ESTA for Netherlands Citizens - ESTAForm.org
Netherland

ESTA for Netherlands Citizens

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The Netherlands has been part of the Visa Waiver Program since 1989, so citizens from the Netherlands are eligible to apply for an ESTA instead of a US visa for visits to the US. The ESTA is available for Netherlands citizens that want to visit the US for a period of less than 90 days, for tourism, business, medical or transit purposes.

ESTA Requirements and Important Information

  • ESTA is for stays of up to 90 days only
  • Required for travellers either flying or arriving by
    sea to the US
  • Applicants must have a valid, biometric passport
  • Valid for two years, or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
  • ESTA is for tourism, business, medical or transit travel purposes
  • Children must have their own ESTA
  • An ESTA can be used for multiple visits to the US
Application for Netherlands Citizens
Apply for ESTA

How Netherlands Citizens Can Use ESTA

Citizens of the Netherlands can apply for an ESTA as a much quicker alternative to obtaining a US visa. They can travel to the US and visit as many different states as they choose to, as long as their ESTA is valid when they enter the US. Many people who want to take a holiday to the US now apply for an ESTA rather than applying for a US tourist visa. The process is much quicker and easier than applying for a visa through the US Embassy.

Dutch citizens can apply for ESTA using the online form and answering the set of questions that will determine whether their application is accepted. The Department of Homeland Security pre-screen the applicant to check for any risks such as terrorism threats. Issues such as past criminal convictions or medical conditions can also result in the application getting declined.

How to Apply for ESTA

The process for applying for ESTA is very simple, usually taking no more than 20 minutes to provide all of the required information and submitting the application through the online form. The application form has several sections that must be completed, including personal details, passport details and eligibility questions. It is important to check through all of your answers, as even what seems like minor errors can result in your ESTA being declined. Once you have checked through your completed form, the next step is to process your online payment and submit the application.

Most applicants will receive a fast response regarding whether their application is successful, often within just a few hours. However, processing times can vary, especially around busier times like the holiday periods. To avoid any issues travelling to the US, it is advised to submit the application at least 72 hours prior to the intended departure to the US, or even earlier. The ESTA links to the applicant’s passport when it is approved, so border agents in the US will be able to see on their systems that the traveller has a valid ESTA.

Important Advice for ESTA Application

As well as applying within adequate time before the departure date, it is very important to take extra care when completing the online ESTA application as any errors could stop you from travelling. Spend time to check through your form, cross-referencing passport number and other key details that could cause problems if they are incorrect.

What to do if ESTA is Declined

In some cases, your ESTA could be declined due to an error, in which case you can usually re-apply for the ESTA with the correct details instead. However, if your ESTA has been declined for other reasons, you might be able to apply for a US visa instead. The business or tourist visa can be applied for by completing the DS-160 form and attending an interview at the US Embassy in the Netherlands.

The address of the US Embassy in the Netherlands is:

US Embassy The Hague
John Adams Park 1
2244 BZ Wassenaar

There is also a consulate in Amsterdam.

Benefits of ESTA for Dutch citizens:
  • Speedy processing
  • Used for visits to US for tourism, business, medical or transit
  • For trips of up to 90 days
  • Quick to complete application form
  • Complete the form using either mobile or desktop
  • Can be used for multiple visits to US

Written by Abisola Fikayomi

Abisola is an accomplished writer interested in US Travel, immigration, passports and visas. She’s passionate about exploring new places and cultures and willing to share her experiences, expertize and findings with others. That is her primary drive for specialising in this industry.