Are you coming to the United States for business or tourism? As a citizen of one of 41 eligible countries, you could even be allowed to come to the U.S. without a traditional visa through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program lets you come to the United States for 90 days for various reasons. Let’s get a bit more specific on what is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and how you can apply to benefit from the Visa Waiver Program.
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
Visa Waiver Program: Passengers from 41 countries receive visa-free entry to the United States. To apply for travel authorization you don’t need a visa, you need to apply through ESTA. When approved, this lets you come to the United States for up to 90 days for work or tourism purposes.
You might be visiting family, a brief business meeting, or traveling on vacation and with the Visa Waiver Program, your U.S. trip is never any less hassle-free. This program is not the right program for you if you’re looking to remain permanently in the US, but you can try other immigration programs through Law and Visas.
Countries that Are Part of the Visa Waiver Program.
As of now, 41 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program. These are some of the countries that people prefer to visit such as:
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Korea, Republic of
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
Important Note: Effective 1st of December 2024 Qatar will join the Visa Waiver Program.
What You Can Do Under the Visa Waiver Program?
Visa Waiver Program for Short-Term Visits to the U.S. for a variety of reasons. Here are the most widespread activities subject to the VWP:
Tourism Activities:
Going on vacation or holiday?
Visiting family or friends
Trying to get treated in the U.S.
Attending social events or festivals
Non-compensated music or sports events.
Doing little hobby courses, such as a cooking course.
Business Activities:
Consulting with business partners
Going to conferences or meetings to network.
Short-term training that is unpaid
Negotiating contracts
Visa Waiver Program basically is the same thing as the B-1/B-2 visitor visa except it’s faster and easier if you only have to be there for a limited period of time.
Visa Waiver Program Eligibility Requirements
You must have these qualifications to be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program to come to the United States:
Be a resident of a Visa Waiver Program country.
Not hold a U.S. Visitor Visa.
Plan to be in the U.S. for 90 days or less.
Be on a business or tourism trip.
Have an e-passport (passport with embedded electronic chip for extra security).
Before You Go: Sign Up for ESTA Before You Go.
After you’ve checked and verified that you’re eligible, you will need to apply for travel authorization using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is a web-based database for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that helps determine if travel to the United States is allowed for those who come from Visa Waiver Program countries.
How to Apply for ESTA:
To apply for an ESTA, here’s what you’ll need:
A passport of a Visa Waiver Program nation.
A valid email address
Your home and telephone number.
An emergency contact’s phone number and email.
Payment of ESTA fee ($14). There is a $4 processing and $10 authorization fee. When you are denied ESTA, only the processing fee is charged.
It’s easy to apply and the whole process takes under 30 minutes. You can get ESTA as soon as you are booked in the US.
Visa Waiver Program FAQs
Voici some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA:
ESTA for how long?
ESTA is good for two years or until the expiration of your passport, whichever is earlier. You can take it on several trips during that time and don’t have to apply again.
If my ESTA gets denied: What happens next?
It can be for various reasons that your ESTA application is rejected. You won’t get on the list, for instance, if you have been to some countries such as North Korea, Iran, or Iraq since 2011. If so, then you have to apply for a U.S. visa instead.
When do I get a new ESTA?
If: You need a new ESTA and you have to apply:
You get a new passport.
You re-name, re-sex, re-immigrate.
Questions on the ESTA app don’t remain the same.
Should I Stay in the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program?
No, the Visa Waiver Program is 90 days stay with no extensions. But you can travel out and come back to the US if you can show that you are not trying to become a resident.
What is the difference between ESTA and B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa?
ESTA and B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa can be used for tourism and business purposes, the main difference is that the B-1/B-2 visa allows a stay for 180 days whereas the ESTA limit is 90 days. It also gives a longer stay, and the B-1/B-2 visa offers more leeway to modify your visa status.
Visa Waiver Program: The Visa Waiver Program is a convenient means for citizens of certain countries to come to the United States for brief periods. You might be traveling for business, holiday, or medical travel, but the procedure is simple and fast when you request ESTA.
Always keep in mind, if you’re coming in for longer than that, or want to stay in the U.S. permanently, the Visa Waiver Program is not the answer but Law and Visas can help you explore alternative options for U.S. residence.
