The U.S. Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of several countries to visit the United States without a visa. Under the program, foreign nationals can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days for business, or leisure purposes, or transit through an international airport.
Travelers eligible for visa-free access to the U.S. are required to register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure. The online application is fast and efficient, with no need to attend a U.S. embassy or undergo an interview.
Passport holders from countries which are not covered by the Visa Waiver Program must instead apply for a U.S. visitor visa. Information about the different types of non-immigrant visas can be found below.
Passport holders from the following countries can travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA:
Note that British subjects, British dependent territories citizens, British overseas citizens, British national (overseas) citizens, and British protected person passport holders cannot apply for ESTA.
Travelers must have a biometric passport from an eligible country to apply for an ESTA visa waiver.
On approval, the ESTA is linked to the applicant’s passport electronically. The same passport must be used to apply for the ESTA and travel to America.
Foreign nationals who wish to go to the U.S. under the VWP are recommended to submit the online application form at least 1 day(s) before departure. Travelers with plans to visit the United States in the next 3 to 6 months are advised to apply as soon as possible.
The following information is among that required to successfully complete the form:
The ESTA application also contains several security and other eligibility questions. Travelers must answer all the questions truthfully, as anyone who provides incomplete or inaccurate information may not have their ESTA approved.
Any past criminal convictions may be taken into account when processing the visa waiver request. Additionally, travelers who have been to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1st, 2011 cannot enter the U.S. with ESTA.
To finalize the application, the visa waiver fees are paid using a debit or credit card. Once approved, the ESTA is linked to the electronic chip inside the e-passport.
ESTA applicants receive a confirmation email that contains their Application Number. This number can be used to:
To check the status of your ESTA application, please click here.
The ESTA visa waiver remains valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first. ESTA holders can enter the U.S. multiple times and stay for up to 90 days each time.
Travelers are reminded that the ESTA may be used for tourist and business activities in the U.S. It is not valid for carrying out paid employment in the United States. Foreigners also require the ESTA visa waiver to transit through an American airport.
Please note that the ESTA travel authorization does not guarantee entry to the United States. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the port of entry have the final authority.
All eligible citizens can click here to complete the ESTA application online.
Foreigners who cannot take advantage of ESTA need one of the following types of non-immigrant U.S. visitor visas:
Only foreigners who do not meet the ESTA visa waiver requirements should apply for a visitor visa. Applicants need to complete the DS-160 form and make an appointment at their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to present all supporting documents.
Travelers who require a visa for their trip to America should begin the application process well in advance, taking into consideration the fact they will also need to attend an interview.
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