ESTA for Slovakian Citizens - ESTAForm.org
Slovakia

ESTA for Slovakian Citizens

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Slovakia became a member of the Visa Waiver Program in 2008, which means that citizens of Slovakia are able to take advantage of their rights to apply for an ESTA instead of a US Visa.There are many different benefits of doing this for any citizens of Slovakia that wish to visit the US for tourism or business purposes.

ESTA Requirements and Important Information

  • ESTA is limited to visits of up to 90 days
  • Can be used for business, tourism, medical and transit purposes but not employment
  • Children must have their own ESTA
  • Travel authorisation such as ESTA or visa is required for non-US citizens entering the US
  • Valid for up to 2 years or when the passport expires (whichever is soonest)
  • Same ESTA can be used for multiple visits to the US
Application for ESTA for Slovakian Citizens
Apply for ESTA

Benefits of Applying for ESTA for Slovakian Citizens

As part of the Visa Waiver Program, citizens from Slovakia have numerous benefits compared to citizens of countries that are not in the VWP. Visiting the US for tourism, business, medical or transit purposes can be authorised by obtaining an ESTA instead of a US Visa. The key benefits are that it is much quicker to obtain an ESTA in comparison to a US Visa. The entire process is much simpler, there is no need to attend an interview at the US embassy and everything is processed digitally.

In most cases, the ESTA will be processed in less than 24 hours. However, there can be delays so it is advised that applicants give at least 72 hours before they intend to travel when they apply for the ESTA.

Another big benefit of applying for an ESTA instead of a Visa is that the ESTA can be used on multiple visits to the US, provided that the passport that it has been electronically linked to is still valid. As long as the passport is still valid the ESTA can be used for two years, with a maximum stay of 90 days at any one time in the US.

The ESTA application form is fairly short and can usually be completed in less than 20 minutes whilst the US Visa application form is considerably longer.

How Slovakian Citizens Can Apply for ESTA

The process of applying for an ESTA for Slovakian citizens is very straightforward, all they need to do is visit the ESTA website and fill in the online form. They will need to submit information such as name, address, date of birth and their parents’ details. In addition to this, there is a section on medical history and any criminal convictions they may have. This information will be used to determine whether the ESTA is approved.

Required Documents to Apply for the ESTA

Slovakian citizens need the following to be able to apply for ESTA:

  • Credit or debit cards are necessary for making the payment.
  • They must have valid passports. The passport must be electronic with a digital chip, including biometric information.
  • They must have an email address because the approved ESTA will be sent via email.
What Are the Passport Requirements for the US ESTA?

In 2009, Slovakia implemented updated biometric passports. Slovakian nationals can utilize any passport issued after January 2008, as they contain biometric features. Those who obtained their passports after January 2008 do not need new ones to be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

Can You Make Changes to Your ESTA Application Once It’s Been Submitted?

You can change information in the form only before the application is submitted. Once you have received the electronic travel authorization for the US, you will only be able to change the following data:

  • Address while staying in the USA
  • Email address

How Long Does It Take for the ESTA to Be Approved?

The processing time for ESTA is usually fast - from a few minutes to 24 hours. In rare situations where an additional application review is necessary, the process can take up to 72 hours.

How Much in Advance Should You Apply?

It's recommended to apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours prior to boarding a flight. Ideally, you can submit your request for an ESTA when you get the airplane tickets. You can apply before your departure, but that is not recommended unless you don’t have any other option. Although most ESTA applications get approved in minutes, in rare occasions the processing time can take up to 72 hours.

How Long Is ESTA Valid?

ESTA is valid for two years from the date when it is issued.

Still, travelers should remember that their ESTA will automatically become invalid if their passport expires before two years have elapsed.

Updating an ESTA: When Do You Need to Get a New Travel Authorisation?

Several circumstances can lead to having to update an ESTA, and here are some of them:

  • Your passport has expired, or the two-year term has expired on your existing travel authorization;
  • You have changed your name;
  • You have changed your gender;
  • Regardless of the cause, you have received a new passport;
  • You have obtained new citizenship;
  • If some of the answers you provided on your previous application are no longer valid due to a change in your circumstances.

Important Information About US ESTA

There are a few other important information about ESTA authorization that Slovakian nationals should keep in mind.

Who Is Not Eligible for an ESTA?

The following Slovakian citizens may be ineligible for traveling under the VWP, and they must apply for a visa:

  • Individuals who have been arrested, even if it did not result in a criminal conviction, people with criminal records, people with certain infective diseases, people who have been refused admission to, or deported from, the USA, and people who have previously overstayed on the visa waiver program are among those who do not qualify for an ESTA.
  • Part of a group ineligible to travel under VWP are also individuals who have visited or lived in Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen after the 1st March 2015.

What to do if ESTA is Declined

If the ESTA is declined, then there is still a possibility that the applicant will be able to visit the US. Firstly, if they suspect they made a mistake on the original application, they can resubmit another one and pay the additional application fee. Or the other alternative is to apply for a US visa and attend the US Embassy for an interview.

ESTA vs US Visa: What Are the Key Differences?

There are several important differences between ESTA and visa:

  • ESTA is an easier and cheaper way to get entry to the US.
  • ESTA travelers are required to submit an online application, while there’s a mandatory interview in person at the US embassy when applying for a US visa.
  • The time of approval for ESTA ranges from a few hours to 72 hours, and for a visa, the period is longer and may take 15 to 30 days.
  • Under ESTA, a visit to the USA cannot exceed 90 days, while the US visa is designed for longer visits.
  • ESTA is an ideal option for those traveling to the US for tourism, business meetings, brief medical treatments, or just passing through on a transit journey. On the other hand, a traditional US visa is necessary for individuals intending to marry in the US, pursuing higher education as college students, planning to migrate permanently, or seeking employment. Additional purposes that require a visa include participating in exchange programs, performing as artists or athletes, or engaging in diplomatic or official government functions.

Under What Circumstances Do Slovakian Citizens Need to Apply for aUS Visa Instead of an ESTA?

Slovakian citizens will require a visa under the following circumstances:

  • If they want to work in the USA.
  • If they have previously been denied a USA visa.
  • If their planned visit last longer than 90 days.
  • If they go to America to study.
  • If they have a criminal record.
  • If they have infectious diseases.

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

Dual Citizens of Slovakia and the United States or Canada do not need to have an ESTA. All they have to do is use their USA or Canada passport when entering the USA.

Do Slovakian Minors Need an ESTA Too and Who Can Apply on Their Behalf?

Slovakian citizens of all ages must have an ESTA to enter the US. Parents may apply for an ESTA on behalf of their children. The travel authorization will be attached to the kid's passport once approved.

Please keep in mind that to be eligible for an ESTA, children must have valid passports; they cannot be included on their parent's passports.

US Embassy Address Slovakia

U.S. Embassy Bratislava
P.O. Box 309
814 99 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Benefits of ESTA for Slovakian Citizens:
  • Quick application process
  • Can be used for multiple US visits
  • Apply via mobile or desktop
  • Used for a maximum stay of 90 days
  • Short application form
  • Cheaper application fee than visa
Where Can I Learn More About ESTA Travel Approval?

Get more information about all the necessary details related to the ESTA by reading our detailed FAQ and ESTA requirements section before starting your application.

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.

FAQs

Slovakian nationals must get a visa if they do not meet the ESTA requirements. While ESTA permits travel for purposes of tourism, business, brief medical care, or transiting through the US under 90 days, other travel intentions will necessitate obtaining an appropriate visa.
Yes, Slovakia is a part of the Visa Waiver Program. It became a member of the VWP in 2008, which means that nationals of Slovakia can use an ESTA instead of a US Visa.
Yes, citizens of Slovakia can travel to the USA using ESTA. Still, ESTA is only for business or tourist purposes, as for visits that last less than 90 days. Also, not all travelers from Slovakia are eligible for the ESTA; there are necessary conditions to be met.
If you leave a mandatory field blank in your ESTA application, your application may not be accepted as it could be considered incomplete. It is important to provide all the required information accurately and completely to avoid potential issues with your ESTA application.
You must provide details of your job in the application. Employer info is a significant part of the form. This guarantees that you have no intentions of relocating to America and instead intend to return to your home country.
You don't have to print your travel authorization, as the system is entirely digital, and your land, sea, or air carrier can access your ESTA status information from the DHS. However, having a hard copy for confirmation and keeping a record of your application number could be beneficial.