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VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) was established in 1986 in order to offer an easy and effective method for nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States. The program enables citizens of the participating countries to enter the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a U.S. visa for tourism or limited business purposes. Travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must present a machine-readable passport valid for six months past their expected stay in the United States. **IMPORTANT NOTE: Beginning January 12, 2009, travel authorization will be required from individuals traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Travel authorization is available through the Department of Homeland Security by using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Obtaining travel authorization through the ESTA is free of charge, and assistance is available in sixteen languages.
Twenty-seven countries currently participate in the Visa Waiver Program. These countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Nethterlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Beginning November 17, 2008, seven additional countries will participate in the Visa Waiver Program. These countries are: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia.
ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION
Beginning January 12, 2009, travel authorization will be required from individuals traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Travel authorization is available through the Department of Homeland Security by using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Obtaining travel authorization through the ESTA is free of charge, and assistance is available in sixteen languages.
ARTICLES & HELPFUL LINKS
- Long, Chang & Associates, L.L.P. Articles:
- Department of State Visa Waiver Program page
- Department of State VWP Quick Reference Guide
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
- CBP Electronic System for Travel Authorization Fact Sheet
- ESTA Information Sheet (9 languages)
- CBP FAQ's on the VWP and ESTA