Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program is a program of the US government that allows citizens 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 the United States as well as the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, with limited application to other US territories.
Full Answer
Will more countries be added to the Visa Waiver Program?
The program has slowly added more and more countries each year and there is no reason to think that more countries will not be added to the program. There are currently 39 member states of the VWP which opens up a great deal of travel opportunities in those countries not only for travelers going to the US but also for travelers coming from the US.
Which countries do not require visa?
Where Americans Can Visit Visa-Free
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
Who is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program?
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Travelers seeking to enter the United States for business or tourism (B-1/B-2 visa), or in transit (C-1) for less than 90 days may be eligible to travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they meet specific requirements. The VWP cannot be used if your purpose of travel is to study for ...
What countries can an US citizen visit without a visa?
Japan and Singapore are still the world's most powerful passports, a new global ranking has revealed, as their citizens can visit 192 countries visa-free ... from 6th place to 5th with a visa-free score of 187, while the US passport is one step behind ...
How many countries are there in the Visa Waiver Program?
40 countriesThe 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.
What countries have visa waiver to us?
Visa Waiver Program CountriesAndorra (1991)Australia (1996)Austria (1991)Belgium (1991)Brunei (1993)Chile (2014)Croatia (2021)Czech Republic (2008)More items...
Which countries are not on the Visa Waiver Program?
Non-approved countries include North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and Somalia, among others. This restriction is waived for journalists and diplomats arriving in the United States, however.
What countries does ESTA cover?
Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, ...
Is Canada a visa waiver country?
Permanent residents (landed immigrants) of Canada must have a nonimmigrant visa unless the permanent resident is a national of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), meets the VWP requirements, and is seeking to enter the United States for 90 days or less under that program.
Is Germany a visa waiver country?
Germany is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).
What countries can a U.S. passport not go to?
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 much is U.S. Visa Waiver Program?
$21.00 USDFee for application is $21.00 USD.
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.
How much does an ESTA cost 2022?
ESTA applications cost $14 each, payable when completing the online form.
Is ESTA enough to travel to USA?
Submitting an ESTA application is in many cases enough to travel to the USA. At the airport, the traveller is checked during boarding whether they possess a digital travel permit. Travellers that cannot provide the document are not allowed on the flight.
How long can you visit USA with ESTA?
90 daysWhen traveling to the United States with the approved ESTA, you may only stay for up to 90 days at a time and there should be a reasonable amount of time between visits so that the CBP Officer does not think you are trying to live here. There is no set requirement for how long you must wait between visits.
How do I get a waiver to enter US?
The process for a criminally inadmissible individual to travel to the United States is quite simple. A lawyer prepares and submits a US Waiver form to the Government on their behalf, they are issued a Waiver for US entry, and then they are allowed to cross the border without issues.
How much does an ESTA cost 2022?
ESTA applications cost $14 each, payable when completing the online form.
How can I go to America for free?
Here is my guide of how to travel the USA for free without mooching:Gear Up with Some Necessities. ... Go Human Powered. ... Dumpster Dive for Food. ... Forage for Food. ... Water. ... Live Naturally- Personal Hygiene. ... Electricity. ... Travel with a Purpose Greater than Yourself.More items...•
Do European citizens need a visa for USA?
In most cases, applying for a USA visa is not required. British and Irish citizens, as well as most Europeans, can make use of an ESTA. Applying for an ESTA saves money, time and effort compared to a visa application for the USA.
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.
When did the VWP travel to Yemen?
Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia and Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
What is the new entry requirement for Canada?
Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid visa. Apply online today: Canada.ca/eTA
When to apply for ESTA?
The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.
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.
Which countries have been added to the visa waiver program?
November 11, 2019: Poland. Argentina was added to the program on July 8, 1996 and removed on February 21, 2002. Uruguay was added to the program on August 9, 1999 and removed on April 15, 2003. Eligibility for the visa waiver may be withdrawn at any time.
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.
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.
How many countries have visa waivers?
The 40 Visa Waiver Countries are the following:
When did the visa waiver program change?
In 2016, the US Department of Homeland Security started implementing a change in the Visa Waiver Program under the “ Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 ”. Since then, certain travelers would no longer be eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
What Documents Do I Need to Travel under the Visa Waiver USA?
The only documents you need to have to get the Visa Waiver stamp on your passport is the ESTA approval and the e-Passport. Your e-Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the U.S.
What if I cannot get a Visa Waiver?
If for any reason, you are not eligible for a Visa Waiver or have had you Electronic System for Travel Authorization application denied, then you have one other option. You can apply for a regular US visa, such as the B1/B2 visa. If you are denied the visa too, then you have to check your eligibility and make sure that you qualify for a visa to the US. You will save much more time by applying for the B1 visa or the B2 visa.
Can I get a Green Card on an American Visa Waiver?
Additionally, you have to prove that you will return to your home country. Because of this , it is very difficult, if not impossible to get a Green Card while on a Visa Waiver.
Do I Need to Obtain Health Insurance as a Visitor in the United States?
No. Purchasing health insurance is not a requirement of the authorities to visit the United States . However, due to the high costs of the American healthcare system you are strongly advised to get health insurance before traveling to the United States.
What is an e-passport?
The e-passport is a document which you need in order to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the VWP. The e-passport is different from regular passports in two ways:
What is the visa waiver program?
Visa Waiver Program requirements are: The passport must have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page. The passport must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner . As of April 1, 2016, all travelers must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-Passport, denoted by the symbol , is ...
Do you need an e-passport to use VWP?
As of April 1, 2016, all travelers must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-Passport, denoted by the symbol , is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. E-Passports are issued by the proper passport issuing authority and must meet international standards for securing and storing information corresponding to the passport and bearer.
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.
Are there any countries that have a similar system in place for in-bound travelers?
The Government of Australia has a program that is similar to ESTA, called the Electronic Travel Authority, in which travelers planning to visit Australia may submit an application electronically through the Electronic Travel Authority website.
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.
Overview
Eligible countries
To be eligible for a visa waiver under the VWP, the traveler seeking admission to the United States must be a national of a country that has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, as a "program country". Permanent residents of designated countries who are not their nationals do not qualify for a visa waiver. The criteria for designati…
Requirements
All visitors from VWP countries must hold a biometric passport.
All travelers must have individual passports. It is not acceptable (for the VWP) for children to be included on a parent's passport.
In principle, the passport must be valid for six months beyond the expected date of departure from the United States. However, the United States has agreements with a large number of countries …
History
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 Ger…
U.S. territories
The Visa Waiver Program applies to all permanently inhabited U.S. territories except American Samoa.
Although the U.S. Visa Waiver Program also applies to the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and therefore nationals of VWP countries may travel to these territories with an ESTA, both territories have additional visa waiver programs for certain nationalities. The …
Other visa waivers
Separate from the Visa Waiver Program, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(d)(4)(B) permits the Attorney General and the Secretary of State (acting jointly) to waive visa requirements for admission to the United States in nonimmigrant status for nationals of foreign contiguous territories or adjacent islands or for residents of those territories or islands who have a common nationality with those nationals. The regulations relating to such admissions can be found at 8 CFR 212.1.
See also
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
• Visa policy of the United States
• US-VISIT
• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
Notes
1. ^ Only Hungarian citizens born in Hungary.
2. ^ Only holders of passports with a national identification number.
3. ^ Only British citizens are eligible to participate in the VWP.
4. ^ Included in the VWP from 1996 to 2002.