The US Visa Waiver Program simplifies travel to the US for citizens of 42 countries around the world, as it allows foreigners to visit the country without a visa if the purpose of the trip is tourism, business or visiting relatives. Learn about the main features, requirements and benefits of the program

The US Visa Waiver Program is an important initiative that allows citizens of 42 participating countries to visit the United States of America for business or tourism purposes without the need for a visa. Streamlined migration laws make travel easier and allow visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

Who is eligible for visa-free travel to the US?

To participate in the visa-free program, travelers must meet a number of requirements, including the need to have an electronic passport, a type of document that is equipped with a special electronic chip that stores the holder's biometric data.

Rules for visa-free travel to the USA

ESTA is a system that pre-screens all applicants to ensure they meet the necessary security standards before they arrive in the US.

Countries participating in the US visa-free regime

Currently, 42 countries participate in the US Visa Waiver Program:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg , Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Great Britain.

Qatar became the latest country to join the Visa Waiver Program in September 2024, thanks to an impressively low number of visa refusals and minimal overstays, expanding travel opportunities for its citizens.

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For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

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How to apply for ESTA?

Step 1 – Prepare the necessary information, which includes

- Passport details (make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from the US).

- Personal information.

- Employment details.

- Travel route.

Step 2 – Visit the ESTA website

To apply, go to the official website of the ESTA program.

Step 3 – Fill out the questionnaire

- Provide accurate information in the online form.

- Answer questions about the purpose of your trip, length of stay and other relevant details.

Step 4 – Pay the permit fee

Pay the required fee by credit or debit card.

Stage 5 – Submit an application

Check your application for accuracy and submit it electronically.

Once approved, you will receive an ESTA authorization number. Print a copy and carry it with you when you travel. It is advisable to apply for ESTA well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Importantly! International travelers planning to visit the United States of America can now enjoy a more streamlined travel experience with the launch of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) mobile app. This handy tool simplifies the application process, allowing travelers to complete their ESTA applications quickly and efficiently from their mobile devices:

- ESTA mobile app for iOS.

- ESTA mobile application for Android.

How can a country become a participant in the US visa-free program?

In order for a state to receive the right to participate in the US visa-free regime program, it must meet certain requirements:

- Reciprocal Visa Waiver – US citizens should also be allowed to travel to a participating country without a visa.

- Low percentage of visa refusals – the percentage of visa refusals should be minimal.

- Minimum number of overstayed visas – states must demonstrate readiness to prevent travelers from overstaying their stay.

The Visa Waiver Program greatly simplifies the travel process by allowing visitors to enjoy the convenience of a visa-free regime. This program has promoted economic and cultural exchanges between the United States of America and participating countries and has become a convenient way for tourists to explore the United States.

We will remind you! Global Entry helps travelers avoid long lines at customs upon arrival in the US. We have already told you how the Global Entry system works, how to apply and when entry can be refused.

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Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

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We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.