Are you dreaming of a fast getaway to the USA with out the lengthy look forward to visa on the embassy? In case you’re from certainly one of 43 particular nations, you could be in luck.
America permits residents of sure nations to journey visa-free for as much as 90 days underneath the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), however there are some vital guidelines you’ll have to comply with.
What’s the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a particular settlement between the US and choose nations that enables vacationers to enter the US for tourism or enterprise with no need a conventional visa.
As a substitute of going by a full visa software course of, guests from these nations can apply on-line by the Digital System for Journey Authorization (ESTA).
This technique, run by US Customs and Border Safety, checks whether or not a traveler qualifies for visa-free entry. The ESTA should be authorized earlier than boarding your flight, and it’s essential to do not forget that your keep within the US should not exceed 90 days.
Who Can Use the VWP?
Not everybody qualifies for visa-free entry even should you maintain a passport from a VWP nation. There are a couple of exceptions.
You gained’t be eligible for ESTA if:
- You’ve got visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
- You’ve been to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
- You maintain twin nationality with Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
If any of those circumstances apply, you’ll have to go the normal route and apply for a B-1/B-2 customer visa.
Which International locations Are A part of the VWP?
In case you’re from one of many following nations, you could be eligible to journey to the US and not using a visa for as much as 90 days:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Eire
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- South Korea (Republic of Korea)
- Romania
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
What it is best to know
Whereas the Visa Waiver Program makes journey to the US simpler for a lot of, it nonetheless comes with tasks. Be sure you apply for ESTA forward of time and that your journey plans meet the necessities.
And should you’re from a rustic not on this listing like Nigeria or India, you’ll nonetheless want a visa to go to the US. Bought your ESTA authorized? Then pack your luggage, you’ve obtained 90 days to discover!