Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals of certain countries to visit the United States for 90 days or less without having to obtain a visa. It is intended to ease international travel to America and boost tourism.

Who is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program?

Citizens of the countries listed below currently participate in the Visa Waiver Program:

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brunei
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Monaco
  • The Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Republic of Malta
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • South Korea
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom

Croatia is expected to be added to the list by 2011; as the list of countries may change, you are advised to get the most current information from  the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website, available in 22 languages.

In addition to being a citizen of one of the countries listed above, applicants must also meet the following criteria:

  • ESTA authorization to travel (good for up to two years);
  • Machine-readable electronic passport (including digital facial recognition chip) valid for six months past expected stay;
  • No intention of staying more than 90 days;
  • Purpose of travel is business or pleasure (not work or study);
  • Currently not in possession of a visitor’s visa;
  • Arrival on an approved carrier (if traveling by air or sea);
  • Return trip ticket to anywhere outside of the United States; and
  • Sufficient means to support themselves while in the United States.

How does the Visa Waiver Program work?

People interested in traveling through the Visa Waiver Program must apply through the ESTA website. You can also keep track of your application on the website.

Upon arrival and security screening in the U.S., Visa Waiver Program participants are allowed into the country via the US-VISIT program, which requires non-American citizens to provide biometrics (digital fingerprints and photograph) upon entry to and exit from the country.

If my application is approved, does that guarantee my entry to the United States?

No. U.S. Customs and Border Control agents make decisions on who to admit at the port of entry.

As regulations change with the Visa Waiver Program, always check the most recent updates at the U.S. Department of State website. As with all visa issues, if you have any questions regarding your specific situation, you are advised to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer in your area.