Visa Waiver Countries
There are currently 35 Visa Waiver countries that as of January 12, 2009 require
an approved ESTA Travel Authorization to visit the United States via air or sea.
Individuals holding a passport from any of these countries may visit the United
States under the Visa Waiver Program under certain conditions. Travelers with a
passport from any other country must obtain a B-1 or B-2 Visitor Visa in
advance. The
ESTA Travel Authorization
Guide explains how Visa Waiver travelers can apply for their own Travel
Authorization. Citizens that hold multiple citizenships (dual citizens) and
several passports from Visa Waiver countries must apply for a separate Travel
Authorization per passport. Note that a travel authorization (ESTA)
must be applied for online in advance, while Form I-94W is normally completed
while flying or at the U.S. port of entry.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The visa waiver program is a U.S. government program that enables citizens and
nationals from 35 countries to enter the United States for business or visitor
purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. The advantage of entering
the United States under the visa waiver program is that you can travel to the
United States on short notice without obtaining a visa. Visa Waiver Travelers
are required to have an approved travel authorization (ESTA) to enter the United
States by air or sea.
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Important Facts About the Visa Waiver Program:
- Travelers entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program are authorized to
remain in country for up to 90 days. Extensions are not allowed.
- A machine readable passport is required for all Visa Waiver travelers.
- An approved ESTA (U.S.
Travel Authorization) is mandatory for all Visa Waiver travelers entering the
U.S. by air or sea after January 12, 2009.
- The U.S. Department of State may add or remove countries from the Visa
Waiver Program. Argentina and Uruguay were recently removed, and the following
countries were added: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania,
Malta, Slovakia and South Korea.
- The Visa Waiver Program is normally abbreviated as VWP (Visa
Waiver Program)
- The Visa Waiver Program was established in 1986 with the objective of
stimulating the tourism industry in the United State.
Warning! Applying through a third party website may not comply with
ESTA regulations. Beware of fraudulent websites that collect your private
information and claim to submit the application on your behalf. Applying for
your own Travel Authorization is the only way to be 100% sure that your
application is submitted properly. Travelers with an invalid ESTA Travel
Authorization may be denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Download our ESTA Application
Guide and submit your own application! |
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