The requirement for an ESTA application for travelers to the USA has been in place since the beginning of 2009, and the Schengen area will follow at the end of 2022. The participating states want to secure their borders with a similar system. Since the USA has gained more experience in this area, it goes without saying that ETIAS has taken over many of the features of ESTA. However, one cannot be sure that all features are the same, even if the similarities outweigh the differences.
Similarities between ETIAS and ESTA
- Both systems use the Internet to submit applications. The questions should also be similar. There will certainly be differences in the details, but the principle is similar.
- Both procedures are subject to fees. There will probably be differences in the price.
- Neither ETIAS nor ESTA guarantees entry into the respective area of validity. They are a necessary condition to cross the border, but entry may still fail. If the border official believes that this traveller poses a security risk, he will refuse entry.
- Both applications are valid for several trips within the validity period. The trip may not last longer than 90 days. Entry is possible with ETIAS every 180 days. A maximum entry period of 90 days also applies with ESTA.
Differences between ETIAS and ESTA
- ETIAS is expected to be valid for three years, ESTA only for two years. The validity may be shorter in individual cases. For example, when the passport expires or the name changes.
- With ESTA it does not matter which US state he enters first. With ETIAS, entry must be via the country specified. After that he can move freely within the Schengen area.
- The ESTA fee must be paid by every traveler, including infants and toddlers. Only adults aged 18 and over pay the ETIAS registration fee.
The ETIAS rules are subject to change
While ESTA has been in place for years, travellers are expected to require an ETIAS authorisation from the end of 2022. Until then, some regulations may still change. This blog post reflects the current state of development. Over time, information described in this post may still change. Readers should take this into account when planning their trip.
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The requirement for an ESTA application for travelers to the USA has been in place since the beginning of 2009, and the Schengen area will follow at the end of 2022. The participating states want to secure their borders with a similar system. Since the USA has gained more experience in this area, it goes without saying that ETIAS has taken over many of the features of ESTA. However, one cannot be sure that all features are the same, even if the similarities outweigh the differences.
Similarities between ETIAS and ESTA
- Both systems use the Internet to submit applications. The questions should also be similar. There will certainly be differences in the details, but the principle is similar.
- Both procedures are subject to fees. There will probably be differences in the price.
- Neither ETIAS nor ESTA guarantees entry into the respective area of validity. They are a necessary condition to cross the border, but entry may still fail. If the border official believes that this traveller poses a security risk, he will refuse entry.
- Both applications are valid for several trips within the validity period. The trip may not last longer than 90 days. Entry is possible with ETIAS every 180 days. A maximum entry period of 90 days also applies with ESTA.
Differences between ETIAS and ESTA
- ETIAS is expected to be valid for three years, ESTA only for two years. The validity may be shorter in individual cases. For example, when the passport expires or the name changes.
- With ESTA it does not matter which US state he enters first. With ETIAS, entry must be via the country specified. After that he can move freely within the Schengen area.
- The ESTA fee must be paid by every traveler, including infants and toddlers. Only adults aged 18 and over pay the ETIAS registration fee.
The ETIAS rules are subject to change
While ESTA has been in place for years, travellers are expected to require an ETIAS authorisation from the end of 2022. Until then, some regulations may still change. This blog post reflects the current state of development. Over time, information described in this post may still change. Readers should take this into account when planning their trip.