[Kliment]

Indeed, and this is also true for non-EU Europeans.

[kjhgfgbhnj]

My point was that:

You don't need a visa, a visa is a form you have to fill in before they allow you in the country.

Instead you just have to fill in these other bunch of forms before they allow you in without a visa.

[rdtsc]

I guess the difference is that in one case they have to explicitly allow you in -- by issuing the visa. And in the other case, they have to explicitly not let you in (presumably by stopping you at the airport before boarding?).

[kjhgfgbhnj]

The new US online form authorizes you before you go - can't see how that is different from a visa.

[rdtsc]

Yes in that case it is not. They are just saving you a trip to the embassy and $100+.