Netherlands to United States visa requirements

Dutch ordinary e-passport holders usually do not need a visitor visa for short U.S. trips. The Netherlands is a Visa Waiver Program country, so eligible travelers use ESTA before travel for stays of up to 90 days. The Netherlands is a participating country in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Dutch ordinary e-passport holders traveling to the United States for tourism, visiting family, permitted business, medical treatment, or transit for 90 days or less usually do not need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. They must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling under the VWP, including before boarding a U.S.-bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It is generally valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple VWP trips, with each stay capped at 90 days. The official FY 2026 ESTA fee is USD 40.27 if approved: USD 10.27 is charged for each application and another USD 30 is charged only if approved. If denied, the FY 2026 charge is USD 10.27. VWP/ESTA does not permit paid U.S. employment, most credit-bearing study, permanent residence, or stays over 90 days, and admission is always decided by a CBP officer at the port of entry.