ESTA – Visa Waiver

🌍 What Is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 42 participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for tourism or business visits of 90 days or less.

✈️ Key Features:

  • No visa is required for short visits (up to 90 days)
  • Travel must be for business or tourism only (not for work, study, or permanent stay)
  • Travelers must apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure
  • All VWP travelers are screened when entering the U.S. and enrolled in the US-VISIT security program

💡 Important Notes:

  • You can still apply for a visa if you prefer or don’t meet VWP requirements
  • Not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible — you must meet certain conditions
  • The program helps streamline travel, boost tourism, and reduce the workload for U.S. embassies and consulates

Let me know if you’d like this turned into a visual checklist or downloadable client info sheet!

Which countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

[UPDATED March 2025]

Currently, 42 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:
— 2 countries may be joining the program in 2025 (Cyprus and Romania)

  • Andorra (1991)
  • Australia (1996)
  • Austria (1991)
  • Belgium (1991)
  • Brunei (1993)
  • Chile (2014)
  • Croatia (2021)
  • Czech Republic (2008)
  • Cyprus (projected to join in 2025)
  • Denmark (1991)
  • Estonia (2008)
  • Finland (1991)
  • France (1989)
  • Germany (1989)
  • Greece (2010)
  • Hungary (2008)
  • Iceland (1991)
  • Ireland (1995)
  • Israel (2023)
  • Italy (1989)
  • Japan (1988)
  • Korea, Republic of (2008)
  • Latvia (2008)
  • Liechtenstein (1991)
  • Lithuania (2008)
  • Luxembourg (1991)
  • Malta (2008)
  • Monaco (1991)
  • Netherlands (1989)
  • New Zealand (1991)
  • Norway (1991)
  • Poland (2019)
  • Portugal (1999)
  • Qatar (2024)
  • Romania (March 2025)
  • San Marino (1991)
  • Singapore (1999)
  • Slovakia (2008)
  • Slovenia (1997)
  • Spain (1991)
  • Sweden (1989)
  • Switzerland (1989)
  • Taiwan (2012)
  • United Kingdom** (1988)

✈️ Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Travel to the U.S. Without a Visa

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 42 eligible countries to visit the United States for tourism or business without needing a visa — for stays of up to 90 days.

Travelers must meet all eligibility requirements and obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling.

🗺️ Who Is Eligible for the VWP?

Citizens of VWP countries may travel to the U.S. without a visa if they:

  • Have a valid e-passport (see details below)
  • Receive travel authorization via ESTA before departure
  • Are visiting for business, tourism, or transit only
  • Will stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less
  • Have a return or onward ticket
  • Can prove financial ability to support their stay

Note: Not all citizens of VWP countries are eligible. Some individuals — such as those with criminal records or prior visa overstays — must apply for a visa instead.

🔒 Security Requirements for VWP Countries

To participate in the VWP, countries must meet strict security and law enforcement standards, including:

  • Sharing criminal and terrorist data with the U.S.
  • Reporting lost/stolen passports
  • Using e-passports for all VWP travelers
  • Cooperating on counterterrorism and border control
  • Participating in agreements like HSPD-6, PCSC, and API/PNR data sharing

Important: Participation in the VWP is at the sole discretion of the U.S. government.

🛂 ESTA: Your Pre-Travel Authorization

All VWP travelers must apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure:

  • Apply at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
  • Fee: $21 USD
  • Valid for: 2 years or until passport expiration
  • Allows: Multiple entries for 90-day visits

You’ll need to provide:

  • Valid passport from a VWP country
  • Personal and contact info
  • Emergency contact info
  • Employer and U.S. contact info (if applicable)
  • Payment via credit card or PayPal

📵 Common ESTA Issues

  • If your ESTA is denied due to an error, wait 24 hours before correcting it.
  • Multiple early attempts may cause continued denials.
  • For help, call CBP ESTA Helpline: +1 (202) 325-8000

📌 When You Need a Visa (Not Eligible for VWP)

You must apply for a visa if:

  • You want to stay longer than 90 days
  • You plan to work, study, or immigrate
  • You don’t have an e-passport or machine-readable passport
  • You’re traveling on a non-approved carrier
  • You have a criminal record or prior U.S. immigration violations
  • You’ve been denied a visa recently
  • You plan to work as foreign media or journalist

📋 Passport Requirements

All VWP travelers must have a passport that is:

  • Valid for at least 6 months beyond your U.S. stay (some exceptions apply)
  • Machine-readable or an e-passport depending on the issue date

e-Passport Required (as of April 1, 2016)

An e-passport contains an electronic chip and is marked with this symbol: 🛂
It must meet international security standards and be issued by your country’s passport authority.

Children: Each child must have their own e-passport to travel under VWP. Children listed in a parent’s passport are not eligible.

🚪 At the U.S. Port of Entry

When entering the U.S. under VWP:

  • You are enrolled in the DHS US-VISIT program
  • You must present:
  • Your valid e-passport
  • ESTA approval
  • (Optional) Form I-94W if required by your airline

⚠️ Important: By entering on VWP, you waive the right to appeal a CBP denial of entry or removal order.

🌐 Re-Entry After Visiting Nearby Countries

If you take a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands during your stay, you can generally re-enter the U.S. under the VWP for the remainder of your original 90-day period — no new ESTA required.

🌎 Special Cases

Citizens of Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba & St. Maarten

Nationals of these former Netherlands Antilles countries are not eligible for VWP travel if using those passports.

British Citizens

Must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man) to qualify for VWP travel.

Argentina & Uruguay

Previously in the VWP, but both were removed:

  • Argentina (removed Feb 21, 2002)
  • Uruguay (removed Apr 15, 2003)

Canada, Mexico & Bermuda

These countries are not part of the VWP, but may have separate visa-free arrangements. Check with a U.S. embassy if unsure.

📌 Final Reminders

  • Apply for ESTA early – do not wait until your travel date
  • Have all required documents ready at check-in and the port of entry
  • If your passport or travel plans don’t meet VWP rules, apply for the correct U.S. visa

🔗 Need More Help?

Visit the official CBP ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Check DHS’s Visa Waiver Program page for updates: www.cbp.gov/travel

Or 📞 contact our office to ensure your VWP travel is compliant — we’re here to help.

Learn more about ESTA. ESTA applications may be completed online at the official DHS website, which is: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

Last Revision: March 2025.