ESTA for Lithuanian Citizens

Lithuania joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2008, enabling the citizens of Lithuania to apply for an electronic system for travel authorisation (ESTA) for when they wish to travel to the US for business or tourism purposes. There are many benefits of doing this as opposed to applying for a US visa.

Understanding Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows certain foreign citizens to travel to the United States for business, medical, or tourism purposes visa-free.

At the moment, this program covers 40 nations. A stay under this program allows for a visit of no more than 90 days. Tourists must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization in order to participate in this program (ESTA).

Benefits of Applying for ESTA for Lithuanian Citizens

Citizens of Lithuania stand to benefit in many ways through the easier process of applying for an ESTA rather than the more complicated process of applying for a US Visa. To start with, it is much quicker to obtain an ESTA than it is to obtain a US Visa, with the application and confirmation for ESTA usually being completed within 24 hours. The alternative is applying for a US Visa which involves an interview at the US embassy and can take weeks or even months for the process to be complete.

Another big benefit of using an ESTA for travelling to the US is that the same ESTA can be used for multiple trips to the country whilst the ESTA remains valid. The ESTA is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport and will stay valid for two years or until the passport that it is linked to expires, which ever date arrives soonest.

The application form for the ESTA is also much shorter than the application form for the US Visa and typically takes around 10 minutes to complete the form. The entire application process is all done digitally, which makes it much quicker.

How Lithuanian Citizens Can Apply for ESTA

Citizens of Lithuania can easily apply for their ESTA by completing the online application form on the website. Before doing so, the applicant will need to have a valid biometric passport, a valid email address and a card to make the application fee payment with.

The applicant will then need to answer a series of questions including name, address, date of birth, parents’ details and other questions used to determine eligibility for an ESTA. They will also be required to answer questions related to any criminal convictions, medical history and travel to certain countries.

Once all details have been completed the applicant should check through the information that they have provided to make sure they have not made any mistakes. If there is a mistake on the application, then this can cause it to get refused and could even disrupt their travel plans.

How Long Does ESTA Take to Be Approved?

The processing time of the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application for Lithuanian nationals may differ.

Applications often get confirmed within minutes, yet they could take a maximum of 72 hours in rarencases. it's suggested that travelers submit an ESTA at least 72 hours before their trip to America.

How Many Days in Advance Should Lithuanian Citizens Apply for ESTA?

It is advised to submit the ESTA application several days before departure (at least 72 hours before the travel date).

If you forgot to submit your application timely, it can be submitted right before the departure too. However, keep in mind that the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) suggests to obtain your travel approval sooner to avoid potential dealys.

ESTA Validity: How Long Does The Travel Authorisation Last?

ESTA remains valid two years or until the passport expiration - whichever happens first. So make sure to be aware of your passport expiration date.

Under What Circumstances Will Lithuanian Nationals Need a New ESTA?

In some cases, Lithuanian citizens will need a US visa rather than an ESTA.

Every person traveling to America for more than 90 days for purposes such as study, working, or residency must acquire a US visa. In other words, possessing a visa is mandatory if your travel plans include anything else other than tourism, transit, medical or business purposes.

In addition, anyone who has been forbidden from entry into the US through ESTA or has encountered criminal charges necessitates an application for a US visa.

What to do if ESTA is Declined

If the ESTA is declined then the applicant does have some options left, the first option is to resubmit the application if an error was made on the original application. The other option that is available is to apply for a US visa instead, which will require a visit to the US Embassy in Lithuania.

US Embassy in Lithuania

U.S. Embassy Vilnius
Akmenų g. 6
Vilnius, Lithuania
LT-03106

Differences Between US ESTA and US Visa

There are a few major differences between a US visa and an ESTA:

Under What Circumstances Will a Lithuanian Traveler Need a Visa Instead of an ESTA?

In some cases, citizens of Lithuania will need a US visa instead of an ESTA.

Travelers who are going to the U.S. for more than 90 days for reasons such as work, study, or residence have to obtain a visa. Obtaining a visa is essential if their plans involve more than just tourism, transit, business or medical reasons.

Also, anyone who has been denied an entry through ESTA or holds prior criminal charges needs to apply for a US visa.

Do Underage Citizens of Lithuania Need an ESTA?

Yes, every person, including minors, needs their own ESTA approval. In the case of minors, parents and legal guardians are allowed to submit the application on their behalf.

Do Dual Citizens of the United States or Canada Need to Apply for an ESTA?

No, a Lithuanian individual with double citizenship in the US or Canada is not required to get an ESTA or a visa. Before visitors enter the US, CBP recommends that they utilize their American or Canadian passports.

Benefits of ESTA for Lithuanian Citizens:

Are You Looking for More Information About ESTA?

To get additional information about ESTA, visit our comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions page and the ESTA requirements page.