Citizens from 41 countries can travel to the United States for short-term visits without needing a visa, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This allows eligible travellers to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes — no embassy appointments or visa interviews required.
Countries participating in the VWP include:
United Kingdom, 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, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan.
However, even if you’re a citizen of one of these countries, entry is not automatic. You must still meet certain criteria and obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before your trip.
What Is an ESTA and Why Is It Important?
An ESTA is a mandatory travel authorization that determines whether you’re eligible to visit the U.S. under the VWP. It’s an online process managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and must be approved before you board a flight or ship bound for the U.S.
You can apply for an ESTA via the official website. Once approved, it’s typically valid for two years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
Exceptions: Who Needs a Visa Despite Being from a VWP Country?
Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, certain travellers from VWP countries are not eligible for visa-free travel and must instead apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
You must apply for a visa if:
You have visited or been present in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
You have visited or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
You hold dual citizenship with any of the following countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
In such cases, travellers must apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa through standard procedures.
Final Checklist for VWP Travellers:
Hold a passport from a VWP country.
Have a valid ESTA approval.
Plan to stay for 90 days or fewer.
Visit for tourism or business purposes only.
Have not recently traveled to or hold citizenship in restricted countries.
For more information or to apply for an ESTA, visit the official ESTA website.
Source: News18