what is visa waiver program

The Visa Waiver Program

(VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.

Full Answer

Which countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program?

• In Iraq or Syria
• In a country that is designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, currently Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria
• In any other country or area of concern specifically designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security. ...

What countries do not require a visa?

• Albania
• Angola
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Eswatini
• Georgia
• Haiti
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Micronesia

More items...

How to apply for an US visa waiver?

Your documents must include:

• Current Passport
• DS-160 Application Form
• Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter
• Old Passport with previous B1/B2 visa
• 2 photos, colored, white-background, unretouched, 2×2 inch photograph on glossy paper, taken within the last 6 months, in neutral facial expression and with both eyebrows and ears exposed.

Do you know about the new Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program is a partnership that allows citizens of participating countries to travel visa-free to all 50 US states as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the American Virgin Islands.. The goal is to improve American foreign relations and to make it easier for a larger number of short-term tourists and business travelers to enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days.

What is Visa Waiver Program means?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.

How much is US Visa Waiver Program?

$21.00 USDTraveler's home address and phone number. Traveler's emergency point of contact phone and email. Payment method: Fee for application is $21.00 USD.

How long is a visa waiver program valid for?

Each approved ESTA application generally is valid for two years and allows for multiple visits to the United States within that period without having to apply for another ESTA approval. Travelers whose passports will expire in less than two years will receive an ESTA valid until the passport's expiration date.

Who qualifies for visa waiver?

You are eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if you: Intend to enter the United States for 90 days or less for business, pleasure or transit. Have a valid passport lawfully issued to you by a Visa Waiver Program country. Arrive via a Visa Waiver Program signatory carrier.

How long does it take for a visa waiver to be approved?

This will take anywhere from four to nine months. Once a decision has been made, you will receive notification in the mail. All in all, the entire application and approval process takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

Which countries can enter USA without visa?

As of 2021, nationals of 40 countries and territories are eligible for visa-free entry into the United States under the VWP:Andorra.Australia.Austria.Belgium.Brunei.Chile.Croatia.Czech Republic.More items...

How much does an ESTA cost 2022?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved an increase in the ESTA fee from $ 14 to $ 21 in May 2022. Travelers from the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program will have to pay this cost for the ESTA application.

What happens if you overstay your visa waiver in the US?

If the visitor accrues unlawful overstay under the Visa Waiver Program, the visitor will be permanently barred from the program. In order to travel to the United States thereafter, such individuals would have to apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy and may face with the refusal of their visa application.

What countries do not accept U.S. passport?

North Korea The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the only nation in the world that US citizens are banned from visiting by the American government because of “serious and mounting risk of arrest and long-term detention.”

How many countries are there in the Visa Waiver Program?

40 countriesVisa Waiver Program Countries. There are currently 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra (1991)

How do I get a visa waiver for the USA?

To get a visa waiver, you must be a citizen of one of the 39 countries that participate in the U.S.'s Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization before your trip.

How long can you stay in America without a green card?

The Normal Rule. The quick answer to the question of how long a visitor can lawfully stay in the United States for most people is six months.

How much does an ESTA cost 2022?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved an increase in the ESTA fee from $ 14 to $ 21 in May 2022. Travelers from the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program will have to pay this cost for the ESTA application.

How do I get a visa waiver for the USA?

To get a visa waiver, you must be a citizen of one of the 39 countries that participate in the U.S.'s Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization before your trip.

How long does it take to get an ESTA for USA?

If you apply for ESTA, you may stay for as long as 90 days. Although there are no specific rules regarding how many days in advance you need to apply for ESTA, normally you will receive the results of your application within three days, or 72 hours.

How long does an ESTA take to be approved?

72 hoursIt is required to apply for ESTA and receive “authorization approved” status to travel to the U.S. without a visa, even for just a few days. After completing your ESTA application, if there are no problems you may receive “authorization approved” status within 3 days (72 hours) after you apply.

What is ESTA visa?

ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival.

Do you need an e-passport to use a VWP?

In addition, as of April 1, 2016, you must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-Passport is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip.

Why does DHS monitor VWP?

In addition to the biennial review process, DHS continuously monitors all VWP countries to ensure that their continued designation in the VWP will not adversely affect the security of the United States. Continuous monitoring allows DHS to react rapidly to evolving security threats. The Secretary of Homeland Security, ...

How long can a US citizen travel without a visa?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 38 countries [1] to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. In return, those 38 countries must permit U.S. citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism purposes. Since its inception in 1986, the VWP has evolved into a comprehensive security partnership with many of America’s closest allies. The VWP utilizes a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent terrorists, serious criminals, and other mala fide actors from traveling to the United States. This approach incorporates regular, national-level risk assessments concerning the impact of each program country’s participation in the VWP on U.S. national security and law enforcement interests. It also includes comprehensive vetting of individual VWP travelers prior to their departure for the United States, upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry, and during any subsequent air travel within the United States.

What is the statutory requirement for VWP countries to sign information sharing agreements with the United States?

The statutory requirement that VWP countries sign information sharing agreements with the United States pertaining to known and suspected terrorists, serious criminals, and lost and stolen passports enhances our vetting of individual travelers. VWP countries have provided the United States with information on more than 6,000 known or suspected terrorists as a result of VWP information sharing arrangements. This information exchange augments the already strong information exchange between the United States and VWP countries’ security services. Moreover, VWP countries have provided nearly 70 percent of the records in INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Document Database, which DHS utilizes in its daily vetting of ESTA applications and Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record data. [2] This information significantly bolsters DHS’s ability to identify and disrupt the travel of terrorists, serious criminals, and other mala fide actors who pose a threat to U.S. security.

What is VWP security?

Since its inception in 1986, the VWP has evolved into a comprehensive security partnership with many of America’s closest allies. The VWP utilizes a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent terrorists, serious criminals, and other mala fide actors from traveling to the United States.

What is an e-passport?

An e-Passport, denoted by the symbol , is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip.

Who has the authority to terminate a country's VWP?

The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, has statutory authority to immediately terminate or suspend a country’s designation in the VWP without notice if there is a credible threat originating from that country which poses an imminent danger to the United States or its citizens.

What does DHS collect?

DHS collects information from the government of the VWP country under review, the U.S. diplomatic mission in that country, the Departments of State and Justice, the U.S. Intelligence Community, and other sources. Many reviews also include operational site inspections of airports, seaports, land borders, and passport production ...

Passport requirements for the US Visa Waiver

The passport used for the Visa Waiver must meet the US government’s conditions to be accepted.

Eligible countries for the US VWP

To be eligible for the US Visa Waiver, you must be a citizen or national of one of the countries listed above.

Valid US ESTA

To travel to the US through the Visa Waiver Program, you must have authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

What is a visa waiver?

Visa Waiver Program: Reasons for Travel. You can enroll in the Visa Waiver Program if you are planning to transit through the United States to another country. Other activities you can do through the VWP include: Short-term training where you are not paid by a U.S.-based source.

Do you need an e-passport to participate in VWP?

You will also need an e-passport to participate in the VWP. An e-passport has an electronic chip embedded in it that gives your document extra security.

Can you extend your stay on VWP?

You cannot extend your stay if you enter the United States on the VWP. You can always leave and re-enter, but you will need to prove that you are not trying to live in the U.S..

When did the US start the Visa Waiver Program?

Congress passed legislation in 1986 to create the Visa Waiver Program with the aim of facilitating tourism and short-term business visits to the United States, and allowing the United States Department of State to focus consular resources on addressing higher risks. The United Kingdom became the first country to participate in the Visa Waiver Program in July 1988, followed by Japan in December 1988. In July 1989, France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and West Germany were added to the VWP.

When did President Bush announce the visa waiver program?

During his visit to Estonia in November 2006, President Bush announced his intention "to work with our Congress and our international partners to modify our visa waiver program". In 2006, the Secure Travel and Counterterrorism Partnership Bill was introduced in the Senate but no action was taken and that bill, as well as a similar one introduced in the House the following year, died after two years of inactivity. The bill would have directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a pilot program to expand the visa waiver program for up to five new countries that were cooperating with the United States on security and counterterrorism matters.

How far in advance do you need to apply for a visa waiver?

All incoming passengers who intend to take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program when traveling to the United States via air or sea are required to apply for a travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before departure to the United States, preferably at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance. This requirement was announced on June 3, 2008 and is intended to bolster U.S. security by pre-screening participating VWP passengers against terrorist or no-fly lists and databases. It is similar to Australia's Electronic Travel Authority system. The authorization is mandatory for participating VWP nationals before boarding flights destined to the United States, but as with formal visas this does not guarantee admission into the United States since final admission eligibility is determined at U.S. ports of entry by CBP officers.

What are the criteria for designation as a program country?

§ 1187 ). The criteria stress passport security, a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3%, and a reciprocal visa waiver for U.S. nationals, among other requirements.

How long can you stay in the US on a visa waiver?

A number of visitors from the Visa Waiver Program countries have overstayed the 90-day maximum. The Department of Homeland Security publishes a report that lists the number of violations made by passengers who arrived via air and sea on the Visa Waiver Program, excluding visa holders such as nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors. The table below excludes statistics on people who left the United States later than their allowed stay or legalized their status and shows only suspected overstays who remained in the country.

What is a VWP visa?

The Visa Waiver Program ( VWP) is a program of the U.S. federal government that allows nationals of specific countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business or while in transit for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa. The program applies to all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, which also have an additional program with waivers for more nationalities. American Samoa has a similar but separate program.

What is the visa refusal rate for 9/11?

The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 allowed the inclusion of new countries in the VWP with a visa refusal rate up to 10% (up from the standard requirement of 3%) if they satisfied certain other conditions, from October 2008.

What is a visa waiver?

The visa waiver program is essentially a fast-pass for immigration.

Why do people get visa waivers?

The other main reason people apply for the visa waiver program is for vacation or tourist activities.

What Do I Need to Apply for the Visa Waiver?

In order to travel under the visa waiver program, there are a few things you will need to gather.

Can you extend your stay on a visa waiver?

Another drawback of the visa waiver program is that, in most cases, you cannot extend your stay beyond the initial admission period.

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is administered by DHS and enables eligible citizens or nationals of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.

What are the passport requirements to travel under the Visa Waiver Program?

Travel under the VWP is restricted to travelers possessing passports with specified security features. Visa Waiver Program requirements are:

Why was there a travel and immigration ban for HIV-positive people?

The Immigration and Nationality Act provides that individuals who are determined to have a communicable disease of public health significance are inadmissible to the United States and are prohibited from receiving visas to visit the United States without a waiver. Congress removed this statutory language specifically requiring that HIV be considered a “communicable disease of public health significance,” a list that is established by regulations published by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through a provision in the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008, which the President signed on July 30, 2008. On November 2, 2009, HHS published its final rule deleting HIV from the definition of “communicable disease of public health significance."

What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, a traveler is notified of his or her eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP.

How does ESTA mitigate VWP security risks?

ESTA enables DHS to evaluate whether individuals are eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP prior to their boarding a U.S.-bound carrier, and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risks. ESTA counterbalances vulnerabilities inherent in visa-free travel by adding a layer of advance scrutiny that enables DHS frontline personnel to focus even more on the small population of potentially dangerous travelers.

How does the U.S. government protect the privacy of ESTA data and who has access to it?

Information submitted by applicants through the ESTA website is subject to the same strict privacy provisions and controls that have been established for similar traveler screening programs. Access to such information is limited to those with a professional need to know. The website is operated by the U.S. government and employs technology to prevent unauthorized access to the information entered and viewed. Information is protected and governed by U.S. laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Federal Information Security Management Act.

Does DHS use application data for any purpose other than determining eligibility for an ESTA?

DHS uses the application data to screen the individual before granting authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP. As part of this screening process, information that identifies suspected or known violators of the law and other persons of concern will be provided to the appropriate law enforcement, national security and/or counterterrorism agency.