ESTA Application Process for Citizens of Slovakia: Traveling to the USA from Slovakia

1. Can citizens of Slovakia travel to the USA with ESTA?

When traveling to the USA all citizens of Slovakia need to obtain an ESTA instead of a Visa.

However, it is important to note that there are specific regulations affecting traveling under VWP when using an ESTA.

If you visit the USA with an ESTA your stay time in the US shall not exceed 90 days. Also, you can only use an ESTA as citizen of Slovakia who is visiting the USA if your plans are to do business, travel or use USA for transit.

This means that for some Slovakia travellers an ESTA will not be appropriate when traveling to the US.

2. Is Slovakia one of the VWP countries?

Slovakia is one of the Visa Waiver Program countries which is why citizens of Slovakia can obtain an ESTA and can enjoy Visa-free travel to the USA.

The VWP has been designed to provide more travel freedom for citizens of specific countries that are included in the VWP list.

The list of countries included in the VWP can be updated by the USA at any time, therefore it is good to follow the updates and make sure that you can still obtain an ESTA as citizen of one of the VWP countries.

3. What is the difference between ESTA and Visa?

The most important thing to understand is that ESTA is not a Visa or any form of a Visa.

Instead, it is a unique form of travel authorisation that can only be used by citizens of countries included in the Visa Waiver Program.

If you are not a citizen of one of the VWP countries, ESTA does not apply to you and you need to obtain a Visa before traveling to the USA. Also, there are highly specific regulations affecting travel under the VWP with an ESTA.

If your travel plans exceed the limited stay time and/or if your goal of visit is not business, transit or travel, you are not eligible for an ESTA and you need to obtain a Visa.

4. When do I need a Visa?

There are some cases when an ESTA shall not be used as a form of travel authorisation for USA travel. If you plan on staying in the USA for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Visa.

You will also need to apply for a Visa if your plans do not include travel, transit or doing business within the USA.

5. Do I need a copy of ESTA at airport?

No, you do not need to carry a copy of your ESTA into the airport. Since the application is done online, the most important information is always available online for border control to check.

However, all of your other documentation should be with you when traveling to the USA and it is always a good thing to have a copy of your ESTA with you.

6. How long is ESTA valid and how can I check that?

There are two validity dates you need to keep in mind when traveling with an ESTA.

First of all, the ESTA it self is valid for two years from the moment of your ESTA being approved. Wishing this time you can visit the USA for how many times you want. However, each time you visit the stay time shall not exceed 90 days. If you do so, there is a good chance that entry into the USA won’t be granted the next time you want to travel to the US.

The other thing you need to keep in mind is your passport validity. You can only apply for an ESTA if you have a valid passport proving your citizenship of one of the VWP countries. Furthermore, when traveling with an ESTA, your passport validity must exceed the stay time in the USA.

If your passport expires within the two year period of your ESTA being valid, so will your ESTA.

After that, you need to apply for a new ESTA using the online application form.

You can always check the validity of your ESTA by filling in the simple ESTA validity check form online.