Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 41 nations to enter the United States for a maximum of 90 days without a visa. By enabling qualified passengers to avoid the conventional visa application process, this initiative promotes travel for business and pleasure, as long as they fulfill certain criteria.
The VWP permits the majority of the aforementioned nations’ citizens or nationals to visit the United States for 90 days or less for business or pleasure without requiring them to apply for or receive a visa. Before entering the United States, travelers must obtain a current Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) permission. One can still apply for a visitor (B-1 or B-2) visa if they still want a visa in their passport.
41 Countries That Are Visa-Free to Enter the United States
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Switzerland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom
What is ESTA?
VWP-eligible travelers must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding a ship or airplane headed for the United States. The ESTA is:
- It is required of all VWP passengers.
- The passport is valid for two years, or until it expires.
- It is necessary prior to travel and can be applied for online.
Applications for ESTA are evaluated according to citizenship, prior travel history, and additional security considerations.
