Non-Immigrant Visas

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program 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.  The program was established in 1986 with the objective of promoting better relations with U.S. allies, eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas.  Not all countries participate in the program and not all citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible to use the program.  Visa Waiver Program travelers are screened prior to admission into the United States, and they are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security's US-VISIT program.

Nationals of participating Visa Waiver Program countries may use the program if:

• The duration of their stay in the United States is 90 days or less and is for the purpose of tourism or business.  Please note that all journalists working on assignment in the U.S. must apply for a journalism visa regardless of citizenship.
  
• They present a machine-readable passport (MRP) valid for six months past their expected stay in the U.S.

Depending on when eligible travelers' passports were issued, other passport requirements will apply:

• They have complied with the conditions of previous admissions under the Visa Waiver Program, and have not been found ineligible for a U.S. visa; and

  
  

• If arriving by sea or air, they are travelling on an approved carrier and have a return trip ticket to any foreign destination other than the U.S. or adjacent islands; or
  
  

• If arriving by land, they can demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days or less in the U.S. and sufficient funds to support themself in the U.S. during their stay.

• Machine-readable passports issued before 10/26/2005 - no further requirements
  
  
• Machine-readable passports issued between 10/26/2005 and 10/25/2006 - digitized photograph on data page or integrated chip with information from the data page
  
  
• Machine-readable passports issued after 10/25/2006 - integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport)

For more information on the Visa Waiver Program, click here.