If you’re a Dutch citizen, you can travel to the United States visa-free using the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program.
The US ESTA is an electronic authorization system for Dutch citizens traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows citizens of participating countries, including the Netherlands, to visit the US for short stays for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a full visa.
Here’s what you need to know about ESTA:
- Stays: ESTA grants you authorization to stay in the US for a maximum of 90 days, consecutive or total.
- Activities: It’s valid for tourism, business visits (attending conferences, negotiating contracts), or transiting through the US to another country. You cannot engage in paid employment or enroll in a course of study with an ESTA.
However, if you don’t qualify for VWP/ESTA or your trip doesn’t meet the requirements, then you’ll need a B1/B2 visa. This applies to situations like:
- You plan to stay longer than 90 days.
- You have traveled to certain countries in the past (Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or Cuba on or after January 12, 2021)
- You are a dual national of any of the above-mentioned countries
- While ESTAs and B1/B2 visas allow business travel, a B1/B2 visa offers more freedom for certain business activities. For instance, you can attend conferences, negotiate contracts, or consult with business partners. Activities restricted with ESTA might include activities that generate income within the US or involve employment.
The application process for Dutch people who want to visit the United States is simple and straightforward because of an ESTA, and Visas for Future can help you with the application process. But if you want to stay longer, you can check the US B1/B2 here.
What We’re Offering
If you’re a Dutch citizen looking to travel to the United States, you will need a US ESTA or B1/B2 visa, depending on your travel needs. Our processing service can deliver your ESTA within 24 hours after your application. This ESTA is valid for two (2) years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows you to stay in the US for up to 90 days.
Alternatively, a US B1/B2 visa is valid for ten (10) years and allows you to stay in the US for up to 180 days. Our B1/B2 processing service can deliver your visa for 30 days.
US B1/B2 visa
- Non-immigrant visa that allows people to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2) purposes.3
- For Dutch citizens, it is multiple entries for ten years of validity.4
- It costs $215.81.
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US ESTA Requirements for Dutch Citizens
Eligibility:
- You have a valid Dutch passport with an electronic chip.
- Your stay is for 90 days or less (consecutive or total).
- Your purpose of travel is tourism, business (meetings, conferences), or transit.
- You haven’t committed any serious crimes.
- You haven’t been denied entry to the US previously.
- You haven’t overstayed on a previous US visa.
- You haven’t traveled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen since March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions) or Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 (with limited exceptions).
- You are not a dual citizen of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, or Cuba.
Requirements:
- Valid Dutch e-passport (electronic passport with a chip).
- Have a return or onward ticket.
Duration and Validity of the US ESTA
| Duration | Valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first |
| Up to 90 days | Valid for two (2) years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first |
Cost and Processing Time for US ESTA
| Category | Cost | Processing |
| ESTA | $46.82 | 24 hours |
How to apply for a US ESTA for Dutch Citizens Online?
Step 1: Click on “Get United States ESTA now”
Step 2: Complete the order form by providing your name, email, and phone number, selecting your nationality, and entering your travel date.
Step 3: Pay the fee.
- Review your application details and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Answer intake forms correctly.
- Enter your details, passport information, and additional travel details.
Step 5: Upload the required documents.
Step 6: Submit application
- Carefully review your application once more and submit it.
Step 7: Receive your application details.
US ESTA Sample for Dutch Citizens
US Visa Waiver Limit for Dutch Citizens
The US Visa Waiver Program, which utilizes ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), has a specific limit on duration of stay for Dutch citizens:
- Maximum Stay: 90 days (consecutive or total).
This means:
- You cannot stay in the US for more than 90 days on a single ESTA authorization.
- If your trips are consecutive (one right after another), the combined duration cannot exceed 90 days.
- Even with multiple ESTA approvals, you cannot accumulate stays exceeding 90 days within a year.
If your planned stay in the US is longer than 90 days, or you intend to engage in activities not allowed with ESTA (paid work, studies), you’ll need to apply for a B1/B2 visa instead.
US ESTA for Children who are Citizens of the Netherlands
ESTA for Children:
- Dutch citizen children can potentially qualify for ESTA alongside their parents/guardians but with some considerations:
- Children under 14 might be eligible for an interview waiver program (Interview Waiver Program for Applicants: if:
- The child has a valid Dutch passport.
- A parent/guardian has a valid US visa (B1/B2 or B1/B2) or ESTA approval.
- The trip adheres to all other ESTA eligibility criteria (e.g., 90-day stay, tourism/business).
- Children 14 and above generally follow the same ESTA eligibility requirements as adults.
- Children under 14 might be eligible for an interview waiver program (Interview Waiver Program for Applicants: if:
When should I apply for a B1/B2 visa?
Dutch citizens typically don’t need a B1/B2 visa to visit the United States. They can most likely enter the country with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA), assuming they meet the requirements of ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program.
However, if the Dutch citizen doesn’t qualify for ESTA, then a B1/B2 visa application would be necessary. In that case, they should apply well in advance of their desired travel date due to possible processing delays.
There are two main scenarios for Dutch citizen eligibility for a B1/B2 visa:
Scenario 1: Not eligible for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
The Netherlands participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens to travel to the US for up to 90 days with an ESTA instead of a visa. However, there are circumstances where a Dutch citizen wouldn’t qualify for ESTA and would need a B1/B2 visa. Here are some reasons why ESTA might be denied:
- Travel history: They have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
- Dual citizenship: They hold dual citizenship with any of the aforementioned countries.
- Previous ESTA/visa denial: They’ve been denied an ESTA or visa application in the past.
- Overstayed on a previous VWP visit: They stayed in the US for longer than 90 days on a previous ESTA visit.
- Trip purpose or duration: Their trip purpose doesn’t fit the B1/B2 category (e.g., studying, working), or they intend to stay longer than 90 days.
Scenario 2: Applying for a longer stay (over 90 days)
Even if eligible for ESTA, a Dutch citizen might choose to apply for a B1/B2 visa if their planned stay in the US is longer than 90 days. The B1/B2 visa allows for stays of up to six months, with the possibility of extension in some cases.
US B1/B2 Visa Requirements for Dutch Citizens
General B1/B2 Visa Eligibility Criteria
Here are some general B1/B2 visa eligibility criteria that would apply to Dutch citizens along with most other nationalities:
- Strong ties to your home country: This demonstrates you have a reason to return to your home country after your visit. This could include a job, property ownership, or family ties.
- Sufficient funds: You must show you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in the US.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
- Interview: You will likely be required to attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Required Documents
The documents required to get a US Business/Tourist Visa as follows:
- Passport: A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- Travel itinerary: This includes details of your travel plans, such as the purpose of your visit, where you will be staying, and your intended length.
- Passport photo: A recent color photograph of yourself that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- The minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. Maximum acceptable dimension 1200 x 1200 pixels.
- JPEG file format (less than or equal to 240 kB).
- Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States: If you have previously traveled there, you must provide the dates.
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae: This includes a summary of your educational and professional background.
- Other information: Depending on the intended purpose of travel, other applicants may be asked to provide additional information when completing the DS-160 form, such as employment details, financial status, and family ties.
Required Documents for Minors
- Consent Letter: It should be notarized and signed by parents or guardians stating their consent for the minor to travel in the United States and outlining the purpose of the trip.
- Birth Certificate: A copy of the minor’s birth certificate to establish their relationship with the parent or legal guardian.
- Proof of Guardianship: Proof of custody or guardianship is required when a child travels or enrolls in school or medical care. It confirms an individual’s legal responsibility for the child and can be a court order, notarized letter, or other official documentation.
Duration and Validity of the US B1/B2 Visa
The duration of a US B1/B2 visa for Dutch citizens (and most nationalities) is typically not guaranteed and is issued on a case-by-case basis. However, there is a general range to consider:
- Minimum validity period: Generally six months, but it can be shorter.
- Maximum validity period: Up to 10 years in some cases.
Common factors affecting the validity period:
- Strength of ties to home country: This demonstrates your intent to return after the visit and can influence the issued validity period. Stronger ties might lead to a longer validity period.
- Travel history: Frequent travel to the US with a good track record of adhering to visa conditions might increase the validity period.
- Purpose of travel: The B1/B2 visa category can limit validity. For instance, a business trip (B1) likely wouldn’t warrant a 10-year visa compared to someone with a strong reason for frequent visits (e.g., visiting family regularly).
Cost and Processing Time for US ESTA
| Cost | Processing Time |
| $215.81 | 30 days |
How to apply for a US B1/B2 Visa for Dutch Citizens Online?
The US B1/B2 Visa application at Visas for Future is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for a US B1/B2 Visa.
Step 1: Click ”Get United States B1/B2 visa now“.
Step 2: Fill out the application form with your name, nationality, phone number, email address, planned date of travel, and planned date of return.
Step 3: Make payment.
- It costs $215.81.
- Payment can be made through credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
Step 4: Fill out the intake form completely.
- Fill out all the details needed, such as:
- Personal Information.
- Your travel information.
- Information about the person paying for your trip. ( if someone is paying it for you).
- Information about the person traveling with you (if any).
- Previous U.S. travel information (if any).
- Your passport details.
- Information of your U.S. point of contact.
- Your family/Relatives information.
- Present Education/ employment or training details.
- Security and background questions.
Step 5: Upload the required documents.
- U.S. visa photo.
Step 6: We will update you on the progress of your application.
Step 7: Wait for your U.S B1/B2 visa confirmation
US B1/B2 VisaSample for Dutch Citizens
US B1/B2 Visa for Children who are Citizens of the Netherlands
Dutch children can apply for a B1/B2 visa alongside their parents or guardians, or even by themselves in some situations.
Interview Waiver Program (for children under 14):
There might be an easier route depending on the child’s age. In some locations, the US Embassy/Consulate offers an Interview Waiver Program for applicants aged 13 or younger. This allows submitting the application by mail if certain criteria are met, including:
- Child’s age: 13 years old or younger.
- Valid visa for parent/guardian: A biological parent or legal guardian must have a valid US tourist or business visa (B1/B2/B1B2).
- Residence and Citizenship: The child and the parent/guardian must be residents and citizens of an eligible country (the Netherlands is included).
- No prior visa denials: The child cannot have a history of visa denials.
- Valid passport: The child’s passport must be valid for travel to the US.
- Non-US citizen parents: This program applies only if neither parent/guardian is a US citizen or permanent resident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dutch people move to the USA?
Yes, Dutch citizens can move to the USA, but they’ll need the proper visa. An ESTA won’t work for permanent residence. They’ll likely need a Green Card (permanent resident visa) through employment, family sponsorship, or investment.
Which countries can travel to the USA without a visa?
There are 41 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. These include most European countries (except Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania) along with countries like Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Which countries can the Dutch travel to without a visa?
Dutch citizens have exceptional travel freedom with visa-free access to around 160 countries, including most of Europe, the Americas (except some South American countries), and popular tourist destinations in Asia and Oceania.
Can I travel to the USA with a Dutch residence permit?
Having a Dutch residence permit itself doesn’t determine US visa requirements. Dutch citizens can use ESTA for visits under 90 days, but longer stays or certain activities require a B1/B2 visa.
- Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d.). Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta [↩]
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2024). Official ESTA Application Website. Dhs.gov. Retrieved March 9, 2024. <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta> [↩]
- Visitor Visa. (2023c, December 1). Travel.state.gov. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html [↩]
- U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. (2023, December 1). Travel.state.gov. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html [↩]
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Written by
Jenilyn Samortin 
Jenilyn Samortin is an Environmental Science graduate and a content writer at Visas for Future, a company that supports reforestation and urban forestry projects. She is an expert at e-visas and travel documents, such as India e-visa and Turkey e-visa, which she handles and assists customers every quarter. She loves helping people with their international travel needs and providing them with the latest information, tips, and guidance on how to apply online.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "US ESTA for Dutch Citizens (Visa Waiver Program)." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-esta-for-dutch-citizens-visa-waiver-program/. Accessed on 15 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "US ESTA for Dutch Citizens (Visa Waiver Program)." Visas For Future. March 15, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-esta-for-dutch-citizens-visa-waiver-program/.