Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism
or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a U.S. visa.
Entering the U.S. on VWP:
To enter the U.S. on VWP, travelers from participating countries must:
Have a valid passport issued by the participating country and be a citizen (not merely a resident) of
that country. As of
October 1, 2007, the passport presented at the US port of entry must be a machine readable
passport;
Be seeking entry for 90 days or less as a temporary visitor;
If entering by air or sea, have a round-trip transportation ticket issued on a carrier that has signed
an agreement with the
U.S. government to participate in the VWP, and arrive in the United States aboard such
a carrier.
Have proof of financial solvency and hold a completed and signed visa waiver arrival/departure form
(I-94W), on which he/she
has waived the right to a hearing of exclusion or deportation.
These forms are available from participating carriers, from travel
agents, and at
land-border ports-of-entry. (Travelers should consult carriers to verify which ones are participating
before making travel arrangements.)
Length of Authorized Stay in the United States:
Visitors applying for entry under this program are allowed to remain 90 days. No extensions of stay can be
granted, and VWP travelers cannot change their status. Consistent with regulations pertaining to B1/B2
temporary visitor visas, travelers coming under the VWP cannot work or study.
Certain travelers of a VWP country still need to apply for a visa:
Certain travelers still need to apply for a visa, such as those who plan to work or study in the U.S., stay
more than 90 days, or who might otherwise be ineligible for a visa. Travelers previously denied
visas, or who have criminal records, or who believe they may be ineligible to enter the U.S. on the VWP,
should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before attempting to travel on the VWP.
