⚖️ 对比

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
申请USA ESTA
VS
Canada eTA
9.5
Gov. fee $7
申请Canada eTA

比较背后

本比较基于USA ESTA和Canada eTA的官方政府数据，收集期间为6个月。费用基于April 2026发布的政府费率。

功能对比

特征 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)

我们的结论

我们的选择
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.
申请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.
申请Canada eTA

常见问题

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.

相关指南

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VisaGov vs iVisa: Which eVisa Service is Better? (2026)

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Canada eTA vs Visitor Visa: Which Do You Need? (2026)

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