Park – a beautiful urban park that offers serene views and a peaceful walking trail.

Where can I get help with applying for an ESTA to visit the United States?

You can read more about the Visa Waiver Program, find out what exactly you can do when visiting the US on an ESTA, and when you will have to apply for a visa. You can also learn more about the passport requirements for an ESTA and who qualifies for this program. There is also a section where you can quickly check whether you are eligible to apply for an ESTA or not. And if you plan to go on a short visit to Mexico, Canada or the nearby islands while visiting the US on an ESTA, you will find all the relevant info on this website.