Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Information and Easy Guide
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 43 participating markets to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Instead of a visa, travelers must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling.
Who Qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program?
To qualify, a traveler must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a participating VWP market
- Have a valid e-passport (with a microchip)
- Plan on staying in the U.S. for 90 days or less
- Have an approved ESTA
- Travel for an eligible purpose (tourism, business, or transit)
What is ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online application system that determines your eligibility to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.
How does an individual apply for an ESTA?
Individuals can apply using the official ESTA mobile app for iOS or Android, or apply online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta.
Key Facts About ESTA:
- Cost: $21 per application
- Validity: Two (2) years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
- Purpose: To screen travelers before boarding for security and eligibility
Are there any restrictions?
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program markets who have traveled to, or have been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, with limited exceptions, cannot travel to or be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and must apply for a visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate. In addition, dual nationals of countries designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism by the State Department (Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria) are also ineligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the VWP and must apply for a visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
More information about ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program is available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
