For visitors dreaming of getting to the United States without expending hours in the visa application process, the VWP Field offers a hassle-free alternative. The VWP handled by DHS in consultation with the State Department provides that nationals of selected countries may enter the United States on a tourist or business visa without securing a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days.
As 2025 approaches, it is important to know if your country is in the Program and any updates there may be that could affect your travel plans. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about the 2025 Visa Waiver Program, the list of eligible countries, the application process, and Frequently Asked Questions.
What Is a Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals of select countries to visit the United States without procuring a visa for short stays (maximum 90 days). Instead, a traveler must apply for ESTA approval online before boarding his or her flight or cruise to the U.S.
This simple and safe system is implemented to encourage tourism and business travel between the United States and its international partners.
Eligibility for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
In order to be eligible for traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, the following conditions should be fulfilled:
- The applicant shall be coming from a country participating in the program.
- An individual shall have an electronic passport that is valid.
- The applicant shall be enrolling himself/herself in ESTA and shall have an approved enrollment to be considered eligible.
- A VWP applicant shall be traveling to the U.S. either for business or for pleasure.
- The person shall not possess any pending visitor visa application.
How to Apply for an Entry Without Visa Using ESTA
If you belong to one of the eligible countries, you need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling to the U.S.
Application steps:
- Visit the official ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
- Fill out the online ESTA form with your personal details, passport data, and travel plans.
- Make the payment of the ESTA fee, currently set at $21.
- Submit your application and get approved, most of the times in minutes, or sometimes it can take up to 72 hours.
Whenever approved, the ESTA is valid for 2 years or till the passport runs out of validity, whichever happens first. Multiple entries are allowed during this period.
Application Process for Visa Waiver Program
Below are the steps meant to be followed to apply for the Visa Waiver Program:
Step 1: Your initial requirement for application to the Visa Waiver Program is to apply with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Step 2: Go to the ESTA web page and find the application form for ESTA.
Step 3: Supply information of passport, e-mail address, address of residence, mobile telephone number, and emergency contacts.
Step 4: After paying the USD 21 application fee, you can click to continue to pay via credit card or PayPal.
Step 5: Check your application; review the information; click on submit for the final submission of the form.
[also_read id=”4060″]
Important points to consider
Never can an extension beyond 90 days be granted to any VWP traveller travelling to the USA either for tourism or business. Only with a valid e-passport containing an electronic chip will one be able to apply for ESTA.
Were you not qualified for VWP and had no ESTA approval, you would need to obtain a regular visa instead. Were you found to have travelled to certain countries or have citizenship in one of those countries, then the VWP will not be available to you.
Benefits of the US Visa Waiver Program
Previously, individuals with the intention of visiting the USA were required to apply for a visa and wait for several days for its approval. In some cases, due to certain pieces of information, many visas were even canceled and the applicants were left unable to attend their important events.
After implementing the VWP, it became easier for people to go on these short-term visits. The VWP eliminates the need of applying for a visa, thus saving corporate energy and time for the individuals.
FAQS:
Can I apply for ESTA if I hold dual citizenship from an ineligible country?
In some cases, if one of your nationalities is from a country that has been singled out for U.S. travel restrictions (for example, Iran or even North Korea), you may have some restrictions. You should check the DHS policy at the time you plan to apply.
Do children also need to apply for ESTA?
Yes. Every traveler must have an approved ESTA or visa regardless of age prior to boarding a plane bound to the United States.
How long does it take to get approved for an ESTA?
Although some are approved within minutes, you should apply at least 72 hours before travel.
