United States entry requirements for Luxembourg passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Luxembourg passport holders need a visa or an approved ESTA to travel to the United States for tourism or business stays under 90 days. As of 2026, the ESTA is the most common option for short visits, but you must apply online before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | You need a US visa before travel. Start with the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and book an interview at the US embassy in Luxembourg. Wait times vary — check the embassy calendar before booking flights.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Luxembourg passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity period beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may check for at least 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready — they check this at the primary inspection booth. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're visiting for the first time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Bring recent bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. US officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
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 May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months, extendable up to 1 year
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Standard visa for tourism or business; apply at US embassy in Luxembourg.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry, extendable
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits over 10 years.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$185 USD (€170) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For academic studies; requires I-20 from US institution.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stay3 years, extendable to 6 years
ValidityUp to 6 years
Cost$460 USD (€420) + filing fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
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 |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $185 USD (€170) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Luxembourg passport holders. | $185 USD (€170) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Application fee to extend B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (€340) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are severe; avoid by leaving on time. | ~$500 USD (€460) per day, max $10,000 USD |
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 passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through US airports, but must have a valid ESTA or visa to enter the US if leaving the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- ESTA required for all air travel to the US, including transit
- Holders of valid US visa may transit without ESTA
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 $21 (as of 2026).
You must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at the US embassy in Luxembourg. This requires an interview, costs $160, 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 May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.