Do Dutch citizens need a US visa or US ESTA?

Despite the US having a strict visa policy, Dutch citizens can enjoy up to 90 days of vacation or business travel in the country without a traditional visa. However, you must get an ESTA to enter.

What is the US ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The VWP allows citizens of over 40 countries, including the Netherlands, to travel visa-free—but you still need ESTA approval before boarding.

💬 Christa Byker, former US visa officer, explains:

“ESTA isn’t just a formality. It’s a real screening process, and errors or incomplete answers can cause denials even if you’re from a low-risk country.”

How long is the ESTA valid for?

The ESTA is valid for two years from the date it’s issued, allowing Dutch travelers to visit for up to 90 days per trip with multiple entries permitted.

💡 Tip: ESTA is linked to your passport. If your passport expires or changes, you’ll need to apply for a new ESTA too.

Difficulty rating: 15/100

We rate the process 15/100 for difficulty—it’s fast and straightforward with us. You’ll answer 32 questions, upload 1 document (your passport page), and pay the USD $21.00 government fee. Processing averages around 6 hours.

💬 Christa advises: “Take your time answering honestly, especially regarding past visa denials or travel to restricted countries. That’s where many travelers trip up.”

Our 97.63% approval rate shows how we help ensure error-free applications to minimize delays.

What documents do I need to apply for a US ESTA?

You'll need:

• A valid electronic passport (with a biometric chip).
• At least 6 months validity beyond your intended entry date.
• Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and passport number.

💡 Check your passport’s chip icon and confirm it’s an e-passport as this is an important requirement for ESTA.

How to apply for an ESTA with us

Applying with us is simple. Just follow these steps on our website or mobile app:

1️⃣ Fill in your general information: Add details and travel info, then choose your processing speed.

💬 Christa shares: “Be meticulous. One of the biggest reasons for denial is small mistakes, like a wrong passport number or a missing middle name.”

2️⃣ Review your details and pay: Double-check everything, then make payment via credit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

3️⃣ Upload your passport and submit: We’ll review it for accuracy and submit on your behalf.

✅ Once approved, you’ll get your ESTA via email. We recommend printing a hard copy and keeping a digital backup.

“The process was smooth and fast. iVisa caught an error I didn’t even notice!” — Mark from Amsterdam

Processing times and costs

Choose from three options:

What does a US ESTA look like?

The ESTA is a simple document that confirms your travel authorization. It includes key details like your name, passport number, ESTA application number, approval status, validity dates, and notes about your travel purpose. Always double-check that these details match your passport exactly before traveling to avoid issues at border control.

Need more information?

Still have questions? Our customer support team is always ready to help. Contact us via online chat or WhatsApp for quick answers.

💬 Christa’s reminder: “If you’ve had an ESTA denial recently, don’t reapply blindly. You might need to go the visa route instead to avoid more issues.”

For more tips, check out these helpful reads:

• 7 Practical Packing Tips for Your Next Trip
• Stay Connected Abroad: A Guide to Using eSIMs and Local SIM Cards
• Flying into San Francisco International Airport: Essential Tips