At present, there are two ways for Belgian nationals to travel to the USA: the USA visa or ESTA authorization. While the USA visa is the most widely used and most common means of gaining access to a foreign country, the ESTA form is reserved for countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. This means that nationals can travel to the USA without requiring a visa. The Visa Waiver Program currently includes 38 countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
ESTA procedure for Belgians
Belgian nationals are among those eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Belgian travelers can visit the USA using the ESTA procedure. Completing the ESTA form online is compulsory, whether the applicant is an adult or a minor, and regardless of age.
The ESTA comes into force when you need to travel to the USA for the following reasons: tourism, business or transit. The document will be required by airlines and shipping companies on departure.
The procedure for obtaining an ESTA from Belgium is fairly straightforward: simply visit the relevant website and complete the form.
Obtaining ESTA from Belgium
Although ESTA authorization may seem like a simple, easy-to-fill-in document, there is a precise procedure to follow in order to obtain it. The ESTA application is made via an online form. The ESTA form can be accessed from the official U.S. government website, or from an independent site offering to fill in the form on your behalf.
You must answer all the questions asked about your identity, the reason for your trip to the USA, your state of mental and physical health, your criminal record, and so on. Applicants must have an electronic or biometric passport. You will also be asked to provide information about your passport, such as its number and expiry date.
When boarding, you must present the biometric (or electronic) passport linked to your ESTA authorization, as well as your ticket. Make sure that your round-trip ticket does not exceed the 90 days authorized by the ESTA.
If you don’t get your ESTA from Belgium, don’t panic: you can either apply for a visa at the American embassy(or consulate) or apply for a new ESTA.
How much does ESTA cost in Belgium?
Since September 08, 2010, the ESTA form has become a paying document. The price varies according to the sites used for the application, but not by country. You can pay by credit card. Once the form has been validated, it is valid for two years, allowing you to travel to the USA as many times as you like. Bear in mind that the validity of your ESTA is linked to your valid passport.
