US Government Publishes Visa Waiver Program Requirements
The United States government has officially released the complete requirements for its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), detailing what citizens of eligible countries must prepare before boarding any US-bound flight or ship. The program permits nationals from participating countries to enter the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without applying for a visa in advance. Travelers who prefer a visa stamp in their passport can still apply for a standard B visa.
ESTA Approval Required for All Travelers
Only citizens or nationals of countries listed by the US Department of State as VWP participants qualify. Eligibility is based strictly on citizenship or nationality, not residence. Every traveler must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), managed by US Customs and Border Protection, before boarding. ESTA is a web-based system that assesses eligibility to travel under the VWP. Approval does not guarantee entry; border officials retain authority to admit or deny entry at the port of entry.
Passport and Document Specifications
Travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure from the US, unless a country-specific exemption applies. Critically, a standard passport is insufficient—travelers must carry an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip storing biometric information, compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. An e-passport is identifiable by a small rectangular chip symbol on its cover. Each family member, including infants, must have an individual passport; group or family passports are not accepted.
Business and Tourism Stays
The VWP allows eligible nationals to travel for business or tourism for stays up to 90 days. The US military also publishes salary information for personnel by rank and years of service, as reported on the US military website.
