Visa Waiver Program and ESTA
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to their travel.
What is ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. ESTA approval is mandatory for all travelers from VWP countries before they can board a U.S.-bound airplane or vessel.
Benefits of the Visa Waiver Program
- Convenience: Travel to the U.S. without the need to obtain a visa.
- Speed: Faster application process with ESTA compared to a traditional visa.
- Flexibility: Multiple trips to the U.S. within a two-year period or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Who is Eligible for the Visa Waiver Program?
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to travel under the VWP:
| Andorra | Denmark | Ireland | Monaco | Slovakia |
| Australia | Estonia | Italy | Netherlands | Slovenia |
| Austria | Finland | Japan | New Zealand | South Korea |
| Belgium | France | Latvia | Norway | Spain |
| Brunei | Germany | Liechtenstein | Poland | Sweden |
| Chile | Greece | Lithuania | Portugal | Switzerland |
| Croatia | Hungary | Luxembourg | San Marino | Taiwan |
| Czech Republic | Iceland | Malta | Singapore | United Kingdom |
Eligibility Requirements for the Visa Waiver Program
To qualify for the VWP, travelers must:
- Be a citizen of a VWP country.
- Possess a valid passport from a VWP country.
- Have an approved ESTA prior to travel.
- Plan to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less for business, tourism, or transit.
- Have a return or onward ticket.
- Not pose a threat to the health, safety, or security of the United States.
- Not have violated the terms of any previous admission to the United States.
Length of Stay
The Visa Waiver Program permits a maximum stay of 90 days within the United States and is not extendable.
Travel Purposes Not Permitted on Visa Waiver Program
- Study or attend a higher education for credit
- Employment
- Work as a member of the media
- Permanent residence in the United States
Additional Details
Individual Advance Authorization from ESTA is required for all travelers, including spouses and children, prior to boarding any vessel bound for the United States.
Citizens of qualifying countries are not eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program if any of the following are applicable:
- Travel to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 for anything other than diplomatic or military purposes
- Are nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria
What We Do
- Provide guidance on the scope of activities permissible under the Visa Waiver Program
- Provide assistance in the ESTA Application form
Are you planning to travel to the United States and considering the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)? Let our firm help you determine your eligibility and simplify the application process.
Why Work with Us
- Expert Assessment: Our knowledgeable team will evaluate your eligibility for the VWP and ESTA, ensuring you meet all criteria for hassle-free travel.
- Step-by-Step Guidance: We provide comprehensive assistance in completing the ESTA application, helping you navigate the online process with ease.
- Personalized Support: Each traveler’s situation is unique. We tailor our services to meet your specific needs, giving you the best chance for a successful application.
Don’t leave your travel plans to chance! Contact us now to schedule a consultation. Together, we can ensure that your journey to the U.S. is smooth and enjoyable.
How to Apply for ESTA
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Visit the official ESTA website and fill out the application form with accurate information.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable ESTA application fee using a valid credit card
Step 3: Receive ESTA Approval
Most applicants receive approval within minutes. However, it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before travel
Required Documentation
- Valid passport from a VWP country.
- Approved ESTA.
- Return or onward ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visa Waiver
- What are the requirements for entering the U.S. under the VWP?
To travel to the U.S. under the VWP, you must:
- Be a citizen of a VWP-participating country.
- Possess a valid ESTA approval prior to travel.
- Have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
- Have a return or onward ticket.
- Travel for business, tourism, or transit only.
- Stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less.
- How long is an ESTA valid?
An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple entries into the U.S. within the validity period.
- What if my ESTA application is denied?
If your ESTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The denial of an ESTA does not prevent you from applying for a visa.
- Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days under the VWP?
No, you cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days under the VWP. If you need to stay longer, you must obtain a visa before traveling to the U.S.
- What happens if I overstay my VWP visit?
Overstaying the 90-day limit of the VWP can result in being barred from using the VWP in the future and possible penalties, including being barred from entry to the U.S.
- Do children need their own ESTA?
Yes, children, regardless of age, require their own ESTA to travel under the VWP. Each traveler must have a separate ESTA approval.
- Can I travel to the U.S. for other purposes under the VWP?
No, the VWP is only for business, tourism, or transit purposes. For other travel purposes, such as employment or study, you must obtain an appropriate visa.
- Is there a fee for ESTA?
Yes, there is a fee for submitting an ESTA application. The fee covers the processing and administration of your application.
- How can I check the status of my ESTA?
You can check the status of your ESTA by visiting the official ESTA website and entering your application number and passport information.
- What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen while I have an approved ESTA?
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must obtain a new passport and apply for a new ESTA. Your ESTA approval is linked to your passport number, so you need a new ESTA for your new passport.
For more detailed information, please visit the U.S. Department of State Visa Waiver Program page.
Related Links
Visa Wavier Program
Department of State’s dedicated page for the Visa Waiver Program
Apply using the Visa Waiver Program
Apply for the Visa Waiver Program
We strongly recommend applying for a waiver no later than 72 hours prior to departure
