Through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) persons from certain qualifying countries can come to the US and stay for a maximum period of 90 days without a visa. This program was established to eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus its resources in other areas. There are some eligibility requirements to be met for nationals of VWP countries to travel without a visa on VWP. Some travelers from VWP countries are not eligible for this program. VWP travelers should have a valid authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before they travel, are screened at the port of entry into the US and are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program. As of now, 36 countries qualify for this program.
To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, a country has to fulfill many security and other requirements. It includes enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the US and timely reporting of both blank and issued lost and stolen passports. VWP members have to also maintain high counter terrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards. Satisfying these conditions alone will not make a country eligible as designation as a VWP country is at the sole discretion of the US government.
Nationals of the qualifying countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may use this program under these conditions:
- They have received an authorization to travel under the VWP through ESTA
- They have the correct type of passport that has a validity of six months past their expected stay in the US. There are other passport requirements for all categories of passports — regular, diplomatic, and official – when the traveler wishes to enter the US for business or tourist purposes (for a maximum of 90 days)
- Their stay in the US is for 90 days or less and for the purpose of tourism or business.
Note that Foreign media representatives seeking to engage in that vocation in the US do not qualify under this program, as the reason for their stay will not qualify as “business”. Such persons have to get a non immigrant media (I) visa. In addition to this, travelers planning to work or study cannot travel on VWP - If traveling by air or sea, they do so on an approved carrier and have a return trip ticket to any foreign country.
- They have to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves while in the US.
Travelers admitted under the Visa Waiver Program and who make a short trip to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island are allowed to re enter the US under the VWP for the balance of their original admission period. VWP nationals resident in Mexico, Canada or adjacent islands are normally exempted from requirements to show onward travel to other foreign countries
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