ETIAS vs ESTA
The European ETIAS and US ESTA are both electronic travel authorization systems, but they serve different regions with different requirements.
Region
- ETIAS (Europe)
- 30 European countries
- ESTA (United States)
- United States
Fee
- ETIAS (Europe)
- €7
- ESTA (United States)
- $21
Validity
- ETIAS (Europe)
- 3 years
- ESTA (United States)
- 2 years
Processing time
- ETIAS (Europe)
- Minutes to 30 days
- ESTA (United States)
- Usually within 72 hours
Maximum stay
- ETIAS (Europe)
- 90 days in 180
- ESTA (United States)
- 90 days per visit
Eligible countries
- ETIAS (Europe)
- 60+ visa-exempt nations
- ESTA (United States)
- 41 VWP countries
Application method
- ETIAS (Europe)
- Online only
- ESTA (United States)
- Online only
| Feature | ETIAS (Europe) | ESTA (United States) |
|---|---|---|
| Region | 30 European countries | United States |
| Fee | €7 | $21 |
| Validity | 3 years | 2 years |
| Processing time | Minutes to 30 days | Usually within 72 hours |
| Maximum stay | 90 days in 180 | 90 days per visit |
| Eligible countries | 60+ visa-exempt nations | 41 VWP countries |
| Application method | Online only | Online only |
Summary
Both systems aim to pre-screen travelers before arrival, but ETIAS covers a larger geographic area with more participating countries and a lower fee.
Other Comparisons