What Is a Visa Waiver?

Enter the U.S. Without a Visa

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits citizens of 35 participating countries to enter the U.S. without a visa.

Qualified Travelers

The U.S. State Department cites the following qualifications: The visitor must receive an authorization from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), have a passport valid for six months past their visit, and travel for tourism or non-earning business.

ESTA Authorization

The ESTA is issued by the Customs & Border Protection Agency and must be applied for on line at their website.

Not Acceptable Travel

For stays longer than 90 days, or for work or study, travelers cannot qualify for a visa waiver.

Additional Passport Requirements

VWP travelers are required to have machine-readable passports. The State Department cites an additional requirement for specified countries on the VWP list that passports contain a biometric integrated chip.

Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda

Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda are not part of the VWP because their citizens meet other qualifications for visa-free travel.

References

• Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization
• Regulations for Citizens of Canada, Mexico & Bermuda

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish