⚖️ Сравнения

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

Подать заявку на USA ESTA

Canada eTA

9.5

Gov. fee $7

Подать заявку на Canada eTA

За этим сравнением

Это сравнение основано на официальных правительственных данных для USA ESTA и Canada eTA, собранных за 6 месяцев. Сборы основаны на опубликованных государственных тарифах по состоянию на April 2026.

Сравнение характеристик

Характеристика	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)

Наш вердикт

Наш выбор

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.

Подать заявку на 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.

Подать заявку на Canada eTA

Часто задаваемые вопросы

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.

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

За этим сравнением

Сравнение характеристик

Наш вердикт

Часто задаваемые вопросы

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