US VISA - ESTA VISA APPLICATION FORM FOR SPANISH CITIZENS
The US Visa online application (ESTA) system allows citizens of Spain, which participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to apply for a US Visa online. The Visa Waiver Program enables travelers to visit the United States for tourism, business, medical or short-term study programs for up to 90 days. ESTA is not a regular travel visa. The ESTA is travel authorization to enter the USA. If you are a Spanish citizen and your ESTA visa is not approved, you are required to apply for a B-1 or a B-2 visa at the American Embassy.
Spanish passport holders who are planning to travel to the USA may complete the ESTA visa online. The processing of your application may take up to 72 hours. It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Approved ESTA visas are valid for two years, and travelers must fly with a signatory carrier. Air Europa is a well-known Spanish airline and is a signatory carrier.
Spain joined the Visa Waiver Program in 1991, together with several other European countries. It has become easier for Spanish nationals to visit the United States by joining the visa-free program. The online system allows travelers to apply electronically instead of visiting the embassy to apply for a travel visa. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was introduced in 2008 and became mandatory in 2009, and it is still a requirement today for Spanish nationals. Between October 2013 and October 2014, 935,775 Spanish nationals visited the United States using the VWP.
Signatory Carriers for travelling to USA under the VWP
Airlines (Signatory Carriers):
- Air Europe, S. p. A.
- Air Europa
- Executive Airlines, S.L.
- Gestair, S.A.
- Privilege Style, S.A.
- Swift Air LLC
Cruises (Signatory Carriers):
- Celebrity Cruises
- Costa Cruises, Inc
- Oceania Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
More Information
The American Embassy in Spain:
- Website: https://madrid.usembassy.gov/
- The American Embassy in Spain is located in Madrid, and the Consulate General of the United States is located in Barcelona.
- The American Embassy in Madrid offers services for both American and Spanish citizens.
Spanish passports:
- It is recommended that all Spanish passport holders have a valid passport for at least six months prior to departing for the United States of America. All Spanish passport holders can apply for ESTA, and all passports must be machine-readable (e-passport).