Visa Waiver Program

Overview – what is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.  Not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program. 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.

Which countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program?
Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, 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 and the UK.

Passport requirements for VWP Travel
NOTE: Depending on when VWP travelers’ passports were issued, different passport requirements will apply.  For detailed information on VWP passport requirements please go to the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs VWP webpage or to the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs & Border Protection VWP webpage.

If a traveler cannot meet the passport requirements, he/she must obtain a visa for entry to the United States, and cannot travel without a visa on VWP.  Please click here for the visa application procedure.