⚖️ مقارنات

USA ESTA vs Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2): Which Do You Need? (2026)

If you want to visit the United States, your entry route depends almost entirely on your nationality. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can use the ESTA — a quick online pre-authorisation. Citizens of all other countries need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa through a US consulate. This comparison explains both routes clearly.
USA ESTA
9.6
Gov. fee $21
تقدم للـ USA ESTA
VS
Canada eTA
9.5
Gov. fee $7
تقدم للـ Canada eTA

خلف هذه المقارنة

تستند هذه المقارنة إلى بيانات حكومية رسمية لـ USA ESTA وCanada eTA، تم جمعها خلال 6 أشهر. الرسوم مبنية على التعريفات الحكومية المنشورة بتاريخ April 2026.

مقارنة الميزات

الميزة USA ESTA Canada eTA
Who can apply VWP country citizens (42 nationalities) All nationalities (non-VWP)
Application method Online, no interview Embassy with interview
Government fee $21 $185
Processing time Minutes Weeks to months
Validity 2 years or passport expiry Up to 10 years
Max stay per visit 90 days Up to 6 months
Can be extended in the USA No Sometimes (I-539 form)

حكمنا

اختيارنا
USA ESTA
Use the ESTA if you hold a passport from a VWP country. It is faster, cheaper, and requires no embassy visit. The $21 government fee and near-instant approval make it the clear winner for eligible travellers.
تقدم للـ USA ESTA
Canada eTA
A B-1/B-2 visa is necessary for citizens of non-VWP countries. While the process is more involved (embassy appointment, interview, longer processing time), a B-1/B-2 visa can offer longer stays and more flexibility than the ESTA for frequent US travellers.
تقدم للـ Canada eTA

الأسئلة الشائعة

What happens if my ESTA is denied?+
If your ESTA is denied (showing "Travel Not Authorized"), you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at a US embassy or consulate. ESTA denial is not the same as visa denial — many people successfully obtain B visas after ESTA denial.
Can I convert my ESTA to a B-1/B-2 visa while in the USA?+
No. ESTA visitors cannot change their status from within the USA. If you need more time or a different status, you must leave and apply for the appropriate visa from your home country or another country outside the USA.

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