US Visa Waiver
Program
The Who, What & Why |
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US Visa Waiver
Members |
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US
Citizen Bermuda Entry Requirements
Eligible nationals of US Visa Waiver
Program countries are able to travel without a visa for tourist
and business travel of 90 days or less provided they possess
an e-passport and an approved authorization through the Electronic
System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
US Visa Waiver Program member countries
to right. |
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Andorra, Iceland, Norway,
Australia, Ireland, Portugal, Austria, Italy, San Marino,
Belgium, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Latvia, Slovakia, Czech
Republic, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Denmark, Lithuania, South
Korea, Estonia, Luxembourg, Spain,
Finland, Malta, Sweden, France, Monaco, Switzerland, Germany,
Netherlands, UK, Hungary, Zealand |
What is the US Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries
to travel to the United States for tourism or business [visitor
(B) visa purposes] for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining
a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of
eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism
industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular
resources in other areas. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a
visa, if they prefer to do so. Not all countries participate in
the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to
use the program. VWP travelers are required to apply for authorization
though the Electronic
System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), are screened at their
port of entry into the United States, and are enrolled in the Department
of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program.
How does a country qualify to participate in the Visa Waiver
Program (VWP)?
To be admitted to the VWP, a country must meet various security
and other requirements, such as enhanced law enforcement and security-related
data sharing with the United States and timely reporting of both
blank and issued lost and stolen passports. VWP members are also
required to maintain high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border
control, and document security standards.
In addition, designation as a VWP country is at the discretion
of the USG. Meeting the objective requirements of the VWP does not
guarantee a successful candidacy for VWP membership.
Which travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program to enter
the United States?
Nationals of the 35 countries participating in the Visa
Waiver Program may use VWP if:
- They have received an authorization to travel under the VWP
through the Electronic
System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
- They present the appropriate type of passport valid for six
months past their expected stay in the United States (unless country-specific
agreements provide exemptions). This is a requirement in addition
to other passport requirements for all categories of passports
-- regular, diplomatic, and official - when the traveler is seeking
to enter the United States for business or tourist purposes, for
a maximum of 90 days.
- The purpose of their stay in the United States is 90 days or
less for tourism or business (Visitor (B) visa) purpose of travel.
(If in doubt, travelers should check with the nearest Embassy
or Consulate to verify that what they plan to do is considered
tourism or business.) Transit through the United States is generally
permitted. Important Notice: Foreign media representatives planning
to engage in that vocation in the United States are not eligible
for VWP travel, as the purpose of their stay does not qualify
as “business”. These professionals must obtain a nonimmigrant
media (I) visa. Note also that travelers planning to work or study
cannot travel on VWP, and they must obtain the appropriate visa
to travel to the United States Learn More.
- If arriving by air or sea, they are traveling on an approved
carrier (See the approved carriers list) and have a return trip
ticket to any foreign destination.
- They can demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days or less in
the United States and demonstrate sufficient funds to support
themselves while in the United States. Learn more on the CBP website.
VWP travelers who have been admitted under the Visa Waiver Program
and who make a short trip to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island
generally can be readmitted to the United States under the VWP for
the balance of their original admission period. See the Department
of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
website for additional details. Also VWP nationals resident in Mexico,
Canada or adjacent islands are generally exempted from requirements
to show onward travel to other foreign destinations.
Entering the United States under the VWP – What happens
at the port of entry?
Detailed information about admissions and entry to the
United States under the Visa Waiver Program can be found on the
DHS Customs Border Protection website at Visa Waiver Program and
Admission to the United States. Since September 30, 2004 VWP travelers
have been enrolled in the DHS US-VISIT program when they arrive
at U.S. ports of entry. Travelers should be aware that by requesting
admission under the Visa Waiver Program, they are generally waiving
their right to review or appeal a CBP officer’s decision as
to their application for admission at the port of entry. Likewise,
if the traveler is later found to have violated the conditions of
admission under the Visa Waiver Program, they do not have the right
to contest a removal order.
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