The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows most citizens or nationals of participating countries to visit the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. However, recent updates impose new restrictions and requirements on certain travelers.
Overview of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) facilitates travel for citizens or nationals of participating countries, enabling them to visit the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. To travel under the VWP, individuals must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before travel and meet all specified requirements. Despite the convenience of the VWP, travelers still have the option to apply for a visitor (B) visa if they prefer to have a visa in their passport.
New Restrictions Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015
The Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 introduces significant changes affecting eligibility for the VWP. Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, must now obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. Limited exceptions apply for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country.
Additionally, nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, are also required to obtain a visa. Again, exceptions are made for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country.
Furthermore, nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria are no longer eligible to travel under the VWP and must obtain a visa.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Eligibility, Requirements, and Recent Changes
Overview of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens or nationals of participating countries to visit the United States for tourism or business without obtaining a visa for stays of 90 days or less. To travel under the VWP, individuals must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all specified requirements. If travelers prefer to have a visa in their passport, they may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.
Eligibility Criteria for VWP
To be eligible for the VWP, you must be a citizen or national of one of the following countries:
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, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
Note: British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man to be eligible.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
To travel without a visa under the VWP, you must have authorization through ESTA before boarding a U.S.-bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is a web-based system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine eligibility for VWP travel. Visit the ESTA webpage on the CBP website for more information.
Updating Your ESTA
Your ESTA will typically be valid for two years. You must obtain a new ESTA if you:
- Receive a new passport, including an emergency or temporary passport.
- Change your name.
- Change your gender.
- Change your country of citizenship.
- Need to change your responses to any of the “yes” or “no” questions on the ESTA application.
Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015
The Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 introduces significant changes affecting eligibility for the VWP. Travelers in the following categories must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States, as they are no longer eligible for the VWP:
- Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011. Limited exceptions apply for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country.
- Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021. Limited exceptions apply for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country.
- Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
These individuals can apply for visas using regular appointment processes at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For urgent travel, U.S. Embassies and Consulates offer expedited application processes.
Checking ESTA Status and Applying for a Visa
If a traveler’s ESTA is denied due to the Act, they may contact the CBP Information Center or apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends that travelers check their ESTA status before making travel reservations or traveling to the United States. More information is available on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website.
Passport Requirements for VWP Travel
Travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure from the United States (unless exempted by country-specific agreements). Each family member, including infants and children, must have their own passport.
The VWP simplifies travel for many international visitors, but it’s essential to understand and meet the program’s requirements and stay updated on any changes, such as those introduced by the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. Always check your ESTA status and ensure your passport and travel plans comply with the latest regulations to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey to the United States.