ESTA TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION FOR FINNISH PASSPORT HOLDERS

Finnish citizens who are planning to visit the United States can apply for an ESTA travel authorization online. ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and is an online system designed to make it easier for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries to visit the USA. The ESTA travel authorization is valid for visits related to business, tourism, medical purposes or short-term study programs. However, ESTA is not a travel visa. If travelers are denied their travel authorization, they are required to apply for a B1 or B2 visa by visiting the nearest U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Embassy in Finland is located in Helsinki.

Finland joined the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in 1991, together with several other European countries. Between October 2014 and October 2015, 156,160 Finnish nationals traveled to the United States using the Visa Waiver Program.

The ESTA system became mandatory in 2009, but was introduced in 2008. The system has made it easier for Finnish nationals to enter the United States. You can apply for an ESTA travel authorization today in less than 10 minutes. Your processing request may take up to 72 hours, and travelers are encouraged to apply at least 72 hours before departure. It is also required to travel with a signatory carrier. Finnair is a well-known airline in Finland and the rest of the world, and is a signatory carrier.