US Visa Waiver Program: who can enter without a visa and how ESTA works

Citizens of countries taking part in the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can travel to any US state — including California, New York, Texas, Florida and Illinois — for tourism or business without applying for a US visa. Trips must last no more than 90 days, and every traveller must first secure an approved ESTA authorisation.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which runs the program, says 42 nations currently participate.

Key facts

• 42 countries currently take part in the Visa Waiver Program
• Permitted stay is up to 90 days for tourism or business
• Travellers must hold an electronic passport that meets the validity requirements set for each nation
• Every traveller must submit an ESTA application before departure
• The ESTA application fee is $40.27, payable by MasterCard, VISA, American Express or PayPal
• The authorisation is valid for two years and covers multiple visits

Which countries take part?

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

DHS notes that the arrangement is reciprocal: in exchange, those countries must allow US citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar period without a visa for business or tourism.

Who is eligible?

The trip purpose must match what is allowed under a B-type visitor visa. Business travellers may visit business partners, attend conferences, take short-term training that does not include compensation, or negotiate an agreement. Tourists may visit attractions, take holidays, visit loved ones, receive medical treatment, attend social events, take part in musical, sporting or other events without payment, or enrol in a short recreational course.

The program cannot be used to study, work or reside permanently in the United States. Applicants must also hold an electronic passport and meet the maximum validity requirements established for their nation.

How does the ESTA application work?

Every traveller using the program must submit an ESTA application. The documents and details required are a valid passport from a participating VWP country, an acceptable photograph, an active email address, a home address and contact phone number, an emergency phone number and email, and the ability to pay the $40.27 application fee. Accepted payment methods are MasterCard, VISA, American Express and PayPal.

What this means for travellers

Travellers from participating countries including Switzerland who are planning a holiday or business trip of no more than 90 days can skip the visa application process, but they must complete the ESTA application before travel. Check that the trip purpose falls within the permitted activities and that the passport is an electronic one and meets the validity rules for your country before booking.

The travel authorisation lasts two years and allows multiple visits to the country. If the passport expires before that period ends, the authorisation is only issued for as long as the passport remains valid.