Visa Waiver Program

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is not a visa category but a comprehensive security and travel facilitation program administered by the Department of Homeland Security. It permits citizens and nationals of designated participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for short stays without first obtaining a visa.

The VWP is a reciprocal program, meaning the participating countries must also allow U.S. citizens to travel to their countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism.

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The VWP allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers from partner countries to enter the U.S. with less hassle, streamlining entry procedures and focusing consular resources on higher-risk travelers.

• Travel Authorization: To use the VWP, travelers must obtain an approved travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a U.S.-bound aircraft or vessel.

• ESTA Validity: An approved ESTA authorization is generally valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows for multiple entries into the U.S.

• Passport Requirement: Travelers must have a valid passport issued by a VWP country that meets specific security features, including being an electronic passport (e-Passport) with a digital chip.

Key Features and Limitations

• Duration of Stay: The maximum period of stay permitted per visit under the VWP is 90 days.

• No Extension or Change of Status: The most significant restriction is that VWP travelers generally cannot apply to extend their stay or change to another non-immigrant status (like a student or work visa) while in the U.S., with very few exceptions. They must depart at the end of the 90-day period.

• Permitted Activities: Travel must be for purposes permitted on a Visitor (B) visa, such as:

  • Tourism/Pleasure: Vacation, visiting family, or short recreational courses.

  • Business: Consulting with business associates, attending conventions, or negotiating contracts.

• Prohibited Activities: The VWP cannot be used for purposes such as:

  • Study for credit toward a degree.

  • Employment or paid performances.

  • Working as foreign media or journalists.

  • Seeking permanent residence.

Eligibility and Inadmissibility

To be eligible for VWP travel, the applicant must meet all requirements of the VWP, including:

• Be a citizen or national of a VWP country.

• Possess a valid e-Passport.

• Have an approved ESTA.

• Be traveling on a participating air or sea carrier.

• Hold a return or onward ticket.

Travelers who have been previously denied a visa, have a criminal record, or have traveled to certain restricted countries (like Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, or North Korea) after March 1, 2011, may be ineligible to use the VWP and must apply for a regular visa instead.

Dependents

The VWP applies to individual citizens of participating countries. There is no separate dependent classification; each traveler must meet the eligibility and ESTA requirements individually.