What is the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) and which countries qualify?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows nationals of 42 designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Instead, travelers must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a US-bound flight or arriving by ship. ESTA approval is typically received within seconds to minutes and is valid for two years or until your passport expires.

Eligible countries include most of Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and several others. Nationals of Canada do not need a visa or ESTA; they are admitted under different rules. If a VWP country national has visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since 2011, they are generally no longer eligible for VWP and must obtain a visa.

VWP visitors cannot extend their stay, change to another visa status within the US (with limited exceptions), or use the 90-day period as a basis for claiming any immigration benefit. Overstaying the 90-day period results in immediate VWP ineligibility for future trips and possible bars to re-entry.

This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer or registered migration agent for your specific situation.