Visa Waiver Program (VWP)and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Currently, the following 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

VWP travelers are screened prior to admission into the United States, and they are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program. Effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP. Beginning August 1, 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be accessible via Internet for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, however, the Department  of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel.

To complete the on-line application form in English log onto the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and in most cases you will receive a prompt response.

To find out more about the Visa Waiver program please click on the following  links: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html and at www.cbp.gov/esta.