United States entry requirements for Luxembourg passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Luxembourg passport holders can travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a traditional visa, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program. You'll need an approved ESTA, which you apply for online before you fly. As of 2026, the ESTA is the standard route for short visits, and approval is usually quick. For longer stays, work, or study, you'll need a specific visa instead.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (eVisa) authorizationYou need an approved ESTA before flying to the US; without it you won't be allowed to board. Required for visa-free travel | Luxembourg citizens must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply online at the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/). Cost: US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Processing is often instant, but allow up to 72 hours. Valid for multiple entries for up to 2 years or until passport expires. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must be valid for 6 months after your planned departure from the US. At least 6 months beyond stay | Your Luxembourg passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US. Ensure it meets this before applying for ESTA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer will stamp your passport; you need a blank page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Check that you have a blank visa/endorsement page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket helps show you intend to leave on time. Recommended | Although not always checked, it is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket proving you will leave the US before your 90-day ESTA stay expires. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsYou may be asked how you'll fund your trip; having proof avoids issues. Recommended | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). No specific amount is required, but you should be able to support yourself. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Luxembourg citizens entering the US under ESTA. | Not required |
| Visa extensionYou cannot extend your stay; plan to leave on time. Not permitted | The ESTA stay of 90 days cannot be extended. You must leave the US before the 90-day period ends. | Not required |
ESTA is not a visa
An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry. The final decision is made by the CBP officer at the border. Always carry proof of your return ticket and accommodation.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
US healthcare is expensive. A simple emergency room visit can cost thousands. Get travel medical insurance before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and a credit card. Approval usually comes within minutes to 72 hours. Print or save the approval email.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a round-trip flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations handy on your phone or printed.
3
Arrive at the airport in Luxembourg
At check-in, the airline will verify your ESTA approval. Have your passport and ESTA confirmation ready. Board your flight.
4
Go through US Customs and Border Protection
After landing at a US airport (e.g., JFK, LAX, ORD), follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for foreign visitors. Have your passport and ESTA approval ready. The officer will ask about your trip purpose, where you're staying, and how long. Answer clearly and honestly.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Luxembourg Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 6 months (typically)
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entries)
Cost$185 (application fee)
For tourism or business stays longer than 90 days, or if ESTA is not available.
Work Visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1)
Max stayVaries by visa type (e.g., H-1B up to 6 years)
ValidityVaries; often 3 years, extendable
Cost$190 (base filing fee) plus other fees
Requires a US employer sponsor and approval from USCIS.
Student Visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of academic program plus optional practical training
ValidityDuration of studies (I-20)
Cost$185 (application fee) plus SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
For full-time study at a US educational institution.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
3 years, extendable to 6 years
$460 USD (€420) + legal fees
For professionals in specialty fields; requires employer sponsorship and lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD (€170) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time academic programs; allows part-time on-campus work. Can lead to OPT work authorization after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD (€970,000) minimum investment
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. High capital requirement but leads to permanent residency.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
2 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD (€190) + legal fees
For Luxembourg nationals engaged in substantial trade between the US and Luxembourg. Requires treaty trader status.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA application feeRequired for all travelers under the Visa Waiver Program, including children. | $21 |
| ESTA authorization feeCharged only if the ESTA application is approved. | $4 |
| Visa application fee (for non-ESTA visas)For B1/B2 visitor visas, if ESTA is not used or not approved. | $185 (typical) |
| Extension of stay (I-539)For requesting an extension beyond 90 days, if eligible. | $370 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
No transit visa needed
Luxembourg citizens transiting through the US are generally eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and must obtain an approved ESTA before travel, even for airside transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a valid US visa, you can transit without ESTA.
- If you are a citizen of a country with a separate transit agreement (not applicable for Luxembourg).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease common in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present in most states; peak in summer and fall.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and status issues; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring I-539 form and fee.
Practical information for LU travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
For tourism or business stays under 90 days, you can use the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. For longer stays, work, or study, you need a specific visa (e.g., B1/B2, F1, H1B).
Most applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight. The cost is US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization) as of 2026.
You must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at the US embassy in Luxembourg. This requires an interview, costs $185 USD (€170), and processing takes several weeks. Plan ahead.
No. The Visa Waiver Program does not allow extensions. You must leave before 90 days. Overstaying can result in a ban from future travel.
You'll be interviewed by a CBP officer. They'll ask about your trip purpose, where you're staying, and how long. Have your passport, ESTA approval, and return ticket ready. Answer honestly. They may also take your photo and fingerprints.
If you have a connecting flight and stay airside, you still need an ESTA or visa. The US does not have a transit visa exemption for Luxembourg passport holders.
You must have a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay. If it expires, contact the Luxembourg embassy in Washington DC for an emergency passport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.