Define: Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits citizens or nationals from specific countries to visit the United States for tourism or business purposes for a maximum of 90 days without needing a visa. To qualify, travelers must fulfil specific criteria and receive authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to their trip. This program is exclusively open to citizens or nationals of participating countries, and those who already possess a B visa should not apply for a visa waiver. Additionally, travelers must possess a valid passport and are not allowed to prolong their stay or alter their immigration status while in the U.S.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. To qualify for the program, travelers must meet specific requirements and obtain approval for travel authorizations through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before embarking on their journey. Even if their visas are waived, they must still carry valid passports during their travels. Eligible travelers must confirm that their purpose of travel is for tourism or business, such as attending professional conferences, business conventions, or vacations, for no more than 90 days. The following countries or regions’ citizens or nationals are eligible for the program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Republic of Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan*, and the United Kingdom. If travelers from these countries already possess B visas, they should not apply for any visa waiver, as they can use B visas to travel to the U.S. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates the web-based system, ESTA, to determine travelers’ eligibility to enter the U.S. ESTA authorizations are typically valid for two years. During this period, if a traveler obtains a new passport, changes their name, gender, or citizenship, or has any changes relating to ESTA application questions, they should update ESTA. Passports should be valid for more than six months after the planned departure from the U.S. To apply for travel authorization through ESTA, travelers must enter their personal and travel information, answer eligibility questions, review their application, and pay a $14 application fee. Travelers are not allowed to extend their stay in the U.S beyond the initial admission period, nor are they permitted to change their status in the U.S. For instance, an Australian citizen who wishes to visit the U.S. for a two-week vacation can apply for travel authorization through ESTA instead of applying for a visitor visa. If approved, they can travel to the U.S. without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. Similarly, a French national who wants to attend a business conference in the U.S. can apply for travel authorization through ESTA. If approved, they can travel to the U.S. without a visa and attend the conference for up to 90 days. These examples demonstrate how citizens or nationals of participating countries can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without obtaining a visa through the Visa Waiver Program, provided they meet the program’s requirements and obtain approval for travel authorizations through ESTA. *According to the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, “all references to country or countries in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.”

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This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.