# Charta Visa

> Charta Visa (https://chartavisa.com) is a private travel-authorization review and processing service — NOT a government website. We help travelers prepare, review, and submit applications for: ESTA, US Visitor Visa (B1/B2), UK ETA, Canada eTA (ETIAS: guidance only until it opens). Guided forms, expert pre-submission review, and real-time status tracking in 10 languages.

Key facts: ESTA: $39 service fee + USD 40 government fee (included in the checkout total). US Visitor Visa (B1/B2): $149 service fee + USD 185 government fee (paid by the traveler directly to the government, NOT collected by Charta Visa). UK ETA: $39 service fee + GBP 20 government fee (included in the checkout total). Canada eTA: $39 service fee + CAD 7 government fee (included in the checkout total). ETIAS: not open, no launch date published, information only (announced government fee EUR 20; nobody can file it today). An approved travel authorization is not a guarantee of entry — border officers make the final decision. ETIAS is not yet open; no legitimate service can file ETIAS applications today.

## Check requirements

- [Visa requirements by nationality and destination](https://chartavisa.com/visa): which authorization you need for the US, UK, Canada, or the Schengen Area, per nationality
- Per-combination pages follow the pattern https://chartavisa.com/visa/<nationality-iso2>/<destination>, destination ∈ us | uk | ca | etias. Examples: https://chartavisa.com/visa/ad/us (ESTA), https://chartavisa.com/visa/af/us (DS160), https://chartavisa.com/visa/ad/uk (UK_ETA), https://chartavisa.com/visa/al/etias (ETIAS), https://chartavisa.com/visa/ad/ca (CANADA_ETA)
- [Eligibility checker](https://chartavisa.com): interactive nationality → destination checker on the home page
- [Apply](https://chartavisa.com/apply): start a guided application for any supported authorization
- [Pricing](https://chartavisa.com/pricing): service fees and what's included
- [How it works](https://chartavisa.com/how-it-works): the 4-step guided process
- [FAQ](https://chartavisa.com/faq): common questions about ESTA, UK ETA, ETIAS, Canada eTA and the DS-160
- [Contact](https://chartavisa.com/contact): reach the support team
- [Consultation booking](https://chartavisa.com/consultation): book a free 15-minute eligibility call with a human specialist
- [Developers & MCP connector](https://chartavisa.com/developers): connect Charta Visa to Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor or any MCP client; REST API + OpenAPI; sandbox keys
- [Independence statement](https://chartavisa.com/independence): Charta Visa is a private service (Charta Labs, LLC), not a government site; official portals, exact fees, refund guarantee, how to verify us
- [Applying directly vs with Charta Visa](https://chartavisa.com/compare/official-vs-charta-visa): per-product cost and what you do yourself on the official portal vs what our service adds; when to apply directly

## Free tools

- [Free tools index](https://chartavisa.com/tools): all free travel tools in one place
- [Do I need a visa? checker](https://chartavisa.com/tools/visa-checker): interactive nationality → destination eligibility checker (free)
- [Passport validity checker](https://chartavisa.com/tools/passport-checker): check whether a passport meets destination validity rules (free)
- [Schengen 90/180 calculator](https://chartavisa.com/tools/schengen-calculator): track days spent in the Schengen Area under the 90/180 rule (free)
- [Entry cost calculator](https://chartavisa.com/tools/entry-cost-calculator): total government + service fees to enter the US, UK, Schengen Area and Canada, per nationality (free)
- [US visa interview wait times](https://chartavisa.com/tools/us-visa-wait-times): current B1/B2 interview appointment wait times by US embassy/consulate (official State Department data)
- [US visa interview practice](https://chartavisa.com/tools/us-visa-interview-practice): the 25 real B1/B2 interview questions with why they are asked and what a strong answer contains, plus a §214(b) ties readiness score (free, in-browser)

## Guides

- [What Is ETIAS? A Complete Guide for Visa-Free Travelers](https://chartavisa.com/guides/what-is-etias): ETIAS is not open and the EU publishes no launch date. What the €20 authorisation is, who will need it, what is fixed in law — and how to spot scam sites.
- [ETIAS vs. Visa: What's the Difference?](https://chartavisa.com/guides/etias-vs-visa): Visa-exempt or visa-required? What a €90 Schengen visa involves vs the €20 ETIAS pre-check (not yet open) — and how to tell which applies to you.
- [The Schengen 90/180-Day Rule Explained](https://chartavisa.com/guides/schengen-90-180-rule): The 90/180 rule with worked date examples: how the rolling window counts, three myths debunked, EES automated tracking, and a free calculator.
- [Passport Requirements for Europe in 2026](https://chartavisa.com/guides/passport-requirements-2026): Make sure your passport meets Europe's validity rules before you travel — the 3-month rule, the 10-year rule, and what the new biometric border means for you.
- [The Entry/Exit System (EES): What Travelers Need to Know](https://chartavisa.com/guides/ees-europe-guide): Europe's biometric Entry/Exit System went live in October 2025. What EES records, who it covers, why overstays are auto-flagged, and how it differs from ETIAS.
- [What Is ESTA? The US Travel Authorization Explained](https://chartavisa.com/guides/what-is-esta): The US ESTA explained — who needs it, who can't use it, the $40 fee, 2-year validity, what the form asks, and the mistakes that get travellers turned away.
- [An Approved ESTA Doesn't Guarantee Entry to the United States](https://chartavisa.com/guides/does-esta-guarantee-entry): Your ESTA is approved — but the final decision is made at the border. What CBP officers check on arrival, mistakes to avoid, and a pre-flight checklist.
- [What Is the UK ETA? A Guide for Visa-Free Visitors](https://chartavisa.com/guides/what-is-uk-eta): The UK ETA explained — who needs it after the 2025 rollout, the £20 fee, 2-year validity, transit rules, the Ireland exception, and common refusal reasons.
- [The UK ETA for Spanish Citizens: Cost, Timelines and Mistakes to Avoid (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/uk-eta-spanish-citizens): The UK ETA costs £20 since April 2026 — and without an approved one, Spanish travellers can't board. Fees, timelines, children, layovers and mistakes to avoid.
- [What Is the Canada eTA? Everything You Need to Know](https://chartavisa.com/guides/what-is-canada-eta): Canada's eTA explained: who needs it to fly, the CA$7 fee, 5-year validity, land-border and transit rules, and the mistakes that force a re-application.
- [ESTA, ETIAS, UK ETA, Canada eTA: Which Do You Need?](https://chartavisa.com/guides/which-travel-authorization): ESTA, B1/B2 visa, UK ETA, ETIAS or Canada eTA? A plain-language guide to which US, UK, Europe or Canada requirement your trip needs — fees, validity, scenarios.
- [World Cup 2026 Visa Requirements: What Fans Need to Enter the USA, Canada and Mexico](https://chartavisa.com/guides/world-cup-2026-visa-requirements): Traveling to the 2026 World Cup? Learn whether you may need an ESTA, Canada eTA, visitor visa or Mexico entry document before your trip.
- [US Visa Interview Questions and Answers: What Officers Actually Ask at the B1/B2 Window (2026)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/us-visa-interview-questions): The exact questions officers ask at the B1/B2 visa interview — purpose, ties, money, return plans — and how to answer them in a 2–4 minute conversation.
- [DS-160 Form Guide: The Questions That Actually Trip People Up (2026)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/ds160-form-guide): The refusal question, social media handles, US contact with no plans, the AA confirmation barcode, and fixing mistakes after submitting the DS-160.
- [US B1/B2 Visitor Visa Requirements: Documents, Fees and Eligibility (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/b1-b2-visa-requirements): What you need for a US B1/B2 visitor visa in 2026: the DS-160, the $185 fee, the photo spec, proof of ties — and why INA 214(b) decides most cases.
- [The MRV Fee Explained: How to Pay the $185 US Visa Application Fee (2026)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/us-visa-fee-mrv): The $185 MRV fee is the US government's non-refundable B1/B2 application fee. Where to pay it, how long your receipt lasts, and the scams to avoid.
- [US Visa for Mexican Citizens: B1/B2 Requirements, Wait Times and the Border Crossing Card](https://chartavisa.com/guides/us-visa-for-mexicans): Mexico is not in the Visa Waiver Program — no ESTA: Mexican citizens need a B1/B2 visa. The process, real wait times by city, and the BCC explained.
- [US Visa for Indian Citizens: B1/B2 Wait Times, Drop-Box Rules and Costs (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/us-visa-for-indians): Indian citizens can't use ESTA — the B1/B2 visa is the route. Current interview waits (Mumbai 10 months, Delhi 8.5), drop-box rules, costs and §214(b).
- [US Visa for Brazilian Citizens: B1/B2 Requirements, Real Wait Times and the English-Only DS-160](https://chartavisa.com/guides/us-visa-for-brazilians): Brazil is not in the Visa Waiver Program: Brazilians need a B1/B2 visa. The process, current waits at the five consulates, and the English-only DS-160.
- [The US B1/B2 Visa for Filipinos: DS-160, the Manila Interview and Section 214(b) (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/us-visa-for-filipinos): No ESTA for Philippine passports — the B1/B2 visa is the route to the US. The $185 fee, current Manila wait, 10-year validity and how 214(b) refusals work.
- [US Visa for Nigerian Citizens: B1/B2 Rules, Waits and the 2026 Restrictions Explained](https://chartavisa.com/guides/us-visa-for-nigerians): No ESTA for Nigerian passports — the B1/B2 is the route. Current Lagos and Abuja waits, the 2025–26 restrictions, validity, fees and how to apply safely.
- [The UK ETA for French Citizens: Cost, Timelines and Mistakes to Avoid (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/uk-eta-french-citizens): French citizens need a £20 UK ETA — without an approved one you can't board a flight, Eurostar or ferry. Fees, timelines, ID-card rules and mistakes.
- [ESTA for German Citizens: Rules, Cost and the Mistakes That Get Applications Denied (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/esta-for-germans): Germany is in the Visa Waiver Program, so most Germans use ESTA for US trips up to 90 days. The $40 fee, timing, dual-national rules and umlaut traps.
- [ESTA for Japanese Citizens: Rules, Cost, Transit and the Romanization Trap (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/esta-for-japanese): Japan is in the Visa Waiver Program, so most Japanese travelers use ESTA for US trips up to 90 days — and for US transits. Fees, timing and name traps.
- [ESTA for Korean Citizens: Not K-ETA, Your Romanized Name, and the 2026 Rules](https://chartavisa.com/guides/esta-for-koreans): South Korea is in the Visa Waiver Program, so Korean citizens use ESTA — not K-ETA — for US trips up to 90 days. Fees, name spelling, dual-national rules.
- [ESTA for Taiwanese Citizens: The National ID Number Rule and Other 2026 Essentials](https://chartavisa.com/guides/esta-for-taiwanese): Taiwan qualifies for ESTA — but only with an e-passport containing your National ID number. Fees, name romanization, transit rules and mistakes to avoid.
- [UK ETA for Hong Kong Residents: HKSAR, BN(O), Macau and PRC Passports Explained (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/uk-eta-hong-kong): HKSAR passport? You need the £20 UK ETA, not a visit visa. BN(O) holders need nothing; PRC passports need a Standard Visitor visa. Steps, validity, transit and refusals.
- [US Visit Visa from Kuwait: How Kuwaiti Citizens Get the B1/B2 Visitor Visa (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/us-visa-for-kuwaitis): Kuwaiti citizens can't use ESTA — the US visit visa is the B1/B2. The DS-160, the $185 fee, the Kuwait City interview wait, documents, validity and family tips.
- [The UK ETA for Kuwaiti, Saudi, Emirati, Qatari, Bahraini and Omani Citizens: What Replaced the Visa Waiver (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/uk-eta-gcc-citizens): The UK ETA (£20, valid 2 years) replaced the Electronic Visa Waiver for Kuwait, Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman nationals. Eligibility, timing and mistakes to avoid.
- [UK ETA for Chilean Citizens: Do Chileans Need a Visa for the UK? Cost, Rules and Mistakes to Avoid (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/uk-eta-chilean-citizens): Chileans don't need a UK visa, but the £20 ETA is mandatory to board. Validity, the official app, photo rules, transit via London, border checks and refusals.
- [The UK ETA for Swedish Citizens: Do Swedes Need a Visa for the UK? (2026 Guide)](https://chartavisa.com/guides/uk-eta-swedish-citizens): Swedish citizens don't need a UK visa — but since the ETA rollout to EU nationals they need a £20 ETA. Passport rules, children, transit, dual nationals.
- [All guides](https://chartavisa.com/guides)
- Markdown version of any guide: https://chartavisa.com/guides-md/<slug>

## Recent changes (travel entry rules)

- [Travel entry rule changes](https://chartavisa.com/updates): dated, officially-sourced log of fee, requirement, enforcement and launch-status changes (ESTA, UK ETA, EES, ETIAS, US visitor visa); each entry is anchored at https://chartavisa.com/updates#<id>
- Atom feed: https://chartavisa.com/feed.xml (localized: https://chartavisa.com/<locale>/feed.xml)
- 2026-07-01 — ETIAS: the EU removes its "last quarter of 2026" launch target: The official ETIAS site no longer shows a launch window. The EU currently publishes no launch date and has committed only to announcing one several months in advance. ETIAS is not open and no applications are being collected — any website offering to file one today is not legitimate. (source: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en)
- 2026-07-01 — US visitor visa: optional $750 expedited-appointment pilot (July–December 2026): A temporary US government program running from July to December 2026 offers a $750 expedited B1/B2 interview appointment. It is optional and does not replace the non-refundable $185 MRV application fee, which is still paid directly to the U.S. government when you book your interview. (source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html)
- 2026-04-10 — EES: the six-month phase-in at Schengen external borders reaches its completion date: The biometric Entry/Exit System's progressive rollout, which began on 12 October 2025, reaches its scheduled completion date. Non-EU visitors are now registered with fingerprints and a facial image in place of passport stamps at the Schengen Area's external borders. ETIAS, which builds on EES, remains unlaunched. (source: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias/about-etias/news-corner/etias-timeline-explained)
- 2026-04-08 — UK ETA fee rises to £20: The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation costs £20 per application from 8 April 2026, up from £16 (the scheme launched at £10). Every traveller, including children and babies, needs their own ETA. A website still quoting £16 is out of date. (source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta)
- 2026-02-25 — UK ETA: the grace period ends — carriers must deny boarding without one: Since 25 February 2026 the ETA requirement is strictly enforced. Airlines, Eurostar and ferry operators must refuse boarding to visa-exempt travellers who do not hold an approved ETA. Apply before you book — approval is not automatic and there is no room for error at the gate any more. (source: https://www.gov.uk/eta)
- 2025-10-12 — EES goes live at Europe's external borders: The EU's biometric Entry/Exit System began operating on 12 October 2025, phasing in across border crossings over six months. It registers non-EU travellers' fingerprints and facial image in place of passport stamps and tracks the 90/180-day limit automatically. There is nothing to apply for in advance. (source: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en)
- 2025-09-30 — ESTA fee rises to $40: The US ESTA government fee is $40 per application, up from $21, since September 2025. Every traveller needs their own ESTA, including infants. An ESTA cannot be renewed: when it expires, or when you get a new passport, you file a new application and pay the fee again. (source: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta)
- 2025-04-02 — UK ETA becomes mandatory for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals: From 2 April 2025 European visa-exempt nationals need an ETA to enter the UK (applications opened 5 March 2025). This completed a rollout that covered Gulf states from November 2023 and all other non-European visa-free nationalities from 8 January 2025. Irish citizens do not need one. (source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen)

## Research

- [Research index](https://chartavisa.com/research)
- [The cost of crossing borders 2026](https://chartavisa.com/research/cost-of-crossing-borders-2026): original data study on government entry fees (free CC-BY CSV at https://chartavisa.com/api/research/entry-cost)

## For AI agents (machine-readable API)

- MCP server (streamable HTTP, no auth needed for the eligibility → quote → checkout → submit flow): https://chartavisa.com/api/v1/agent/mcp — tools: check_eligibility, quote_pricing, create_checkout_session, submit_application, get_application_status; resources: every guide as markdown; prompts: plan_my_trip, prepare_us_interview. Deep links in tool results carry ?src=<assistant> and the promo code AGENT10 (10% off the Charta Visa service fee, never the government fee).
- [Developer & connector docs](https://chartavisa.com/developers): one-click config for Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor and any MCP client
- [Agent discovery](https://chartavisa.com/api/v1/agent/discovery): entry point for the full agent REST API (eligibility, quotes, applications, checkout, status webhooks)
- [OpenAPI spec](https://chartavisa.com/api/v1/agent/openapi.json)
- [MCP manifest](https://chartavisa.com/.well-known/mcp.json)
- [AI instructions](https://chartavisa.com/.well-known/ai-instructions.txt)
- [AI agent policy](https://chartavisa.com/.well-known/ai-agent-policy.json)

## Optional

- [Full content for LLMs](https://chartavisa.com/llms-full.txt): every guide as markdown + a complete visa-requirements index
- [FAQ](https://chartavisa.com/faq)
- [Contact](https://chartavisa.com/contact)
- Localized versions exist under /es, /fr, /it, /de, /pt, /ja, /ar, /ko, /zh-Hant (e.g. https://chartavisa.com/es/visa)