The US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic authorization system for Portuguese citizens and citizens of other Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, who wish to travel to the United States for short stays.
It is a pre-screening process that allows US authorities to assess your eligibility to enter the country before your trip. If approved, it eliminates the need for a full visa application.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Portugal (or another VWP country).
- Purpose of Travel: Your visit must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes only.
- Length of Stay: You cannot stay in the US for over 90 days.
- Passport: You need a valid Portuguese electronic passport (e-passport) with at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your intended stay in the US.
Portuguese citizens can enter the US for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days with an ESTA. Apply conveniently through Visas for Future for a hassle-free travel experience.
What We’re Offering
If you are Portuguese and want to travel to the United States, you need a US ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. We offer a service to help process your U.S. ESTA application. After your application is approved, we will deliver it straight to your mailbox in 24 hours. It is an authoritative and automated system that can only be used for business or pleasure purposes.
- Valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Multiple-entry.((Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d.). Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta))
- 90 days per entry.((U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2024). Official ESTA Application Website. Dhs.gov. Retrieved March 9, 2024. <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta>))
- $46.82.
- ESTA is not a visa.
- One (1) business day processing time.
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US ESTA Requirements for Portuguese Citizens
Passport:((Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d.). Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta))
- Valid Portuguese electronic passport (e-passport) with at least 6 months validity remaining beyond your intended US departure date. [Check your passport’s validity date carefully.]
Travel Information:
- Your trip must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes only.
- Total stay in the US cannot exceed 90 days.
Eligibility:((Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d.). Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta))
- Be a citizen of Portugal.
- You must meet general VWP requirements, including being in good health, having no criminal record, and not posing a security risk.
Cost and Processing Time for US ESTA
Here’s the cost and processing time of US ESTA here at Visas for Future.
- Cost: $46.82
- Processing Time: 24 hours
Duration and Validity of the US ESTA
The US ESTA offers a simplified travel authorization for Portuguese citizens (and citizens of other VWP countries) for short stays in the United States. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ESTA’s duration and validity:
Validity Period:
- An ESTA is typically valid for two years from the date it is issued. However, there are a couple of things to consider that can affect the validity:
- Passport Expiry: If your Portuguese passport expires before the two-year ESTA validity period ends, then your ESTA will also expire on the same date as your passport. In this case, you would need to apply for a new ESTA before traveling to the US again.
- Early Revocation: In some cases, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may revoke your ESTA if your circumstances change and you no longer meet the eligibility requirements (e.g., criminal record, security concerns).
Length of Stay per Visit:
- Maximum 90 days: Regardless of the ESTA’s validity period, each visit to the US under ESTA is limited to a maximum of 90 days. This applies to the total duration of your stay, consecutive or not, within that two-year period.
How to apply for a US ESTA for Portuguese Citizens Online?
Step 1: Click on “Get United States ESTA now”
Step 2: Fill out the order form
- Name
- Phone number
- Nationality
- Travel dates
- You also have the option to purchase a US visa photo.
Step 3: Pay the ESTA fee using a debit or credit card.
- Review your application details and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Answer intake forms correctly.
- Enter your personal details, passport information, and additional travel details.
Step 5: Upload the required documents.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport biographical page (JPEG or JPG format).
Step 6: Submit application
- Carefully review your application once more and submit it.
Step 7: Receive your US ESTA.
- If approved, you’ll receive your US ESTA via email in 24 hours
- Print the US ESTA and carry it with you during your travel.
US ESTA Sample for Portuguese Citizens
US Visa Waiver Limit for Portuguese Citizens
There is no specific “limit” associated with the Visa Waiver Program for Portuguese citizens, other than the maximum duration of stay.
Here’s a breakdown of the key details:
- Program: Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
- Length of Stay: Up to 90 days (consecutive) per visit
- Activities Permitted: Tourism or business purposes
What Portuguese Citizens Need to Know:
- If your trip is for tourism or business and lasts 90 days or less, you can most likely apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) instead of a visa.
- ESTA is an online application through Visas for Future.
US ESTA for Children who are Citizens in Portugal
Children with Portuguese citizenship can travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using ESTA, just like adults. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
- Children of any age with Portuguese citizenship are eligible for ESTA, as long as the trip meets VWP requirements.
- ESTA Application: A separate ESTA application needs to be submitted for each child traveling. Parents/guardians cannot include children on their own ESTA applications.
- Valid Passport: The child must possess a valid Portuguese passport with an expiry date exceeding their intended stay in the US.
- Travel with Parent/Guardian: Children under 18 years old must travel with a parent or legal guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Portuguese citizen get a work permit in the USA?
Portuguese citizens can’t get a general work permit in the USA. They might qualify for specific work visa programs like E-1 or E-2 if starting their own business.
Can I move to the USA from Portugal?
Yes, moving to the USA from Portugal is possible. There are visa options like the D7 Passive Income Visa or the E-2 Treaty Investor visa depending on your situation. Research the requirements for each to see if you qualify.
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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 Portuguese Citizens (Visa Waiver Program)." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-esta-for-portuguese-citizens-visa-waiver-program/. Accessed on 13 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "US ESTA for Portuguese Citizens (Visa Waiver Program)." Visas For Future. March 13, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-esta-for-portuguese-citizens-visa-waiver-program/.