The short answer for Turkish citizens
Important
Türkiye is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not available to Turkish passport holders. You will need a B1/B2 visa.
ESTA is an online travel authorisation for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries only. If your passport is Turkish, the comparison below is mainly useful for understanding the system and for travellers who also hold a second eligible nationality.
What ESTA is
- An online authorisation, not a visa, approved in minutes to days.
- Valid for up to two years and stays of up to 90 days.
- Available only to passport holders of Visa Waiver Program countries.
What the B1/B2 visa is
- A consular visa requiring a DS-160 form and, usually, an in-person interview.
- Often issued for up to 10 years, multiple entry.
- B1 covers business visits; B2 covers tourism and medical travel.
Because the B1/B2 involves an interview, preparation matters: bring evidence of your ties to Türkiye and be ready to explain your trip clearly and consistently.
How to choose
If you only hold a Turkish passport, the B1/B2 is your route. If you also hold an eligible second nationality, ESTA can be faster and cheaper for short trips — but it carries the same 90-day limit and cannot be extended.
Not an embassy. Not a guarantee.
HeyVisa is not an embassy, consulate, or law firm. This article is general information, not legal advice, and it is not a guarantee of any visa outcome. Always confirm current requirements with the official mission handling your application before you apply.