Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which began to accept voluntary ESTA applications starting August 1, 2008. ESTA is a new fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States, and VWP travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States. It is anticipated that ESTA will become mandatory for VWP travelers on January 12, 2009. Learn more about ESTA on the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.  

International travelers seeking to travel to the United States without a visa, who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, should review this important information on traveler passport requirements under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). All VWP travelers, regardless of age or type of passport used, must present a machine-readable passport. 

Visa Waiver-WB

• May receive an honorarium and be reimbursed for expenses (effective 10/21/98)
• May enter U.S. for a maximum of 90 days without a visa; must have a non-refundable round trip ticket
• Letter of invitation may be helpful in obtaining visa
• May not apply to USCIS for extension of stay

Visa Waiver-WT

• May receive an honorarium and be reimbursed for expenses (effective 10/21/98)
• May enter U.S. for a maximum of 90 days without a visa; must have a non-refundable round trip ticket
• May not apply to USCIS for extension of stay

 You can read more online at the U.S. State Departments Travel Bureau