ESTA for Danish Citizens - ESTAForm.org
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ESTA for Danish Citizens

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Denmark has been a member of the Visa Waiver program (VWP) since 1991, which has allowed citizens of Denmark to apply for an ESTA for any business or tourism trips to the US, as opposed to the longer process of applying for a US visa.

ESTA Requirements and Important Information

  • A valid, biometric passport is required
  • Use for visits of up to a maximum 90 days
  • Required for travellers either flying or arriving by sea to the US
  • ESTA is issued for two years, or until passport expires
  • For tourism, business, medical or transit
  • Children must have their own ESTA
  • Visit US multiple times whilst ESTA is valid
Application for Danish Citizens

Benefits of Applying for ESTA for Danish Citizens

There are lots of benefits of applying for an ESTA rather than a US visa. To start with, the process is much quicker, involving completing a short online form and then receiving confirmation whether the application has been accepted very quickly, sometimes within a few hours. The alternative option, applying for a US visa can take weeks or even longer at busy periods, as am interview must be scheduled with the US Embassy.

As well as being a much quicker process, another benefit of the ESTA is that it can be used for multiple trips to the US. When an ESTA is approved for Danish citizens , the ESTA will be valid for two years, or until their passport expires (whichever date is sooner). During that period, the ESTA is valid for multiple trips to the US, so is ideal for business trips, visiting family, or just for tourism trips to see the different areas of the US.

Another benefit is that once your ESTA has expired, you can simply apply for your next one, there are no restrictions on how many ESTAs you apply for. It is however, very important that you do not overstay the 90 day limit in the US, as this could affect your future ESTA applications if you violate the terms.

How Danish Citizens Can Apply for ESTA

It is very easy for Danish citizens to apply for an ESTA, all they require is valid passport, an email address and a way to pay for their application fee by electronic card. The form has several sections that all must be carefully completed to avoid any mistakes that could cause the application to be declined.

The sections include personal details such as name, address, DOB, as well as passport details and some eligibility questions. The US Department of Homeland Security will screen applicants to check for any terrorism threats, or other risks such as criminal activity or medical problems.

Once you have completed the online form, you will pay the application fee and then submit the application. The next step is that you will get email correspondence regarding the outcome of your application for your ESTA.

The ESTA Application Form for Danish Nationals

Applying for a US ESTA is a simple and quick process for travelers from Denmark.
They must fill out the appropriate fields with the necessary information. This contains the following personal data:

  • Whole name
  • Country of origin
  • Birthdate
  • Nationality

In addition, Danes need to fill in the following information:

  • Address of residence
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • Contact information for emergencies

Regarding passports, they must provide the following details:

  • Number of passport
  • Issue date of a passport
  • Passport expiration date

After that, they will continue to respond to inquiries about safety and health:

  • Background in security
  • Occupation
  • History of health

When entering this data, it is very important that everything is filled in correctly. If the traveler entersincorrect data, it can slow down the processing process, and even lead to the rejection of the visa waiver.

Passport Requirements for the US ESTA

It is important that visitors make sure their passport satisfies the criteria for visa-free travel before using an ESTA:

  • The passport needs to be issued by a VWP member nation.
  • The user must have an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip.
  • Danish people with emergency passports that lack a chip must apply for a standard Danish passport.
  • If users don't have an e-Passport, then they will need to get a visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get ESTA Approval?

International passengers typically obtain their ESTAs in 24 hours, after the US Department of Homeland Security has evaluated all their applications. In most cases, the processing time is even faster. However, there are some rare instances in which it will take 72 hours to get your ESTA due to the need for an additional revision of the application.

The Danish traveler will receive an email with the approved ESTA and authorization for entry, attached in pdf format. The ESTA is immediately connected to the applicants' Danish passports once it is approved.

How Much in Advance Should Danish Travelers Apply for the American ESTA?

Danish tourists who want to apply for ESTA are advised to do so immediately after their travel date has been confirmed. It is recommended to submit the application at least 3 days before the trip. Travelers who do not have time to apply in advance can do so immediately before the trip, at the airport.

In most cases, your ESTA will be approved quickly. However, in certain occasions the processing may take longer, so it’s best to submit your application in advance.

ESTA Validity: How Long Does This Travel Authorisation Last?

The duration of the ESTA authorization is two years from the time Danish tourists acquire the authorization. Nevertheless, if the user's passport expires in the meantime, the ESTA will also expire.

Is It Possible to Extend an ESTA Approval Beyond 90 Days?

After getting their ESTA, Danish citizens can stay in America for up to 90 days.

However, ESTA approval extensions are not possible. You must leave the country after staying the maximum per entry, and then you may enter again. While the ESTA is valid you can do this an unlimited number of times.

Updating Your ESTA: When Do You Need to Apply a New ESTA?

You will need to get a new travel authorization in the following circumstances:

  • Your passport has expired or the two-year term has run out on your existing travel authorization;
  • You alter your name;
  • Regardless of the cause, you have received a new passport;
  • You alter your gender;
  • You get new citizenship;
  • If some questions you answered on your prior application are no longer valid because of a change in your circumstances.

What if My ESTA Application is Declined?

In the event that your application is declined, if you made an error filling in your ESTA then you may be able to submit another application with the correct details. If there is another reason for the declined ESTA then you could have the option to apply for a visa instead. To apply for a US visa, you will need to complete a DS-160 form and arrange to have an interview at the US Embassy.

US Embassy in Denmark:

U.S. Embassy Copenhagen
Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 24
2100 København Ø

Which Danish Travelers Aren’t Eligible for an ESTA?

Certain Danish citizens aren’t eligible for an ESTA.

These people include travelers who have been deported from or refused admission to the United States, as well as those who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction; people with a criminal record and certain serious communicable diseases; individuals who have visited or lived in Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen.

Also, Danes will not get an ESTA if their stay lasts longer than 90 days or if they travel to work or study.

Differences Between an ESTA Approval and US Visa

Many people question whether a visa and ESTA are the same. The answer is negative, they are not the same. One of the differences is that applying for an ESTA is much simpler and cheaper. There are more important differences between these two travel approvals:

ESTA Approval
US Visa
Application process
Online form
Complete application form + interview at a US embassy
Approval time
Few hours - 72 hours
15 - 30 days
Travel duration
90 days
180 days
Suitable for
  • Tourists purpose
  • Business purpose
  • Business purpose
  • Marriage
  • College students
  • Emigration
  • Job

Under What Circumstances Danish Nationals Can’t Use the VWP (ESTA) and Need a Visa Instead?

There are certain circumstances when Danish nationals will not be able to use ESTA to enter the US and will have to apply for a Visa. Let's see what those situations are:

  • If their trip to the US will last longer than 90 days.
  • If they fly to the US on a non-signatory airline and want to enter the country.
  • If they are not traveling for short-term tourism or for business reasons.
Do Dual Citizens of Denmark and the United States or Canada Need an ESTA?

Danes with US or Canadian citizenship do not need ESTA approval. To enter America, it is enough to show an American or Canadian passport.

US ESTA for Minors: Do I Need to Apply on Behalf of My Children?

Minors of all ages must also have an ESTA in order to enter the US. Parents may apply for an ESTA on behalf of their children. The travel authorization it will be attached to the kid's passport.

To be eligible for an ESTA, children must have their own valid passports; they cannot be included on their parent's passports.

Is It Allowed to Apply for Your Family or Friends?

Another advantage of ESTA is that a group of people, such as families or friends, can apply together. The procedure is that one person can register the whole group at the same time.
It is very important that they enter the email addresses of each traveler so that everyone will receive messages about all ESTA updates.

Therefore, when applying, the data of all passengers is entered individually, including their basic data, passport details, and eligibility questions.

Benefits of ESTA for Danish citizens:
  • For visits to US of up to 90 days
  • Quick processing time
  • For tourism, business, medical or transit
  • Quick to complete application
  • Can complete form via mobile or desktop
  • Multiple visits to US on same ESTA
Do You Have More Questions About ESTA?

If you want to get additional information about all the necessary details related to the ESTA, you can visit the websites FAQ page and ESTA requirements websites to learn more before starting your application.

Written by Abisola Fikayomi

Abisola is an accomplished writer interested in US Travel, immigration, passports and visas. She’s passionate about exploring new places and cultures and willing to share her experiences, expertize and findings with others. That is her primary drive for specialising in this industry.

FAQs

Denmark takes part in VWP. Before entering the United States, any person who will be using the VWP must get an ESTA.
Danish citizens may need a visa to enter the US. For example, if they decide to stay longer than 90 days or travel for work or study.
If Danish citizens travel to the USA using ESTA they cannot stay more than 90 days. For longer stays, they must apply for a visa.
Yes, no matter that you only transit through the USA, You still must submit an ESTA application if you are only transiting through the US on your way to another nation. While completing the application, there is a transit-related question that you must check the response to.
If you get electronic travel authorization just proves that you are qualified to visit the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. That is not a guarantee of entry into America.
It is very important to know that people who entered the country via an ESTA are ineligible for a status change. If they want to change status they first must leave the USA.