The Visa Waiver Program enables citizens of
35 countries
to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or
less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the
objective of promoting better relations between the United States and its
allies, eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism
industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in
other areas. Visa Waiver eligible travelers may continue to apply for a United
States Visa if they prefer, but it is not required for stays up to 90 days.
Under the
Visa Waiver Program there are passport requirements and eligibility requirements
that must both be fulfilled. Since January 12, 2009 the Electronic System for Travel
Authorization (ESTA) has been a new pre-departure requirement for all visa
waiver travelers. ESTA is not a visa but an authorization to travel to the
United States and ask for admission to enter. An approved travel authorization
(ESTA) does not guaranty entry. The
offers a comprehensive, detailed, and easy to understand guide so that you can
successfully travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
ESTA IS NOW REQUIRED FOR AIR AND
SEA TRAVEL
The Department of Homeland Security has implemented the Electronic
System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The purpose of ESTA is to pre-screen all
travelers who intent to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
Individuals from non Visa Waiver countries cannot use the ESTA service but must
obtain a visitor visa in advance. ESTA is not a visa
requirement, it is a travel requirement.
Travelers to the United States are encouraged to register themselves online as soon as possible.
It is not necessary to have purchased a ticket or made a hotel booking in
advance. Once the traveler has completed the Travel Authorization registration, he or she will get
an instant result indicating whether the they are allowed to travel to the
United States or not. A Travel Authorization is valid for 2 years at the
time unless the passport expires earlier.
- January 12, 2009: All travelers under the Visa Waiver Program must
pre-register with ESTA before entering the United States via air or sea.
Travelers without an accepted Travel Authorization will not be allowed to board
any airplanes or sea carriers that are U.S. bound.
Any person traveling on the Visa Waiver Program must present a machine
readable passport or an e-passport depending on the citizenship. A person from a Visa Waiver Country having a non-machine
readable passport must apply for a visitor visa in
advance.
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Not all citizens of Visa Waiver countries are
eligible to enter the United States Visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program.
Some applicants might be required to apply for a
in order to visit
the United States. Additional information can be found in the Visa Waiver information guide.
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Visa Waiver Program and B-2 Tourist Visa Application Package
The Visa Waiver Program and B-2 Tourist Visa Application Package includes the following 2 products:
- Visa Waiver Information Guide [the product on this page]
- B-2 Tourist Visa Application Guide [required
for non-Visa Waiver Program visitors]
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Regular Price: $99.90 [if downloaded separately]
Package Price: $79.90
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Save $20: Download the Visa Waiver Information Guide and B-2 Tourist Visa Application Guide
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