Visa for Texas - ESTA America

Texas is a very popular travel destination in the United States of America. So if you would like to visit this region, you will have to learn more about the American visa and ESTA systems.

Whether you need a visa to enter Texas depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. If you are a foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism, you need a visitor visa (B-2) unless you qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

If you want to visit the United States for work, you are most likely going to need a temporary visa (B-1/B-2).

Let us briefly look at the different options before delving into the many tourist attractions of this part of the United States.

The ESTA program – what it is and who qualifies

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a web-based system operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine eligibility to travel to the United States for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

Citizens or nationals of participating countries can apply for admission under the VWP (see more info below) if they intend to enter the United States for tourism or business purposes.

An approved ESTA authorization is valid for two years, although travelers have to obtain a new ESTA if they receive a new passport, change their name, gender, country of citizenship, or have to change their answers to any of the “yes” or “no” questions on the application form.

Do I qualify for an ESTA? Which countries currently form part of the Visa Waiver Program?

The countries currently participating in the Visa Waiver Program are 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, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you qualify to visit the United States for tourism or business purposes by applying for an ESTA before the trip. You are, however not allowed to work or run a business in the country with an ESTA. There are visas for those purposes.

In what respects is an ESTA less cumbersome to get than a US visa?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is less cumbersome to obtain than a traditional US visa in several respects. In the first place, the application process for an ESTA is much more straightforward, because eligible travelers can fill out a short online application, and provide basic personal information, travel history, and simple security questions. The application is usually processed within 72 hours – but in many cases it will be approved on the same day.

The ESTA application fee is $21, and if your application is successful it is valid for two years and allows multiple visits to the United States within that period without having to apply for another travel approval.

This streamlined process and the longer validity period make the ESTA a more convenient option for eligible travelers visiting the US for tourism or business purposes.

How does the cost of an ESTA compare to that of a US visa?

The cost of an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is significantly lower than that of a traditional US visa. The ESTA application fee is only $21. The approved ESTA authorization is generally valid for two years and allows multiple visits to the United States within that period without having to apply for another travel approval.

On the other hand, the application fee for a tourist visa to the United States for non-Visa Waiver countries is currently $185.

An ESTA is, therefore, clearly a much more cost-effective and easier option for qualifying travelers who are visiting the US for tourism or business purposes compared to a traditional US visa.

What am I not allowed to do in Texas (or elsewhere in the United States) on an ESTA?

On an ESTA, you are not allowed to engage in productive work, which includes activities that would normally require a work visa, such as performing professional work or skilled or unskilled labor. Business activities permitted under the VWP are limited to attending meetings or consultations, participating in a business convention or conference, and conducting business negotiations (with several exceptions).

It’s important to ensure that your reason for visiting the United States is permitted under the VWP, and where not eligible, to secure the relevant visa in advance of your trip.

Apart from that, while an approved ESTA allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter the United States, it does not guarantee entry. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have the final authority to permit or deny admission. If they, for example, become convinced that you are trying to use an ESTA to take up employment in the United States, they can prevent you from entering the country.

So once I have an ESTA I don’t have to stop with Texas, I can visit anywhere in the United States for 90 days?

Yes, that is correct. You can start by visiting some (or all) of the many tourist highlights in the state of Texas – and then you can venture out and start exploring the rest of the United States.

Theoretically you can do this on a 90-days in, 90-days out basis for the whole 2-year validity period of your ESTA. Our experience is, however, that if you stay the maximum period of 90 days every time and come back strictly after 90 days, the border control people are going to start asking all sorts of questions. Remember, they can decide whether you are actually allowed into the country or not. So rather stay a bit less than 90 days and wait longer than 90 days before you come back again.

What are the five top tourist destinations in Texas?

San Antonio River Walk

A network of walkways along the San Antonio River, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with boat tours, live music, and seasonal events.

The Alamo

A historic mission in San Antonio, famous for the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. It is now a museum as well as a symbol of Texan independence.

Space Center Houston

The official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, featuring exhibits, artifacts, and tours related to space exploration.

Big Bend National Park

A vast wilderness area in West Texas, known for its rugged mountains, canyons, and desert landscapes. It offers great hiking, camping, and stargazing opportunities.

Padre Island National Seashore

A barrier island off the coast of South Texas, home to miles of pristine beaches, dunes, and wetlands. It is a hugely popular destination for birdwatching, swimming, and fishing.

These attractions offer a glimpse into the diverse natural and cultural heritage of Texas, from its historic landmarks to its scenic landscapes and technological achievements.

What are the 5 biggest cities in Texas and what do they offer to see and do?

the five biggest cities in Texas include Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin. Here is a brief summary of each city and what it has to offer:

Houston

This is the most populous city in Texas and the fourth-most populous city in the United States. It is a major cultural and economic center, known for its energy and aeronautics industries, as well as the Port of Houston, which ranks first in the country in international commerce. Houston offers a diverse range of attractions, including the Space Center Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Houston Zoo.

San Antonio

The second-most populous city in Texas and the seventh-most populous city in the United States. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Alamo, the River Walk, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. San Antonio also offers a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and festivals.

Dallas

This is the third-most populous city in Texas and the ninth-most populous city in the United States. It is a major business and financial center, known for its skyscrapers, shopping centers, and museums. Dallas offers a range of attractions, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Fort Worth

The fifth-most populous city in Texas (and the thirteenth-most populous city in the United States) is known for its Western heritage and cultural attractions, including the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Fort Worth also offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

Austin

As the fourth-most populous city in Texas and the eleventh-most populous city in the United States, Austin is also the state capital and a major center for technology and innovation. It is known for its vibrant music and arts scene, as well as its outdoor recreation opportunities. The city offers a range of attractions, including the Texas State Capitol, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the Barton Springs Pool.