Finnish citizens need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travelling to the United States.

• Government fee Set by the destination and charged when you submit the travel authorisation application.
• Processing / card charge Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top.
• Third-party sites Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• Valid PassportFor ESTA, your Finnish passport must be valid for the entire period of your intended stay in the United States. For a B-2 visa, it generally needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay.
• Return or onward ticketProof of intent to depart the U.S. within the allowed period.
• Proof of sufficient fundsEvidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit card statements). This is more strictly scrutinized for B-2 visa applicants.
• Accommodation detailsInformation about where you plan to stay during your visit.
• Digital photographRequired for B-2 visa application (DS-160 form).

1. 1
   For ESTA: Visit the official ESTA website.

   Apply for ESTA
2. 2
   Complete the online application form with your personal details, passport information, and answer eligibility questions.
3. 3
   Pay the required fee online.
4. 4
   Submit your application and note your application number. Most applications are processed within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours.
5. 5
   Check the status of your application online. Once approved, print or save a copy of your approval for your records, though it is electronically linked to your passport.
6. 6
   For B-2 Visa (if not eligible for ESTA or for longer stays): Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.

   DS-160 Online Application
7. 7
   Pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
8. 8
   Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Finland.
9. 9
   Attend your interview, bringing all required documents.
10. 10
    If approved, your passport with the B-2 visa will be returned to you.

• Previous visa overstay or violation of immigration laws

  How to avoid: Always adhere to the terms of your visa or ESTA, including the maximum permitted stay. If you have a history of overstaying, you will likely need to apply for a B-2 visa and explain your situation.

• Criminal record or certain health conditions

  How to avoid: Be truthful about any criminal history or specific health conditions on your application. Certain offenses or communicable diseases can make you inadmissible. Consult with the U.S. Embassy if you have concerns.

• Lack of strong ties to Finland (for B-2 visa applicants)

  How to avoid: Provide clear evidence of strong ties to your home country, such as property ownership, family responsibilities, employment, or ongoing studies, to demonstrate your intent to return after your visit.

• Insufficient funds to cover your trip

  How to avoid: Ensure you can demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself for the duration of your intended stay without working. Provide bank statements or other financial proof.

• Misrepresentation or false information on the application

  How to avoid: Always provide accurate and truthful information on your ESTA or visa application. Any false statements can lead to permanent ineligibility for travel to the U.S.

• Travel to certain countries (for ESTA applicants)

  How to avoid: If you have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, or North Korea on or after March 1, 2011, you are generally not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa.

• Be honest and accurate in all your application forms and during any interviews. Misrepresentation can lead to permanent ineligibility.
• Declare all food, plant, and animal products upon arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to avoid fines or penalties.
• Ensure you have travel insurance, as medical costs in the United States can be very high.
• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs, which can vary by state and region.

• My Finnish passport expires in 5 months – can I still travel to the U.S. with ESTA?

  Yes, due to the 6-month rule waiver for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries like Finland, your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your intended stay in the United States. However, it is always recommended to have a passport with longer validity.

• I was previously denied a U.S. visa or ESTA, or overstayed a previous visit. Can I still apply?

  If you were previously denied a U.S. visa or ESTA, or have a history of overstaying a previous visit to the U.S., you are likely ineligible for ESTA. In such cases, you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• How much money do I need to show for my trip?

  While there is no specific minimum amount, you should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay without working. This can be shown through bank statements, credit card statements, or other financial proof. The amount will depend on the length and nature of your trip.

• Can I apply for ESTA at the last minute?

  ESTA applications are usually processed quickly, often within minutes. However, it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your departure in case of delays or issues that might require further review or a visa application.

• I am a self-employed Finnish citizen/student. Will this affect my ESTA or visa application?

  Your employment or student status does not automatically disqualify you. For a B-2 visa, you will need to demonstrate strong ties to Finland, such as property, family, or ongoing studies/business, to assure the consular officer you intend to return to your home country after your visit.

• What if I'm traveling with my children?

  Each traveler, including infants, must have their own approved ESTA or visa. If traveling with minors, ensure you have their birth certificates and, if only one parent is traveling, a notarized consent letter from the absent parent may be required by border officials.

• Can I extend my stay in the U.S. if I entered with ESTA?

  Generally, stays under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) cannot be extended. You are expected to depart the United States within the 90-day period. Overstaying can lead to future travel restrictions and ineligibility for ESTA.

• Can I work in the U.S. if I enter with ESTA or a B-2 tourist visa?

  No, neither ESTA nor a B-2 tourist visa permits employment in the United States. These are strictly for tourism or business activities that do not involve receiving payment from a U.S. source. Engaging in unauthorized employment can lead to severe penalties and future travel bans.

• How do multiple entries work with ESTA/B-2?

  Both ESTA and B-2 visas typically allow multiple entries into the U.S. For ESTA, each stay cannot exceed 90 days. For a B-2 visa, the length of stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer upon each arrival, usually up to 6 months per visit.

• How much does a United States visa cost for Finnish citizens?

  You pay online when you apply. The total is usually the government travel authorisation fee plus any card or processing charge. Government fee: Set by the destination and charged when you submit the travel authorisation application. Processing / card charge: Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top. Third-party sites: Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.