ESTA for San Marino Citizens

San Marino became part of the Visa Waiver Program in 1991 and as part of the VWP, citizens of San Marino can apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) as an alternative to applying for a visa.

Benefits of Applying for ESTA for San Marino Citizens

San Marino citizens are able to visit the US using the ESTA as a much faster way to get travel authorization in comparison to the US visa. The main reason it is much easier to apply for an ESTA is because it is all done through an online form instead of travelling to the US Embassy for an interview.

This also makes the process a lot quicker, as the ESTA gets processed within 24 hours usually. A visa can take much longer to process, with it sometimes taking a while to book an appointment at the US Embassy when they are busy.

Another benefit of using an ESTA instead of a visa is that it costs less for the application fee than the visa does. Additionally, the ESTA is valid for two years and the ESTA can be used to visit the US multiple times in that period.

How to Apply for ESTA

Citizens from San Marino can easily apply for an ESTA by completing the short online form. Visit the ESTA website to fill in the details including personal information such as name, address, date of birth, as well as passport details. There are also some questions related to health and criminal convictions.

To apply for an ESTA, the applicant requires a biometric passport that the ESTA will electronically link to if the application is approved. Once the details have been filled in, it is important that the applicant reviews their answers so that they can check for any errors. A mistake on thean online formapplication form can lead to the ESTA getting declined.

The next step is to make the application fee payment and when that goes through, the application will be submitted. The authorities will process the application and you will receive an update through the email address that you provided.

Passport Requirements for the US ESTA

To travel under the Visa Waiver Program, San Marino citizens must have passports that meet certain requirements. Their passport must be:

How Long Can Travelers from San Marino Stay in the US Under an ESTA?

San Marino nationals have to exit the U.S. within 90 days following their entry and obtain a US ESTA even for quite brief visits of 1 up to 90 days. If they want to stay beyond that period, they must apply for an appropriate visa depending on what specifically applies to them. The U.S. online visa permits multiple entries during its span for San Marino citizens as it stays legitimate over two (2) successive years.

Can a San Marino National Extend Their ESTA Beyond 90 Days?

San Marino citizens cannot extend their ESTA beyond the initial 90 days. If San Marino citizens plan to stay in the United States for a longer duration, they must apply for a relevant visa based on their individual circumstances. It is important for San Marino citizens to comply with the terms and conditions of the ESTA and not overstay the allowed 90 days to avoid any immigration violations.

Is It Allowed to Change a Status After Entering the US?

San Marino nationals can not change their status after entering the US.

Should they choose to revise their status, they must leave the States first and submit the necessary visa application or foreign nationality requirements from their nation of origin. Adhering to US immigration law is important so that a change of status will comply with all the relevant regulations and guidelines. If intending such an amendment, it is wise to seek professional legal advice.

Why Is the Employer Information Relevant for the Application?

Employment information is a very important section of your ESTA application. This type of information confirms that you do not plan to immigrate to America because it shows that you are employed and that after visiting the USA, you plan to return to the country you came from.

Whhat Is the ESTA Processing Time?

ESTA processing times most often vary from a few minutes to 24 hours. In rare cases, an additional review of the application is required, and then the approval time might take up to 72 hours.

How Much in Advance Should You Apply?

When applying for an ESTA, it's recommended to do so at least 72 hours before your travel date or immediately upon purchasing your plane tickets. While an application can technically be made from the airport, this isn't advisable due to potential processing delays or unforeseen complications. Therefore, starting the process early is highly encouraged for a hassle-free travel experience.

How Long Does The ESTA Authorisation Last?

ESTA is valid for a period of two years, beginning from the date it is issued.
Travellers need to take into account that if their passport expires before this span of two years elapses, then their ESTA validity terminates too. For this reason, you should be aware of your passport's expiry date.

Updating Your ESTA: When Do You Need to Re-Apply for the New Travel Approval?

There are certain circumstances under which travellers from San Marino will require a new ESTA. Here are some of them:

Important Information About ESTA Travel Approval

Before applying for your ESTA, there are a few more important information you need to be aware of. First, it is important to know who doesn’t qualify for the ESTA authorization.

Who Is Not Eligible for an ESTA?

Certain San Marino citizens aren’t eligible for an ESTA.

Group of ineligible include travellers who have been deported from the United States, as well as those who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction; individuals with a criminal record and certain serious infective diseases; people who have visited or lived in Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen.

Also, San Marino nationals aren’t eligible for an ESTA if their intended visit lasts longer than 90 days or if they travel to study or work.

What if an ESTA is Declined?

In the situation where an ESTA gets declined, the applicant may still be able to obtain authorization to travel to the US. Where the ESTA has been refused because of an error on the form, then a second application can be submitted with the correct details. Other reasons for the refusal may require the applicant to try applying for a visa instead by visiting the US Embassy.

US Embassy for San Marino Citizens

Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, 38
50123 Florence, Italy

How Can I Check the Validity of My Current Approved ESTA?

Checking the status of your ESTA application is fast and easy.

First, go to the governmental website, and choose the “Check Existing Application” option. It will take you to the “Returning Applicants Check ESTA Status” section.

Click on “Check Individual Status” or “Check Group Status”, depending on the kind of ESTA form you intend to check. Simply check your status by filling in your application number, your date of birth and your passport number.

If your application number is lost, don't panic. Choose the "I Do Not Know My Application Number" option on the website and enter additional personal data, including passport number, date of birth, last name, first name, and homeland, to recover your application.
Moreover, you can find the expiration date of your travel authorization on the information page under the ESTA status.

Moreover, you can find the expiration date of your travel authorization on the information page under the ESTA status.

US ESTA vs US Visa: What Are the Key Differences?

There are a few crucial differences between ESTA and a regular visa:

Under What Circumstances Do San Marino Citizens Need to Applyfor a US Visa Instead of an ESTA?

San Marino citizens need a visa instead of ESTA to travel to the USA if:

Do San Marino Minors Need an ESTA and Who Can Apply on Their Behalf?

San Marino minors must have their own ESTA to travel to the USA. Parents and legal guardians are eligible to apply on behalf of their kids in the same way as they do for themselves.

When parents are planning a trip with multiple children, they have the option to submit the applications for the entire family together.

Do Dual Citizens of San Marino and the United States or Canada Need an ESTA?

Dual Citizens of San Marino and the United States or Canada do not need to get an ESTA. The reason is simple: they can use their USA or Canada passports when travelling to the USA.

If the Citizen of San Marino Has Two Passports, Which One to Usein the ESTA Application?

When applying for an ESTA, individuals with dual citizenship are allowed to use a passport issued from a VWP country, such as San Marino. However, it's important to note that both citizenships will be checked, including criminal and background checks for both countries.

If the background check from either country reveals disqualifying information, an approved ESTA may be denied, requiring the individual to obtain a visa instead. Since obtaining ESTA approval after denial can be more challenging, it's crucial to accurately complete the application to avoid any issues.

For specific questions about travelling to the USA with dual passports, it's recommended to seek expert advice from the closest US embassy.

Benefits of ESTA for San Marino citizens:

Where Can I Find Out More About ESTA Travel Authorisation?

If you need additional information, you may visit our FAQ page and check out the ESTA requirements to learn more before starting your application process.