Do I Need Visa for USA ?

dodgybrothers on 22/08/2023 - 16:28

Hello everyone,
I don't travel often, so I'm not very familiar with my current situation.
I recently bought tickets to the USA (travelling next month for a duration of 2 weeks) with the understanding that I don't require a Visa. I've been looking online, and there seems to be conflicting information. So I decided to reach out here to see if anyone could offer some insights.

I'll be travelling with my two children for a period of two weeks. All of us have Australian passports, and the tickets have already been purchased. I'll sort out travel insurance by tomorrow.

I appreciate any advice you can provide.

Travel North America Travel Visa United States

Comments

  • Sammy2000 on 22/08/2023 - 16:31
    +6

    Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is needed rather than a VISA: (note my US spelling)
    https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

  • HardQuiz on 22/08/2023 - 16:34

    Use this website for all travel/visa information

    https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/

  • jv on 22/08/2023 - 16:38
    +23

    Do I Need Visa for USA ?

    No, Mastercard is fine…

    • 87percent on 22/08/2023 - 16:41
      +1

      If I could upvote this 100x

    • Brian McGee on 22/08/2023 - 16:54
      +4

      Surely it'd be American Express

    • dodgybrothers on 22/08/2023 - 16:55
      +4

      thought you would say American Express

    • foxmulder on 22/08/2023 - 18:23
      +1

      Gold!

    • AustriaBargain on 22/08/2023 - 19:03
      +1

      Saw this jv comment coming a mile away.

  • scrimshaw on 22/08/2023 - 16:41
    +2

    Australia is one of the countries that is part of the Visa Waiver Program for the United States of America, having been added to the list in 1996. This means that Australian nationals enjoy visa exemption for short-term visits for leisure, business, or transit. (Short term = up to 90 days)

    Qantas has a step by step guide that tells you how to apply for it.
    https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-advice/trave…

    (note: don't use Visa Link, apply for esta directly yourself on the Gov website as third parties will try to rip you off)

    If you fail to obtain a waiver, then you'll need a VISA.

    • jjjaar on 22/08/2023 - 18:08
      -1

      Short term = up to 90 days

      Just adding that the 90 days is cumulative across the 2 year validity of the ESTA. That is, if you use 20 days now, you still have the rest of the 2 years to use the remaining 70, over as many or as few trips.

      • dom on 22/08/2023 - 19:55
        -1

        I’m not sure where you got the impression that 90 days is your allowance over the term of validity - the ESTA provides for trips of up to 90 days. Note however that admission is up to the CBP officer at the border, and if you are constantly making 90 day trips with short gaps you are likely to have problems.

        https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1072?language=en_US

        • jjjaar on 23/08/2023 - 14:43

          I never said a person was limited to 90 days over 2 years. I’m not sure where you got that impression.

          I said that if you still have days left and it’s still valid, you can use the same ESTA, up to a total of 90 days.

          Thanks for your link, it says:

          Approved ESTA applications are valid for a period of two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and multiple trips to the United States without the traveler having to re-apply for another ESTA

          • dom on 23/08/2023 - 18:08

            @jjjaar:

            When traveling to the United States with the approved ESTA, you may only stay for up to 90 days at a time and there should be a reasonable amount of time between visits

            Note ‘at a time’. You example explicitly said remaining 70 days.

            I have personally made trips totalling over 150 days on the same ESTA.

  • sumyungguy on 22/08/2023 - 16:54
    +1

    Australian passport holders should go with our government's advice:. ESTA is valid for two years so if you're not expecting any issues then apply close to departure. Don't pay more than US$21 per person, otherwise you're being scammed.

  • Ocker on 22/08/2023 - 16:57
    +2

    Just make sure you apply for the ESTA via the official government website and not some dodgy look-alike website that will rip you off on the application fee.

  • CurlCurl on 22/08/2023 - 16:57

    If you a criminal conviction you will need a Visa, and that means an interview at the Consulate.

  • dodgybrothers on 22/08/2023 - 16:58

    Thanks all, I will apply for ESTA in a couple of days.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2023 - 17:00

      Recommend to do it ASAP if your travel is soon-ish. There's a slim change it may get delayed as your middle name matches with a fugitive or something.

    • Shadowsfury on 22/08/2023 - 17:03
      +1

      Just do it right away so that on the off chance something is wrong you have more time to react. It is not a 100% given you will get approved.

  • Muzeeb on 22/08/2023 - 17:50

    Have fun at Disneyland®

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