Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Entry to the United States Without a Visa

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables eligible citizens and nationals of designated participating countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days for tourism (B-2) or business (B-1) without obtaining a visa.

VWP travelers must obtain Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to boarding and meet all eligibility criteria. Those who prefer a visa or are ineligible for the VWP may apply for a B-1/B-2 visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Eligible Countries for the Visa Waiver Program

As of March 1, 2025, the following countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom*.

Note: Romania is expected to join the program by March 31, 2025.

Important Notes on Country Eligibility:

  • Taiwan: Under U.S. law, references to “countries” in the VWP include Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.
  • United Kingdom: Only British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man qualify for VWP travel.

Key Requirements for VWP Travel

To travel under the Visa Waiver Program, applicants must:

  1. Be a citizen or national of a VWP country
  2. Obtain valid ESTA authorization before departure
  3. Use a machine-readable or e-passport with an embedded electronic chip
  4. Limit their stay to a maximum of 90 days
  5. Have a valid return ticket or onward travel itinerary
  6. Not have prior U.S. visa denials or immigration violations

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

  • ESTA is an online pre-authorization system managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine VWP eligibility.
  • ESTA must be obtained prior to departure and is valid for two years or until the passport expires.
  • Travelers are strongly advised to check ESTA status before making travel arrangements.

Apply for ESTA

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

Under this legislation, certain travelers are no longer eligible for VWP and must apply for a visa before traveling to the United States:

>> Individuals who have traveled to or been present in:

  • North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
  • Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.

>> Nationals of VWP countries who hold dual citizenship with:

  • North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, or Cuba.

>> Exceptions apply for diplomatic or military travel on behalf of a VWP country.

Individuals affected by this restriction must apply for a visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Find Your Nearest U.S. Embassy

Passport Requirements for VWP Travelers

To qualify for VWP entry, travelers must possess a valid passport that meets the following criteria:

🛂 Validity: Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond intended U.S. departure date (unless exempted by country-specific agreements).

🔹 E-Passport Requirement

image from “https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html”
  • All VWP travelers must hold an e-passport, identifiable by a chip symbol on the cover.
  • E-passports contain biometric data and enhance security.

Emergency and temporary passports must also be e-passports.

How Wang Law LLC Can Assist You

At Wang Law LLC, our team of professional immigration attorneys provides expert legal counsel on all matters related to the Visa Waiver Program, including:

  1. Assessing VWP eligibility and travel risks
  2. Assisting with ESTA applications and addressing denials
  3. Providing legal guidance for alternative visa options
  4. Handling inadmissibility cases and complex travel restrictions

Our firm is committed to providing tailored legal solutions for international travelers, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

For personalized guidance, contact Wang Law LLC today.

📞 Phone: 708-966-9999
📧 Email: info@wanglaw.com
🌎 Website: www.wanglaw.com

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