ESTA Application for Danish Citizens

DANISH CITIZENS ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR ESTA

After January 12, 2009, all Danish citizens entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are required to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ESTA is a required "travel permit;" it is not an actual U.S. visa. The ESTA requirement applies to travelers entering the United States by air or sea under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA Applicants must also have a valid machine-readable passport. Danish travelers without an approved ESTA Travel Authorization or a valid U.S. Visitor Visa will be denied boarding on all U.S.-bound flights. Don't let this happen to you! The U.S. government recommends that all Danish applicants apply for ESTA at least 72 hours prior to traveling to the United States.

FRAUD WARNING: The ESTA requirement has caused a lot of confusion among Danish applicants due to the lack of information available. Many travelers from Denmark have been victimized by fraudulent websites posing as the official U.S. government. Oftentimes, these fraudulent ESTA websites collect applicant’s passport details and credit card information for fraudulent reasons. Please note: The U.S. government does not send out any confirmation emails. Official ESTA confirmation details are only visible on your computer screen. If you have paid for ESTA and received an email with a number, this may be counterfeit. In these cases, one may be subject to serious consequences at the airport or a U.S. border such as denial of entry. The only way to know that your ESTA application has been approved is to submit it yourself. Danish travelers are recommended to first download the ESTA Guide and follow the instructions carefully before submitting the application online.

► ; What is ESTA?
ESTA stands for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before they are allowed to board an airplane or ship that is bound for the United States. ESTA and a US Visa are not the same. ESTA is only a U.S.-entry requirement for passport holders from visa waiver countries (including Denmark).

► ; How long does it take to apply for ESTA?
The ESTA online application form takes between 5 and 10 minutes to complete. Upon the submission of your application, you will most likely know within seconds whether you are pre-approved to travel or not. Anyone who is denied via ESTA, must apply for a United States visitor visa (B-1 Business or a B-2 Tourist visa).

► ; Who needs to apply for ESTA?
Any Danish citizen who wants to enter or transit through the United States (by air or sea) under the visa waiver program is required to apply for ESTA. It is not possible to apply for ESTA as a family. Each traveler must have his or her own approved ESTA Application before being allowed to board any U.S.-bound flight.

► ; What is the visa waiver program?
The visa waiver program is a U.S. government program that enables citizens and nationals from 35 countries (including the Denmark) to enter the United States for business or visitor purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. The advantage of entering the United States under the visa waiver program is that you can travel to the United States on a short notice without first waiting to obtain a visa. A visa application process can take weeks or months to complete, while the ESTA application process can be completed online in less than 10 minutes.

► ; What countries are included the visa waiver program?
The following countries are currently a part of the visa waiver program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Danish citizens should follow the following steps to apply for ESTA

Follow these 3 easy steps to apply for your ESTA number:

► ; STEP 1: Download the ESTA Application Guide

► ; STEP 2: Submit Your Application Online and Receive your ESTA Application Number

► ; STEP 3: Travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program

IMPORTANT: If you already have an approved ESTA number, you must update it every time you travel to the United States. Download the ESTA Application Guide for additional information.