ESTA Application for Spanish Citizens: Complete Guide

If you're a Spanish citizen planning to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes, you might be eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows citizens of certain countries, including Spain, to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa. However, before boarding your flight, Spanish citizens must first apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

In this guide, we will walk you through the ESTA application for Spanish citizens, providing you with all the necessary details about how to apply, requirements, and other important information.

What is ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online application process that determines whether travelers are eligible to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA is a requirement for all travelers from VWP countries, including Spain, who plan to enter the U.S. for short visits (tourism, business, or transit) without a visa. Once approved, the ESTA grants you permission to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days within a 2-year period, depending on the expiration of your passport.

Do Spanish Citizens Need an ESTA?

As a Spanish citizen, you are eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), provided you meet the requirements. However, you must apply for ESTA before traveling to the United States. Without ESTA approval, you will not be allowed to board your flight to the U.S.

It’s important to note that Spanish citizens are not exempt from ESTA even if they are traveling on a Spanish passport. The ESTA application must be completed before departure and is a mandatory step for all travelers from Spain entering the U.S. under the VWP.

When Should Spanish Citizens Apply for ESTA?

Spanish citizens need to apply for an ESTA if they meet the following conditions:

• Traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): If you plan to stay in the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes and your visit will be less than 90 days, ESTA is required.
• Traveling with a Spanish passport: Only Spanish nationals traveling with a valid Spanish passport are eligible for ESTA. If you hold dual nationality, you may need to apply for ESTA based on your non-U.S. nationality.
• No previous ESTA or Visa Denials: If you have not previously applied for ESTA or have been denied entry to the U.S., applying for ESTA may be part of your travel preparation.

How to Apply for ESTA as a Spanish Citizen

Applying for ESTA is a quick and simple process that can be completed entirely online. Follow these steps to apply for an ESTA if you're a Spanish citizen:

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Step 1: Visit the Official ESTA Website

To begin, go to the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for the ESTA application:

• Official ESTA Website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Step 2: Start a New Application

Once you are on the website, select “New Application” to begin your application. This will guide you through the process step-by-step.

Step 3: Fill in Your Personal and Passport Information

You will need to provide some basic personal information, such as:

• Full name (as it appears in your passport)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Nationality
• Passport information: Passport number, issuance country, and expiration date

Make sure your information is entered correctly to avoid delays or rejections.

Step 4: Answer Eligibility and Security Questions

After entering your personal details, you will be asked to answer a series of security questions to ensure you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. These questions include:

• Criminal history
• Terrorism-related activities
• Previous visa denials or violations of U.S. immigration law

Answer all questions truthfully. If you answer “yes” to any of the security questions, you may need to apply for a U.S. visa instead of an ESTA.

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Step 5: Provide Your Travel Information

Next, you will be asked to enter your travel details, including:

• Flight information: Airline, flight number, and departure city. If you don’t know the exact flight details, you can skip this section and provide them later.
• U.S. address: This is the address of where you will stay in the U.S. (hotel, relative, friend, etc.).

This section is necessary to help the authorities track your travel plans.

Step 6: Pay the ESTA Fee

The cost for applying for an ESTA is $21 USD. The payment can be made using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). Be sure to double-check that your payment is successful before proceeding.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

After reviewing all your information, click “Submit”. The system will process your application and provide you with an ESTA status within minutes. In most cases, you will receive an approval notice immediately, but some applications may take up to 72 hours for processing.

Step 8: Keep a Record of Your ESTA Approval

Once approved, your ESTA is electronically linked to your passport, so you don’t need to print it out unless you prefer to have a physical copy for your records. However, you will be emailed a confirmation, so keep this email safe in case you need it during your trip.

Step 9: ESTA Validity

Once approved, your ESTA will remain valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). During this period, you can use it for multiple trips to the U.S., but each stay must not exceed 90 days.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Important Notes for Spanish Citizens

• Check your passport’s validity: Ensure that your Spanish passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date you intend to leave the U.S.
• ESTA is only for short stays: If you are planning to stay in the U.S. for more than 90 days, or if you intend to work or study, you will need to apply for a visa instead of ESTA.
• Reapply if your circumstances change: If your passport expires or your personal details change, you will need to reapply for a new ESTA.

Can Spanish Citizens Apply for ESTA for Family Members?

Yes, Spanish citizens can apply for ESTA on behalf of family members or travel companions. Each person traveling to the U.S. under the VWP must have their own ESTA, and the application process allows you to enter multiple individuals in one application.

Conclusion

The ESTA application for Spanish citizens is a necessary step for those planning to visit the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes under the Visa Waiver Program. The process is simple, fast, and done entirely online, requiring only basic personal and passport details. Make sure to apply for ESTA well in advance of your travel, as approval typically takes only a few minutes but can take up to 72 hours in some cases.

If you're ready to apply for your ESTA or need more information, CLICK HERE to get started on your ESTA application for Spanish citizens: CLICK HERE.

Safe travels and enjoy your time in the U.S.!

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