The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the State Department, the VWP is one of the most convenient ways for eligible travelers to visit the U.S.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Visa Waiver Program, including which countries participate, eligibility requirements, the ESTA authorization process, and important restrictions.
What Is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program was established to facilitate international travel and strengthen diplomatic relationships between the United States and participating countries. Under the VWP, eligible citizens can bypass the traditional visa application process, which typically requires an embassy visit, extensive documentation, and longer processing times.
Instead, VWP travelers need only an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a U.S.-bound carrier. ESTA is an automated online system that determines eligibility to travel under the program.
The program was made more secure through the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, which mandated the creation of ESTA and added additional security requirements for VWP countries.
Visa Waiver Program Countries (2026)
As of 2026, 42 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of these countries may apply for ESTA to travel to the United States:
| Country | Region | Joined VWP |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Europe | 1991 |
| Australia | Asia-Pacific | 1996 |
| Austria | Europe | 1991 |
| Belgium | Europe | 1991 |
| Brunei | Asia-Pacific | 1993 |
| Chile | Americas | 2014 |
| Croatia | Europe | 2021 |
| Czech Republic | Europe | 2008 |
| Denmark | Europe | 1991 |
| Estonia | Europe | 2008 |
| Finland | Europe | 1991 |
| France | Europe | 1989 |
| Germany | Europe | 1989 |
| Greece | Europe | 2010 |
| Hungary | Europe | 2008 |
| Iceland | Europe | 1991 |
| Ireland | Europe | 1995 |
| Israel | Middle East | 2023 |
| Italy | Europe | 1989 |
| Japan | Asia-Pacific | 1988 |
| Latvia | Europe | 2008 |
| Liechtenstein | Europe | 1991 |
| Lithuania | Europe | 2008 |
| Luxembourg | Europe | 1995 |
| Malta | Europe | 2008 |
| Monaco | Europe | 1991 |
| Netherlands | Europe | 1989 |
| New Zealand | Asia-Pacific | 1991 |
| Norway | Europe | 1991 |
| Poland | Europe | 2019 |
| Portugal | Europe | 1999 |
| Qatar | Middle East | 2024 |
| San Marino | Europe | 1991 |
| Singapore | Asia-Pacific | 1999 |
| Slovakia | Europe | 2008 |
| Slovenia | Europe | 1997 |
| South Korea | Asia-Pacific | 2008 |
| Spain | Europe | 1991 |
| Sweden | Europe | 1989 |
| Switzerland | Europe | 1989 |
| Taiwan | Asia-Pacific | 2012 |
| United Kingdom | Europe | 1988 |
Countries are added to and occasionally removed from the VWP based on security assessments, visa refusal rates, and bilateral agreements.
VWP Eligibility Requirements
To travel under the Visa Waiver Program, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:
- Be a citizen or national of a VWP-designated country
- Hold a valid electronic (biometric) passport
- Have an approved ESTA before boarding a U.S.-bound carrier
- Travel for 90 days or less
- Travel purpose must be tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment
- Not be in possession of a valid U.S. visitor’s visa
- Arrive via a signatory carrier (for air and sea travel)
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet specific requirements for VWP travel:
- Must be an electronic passport with a biometric chip
- Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay (some countries are exempt from this requirement)
- Must be from a VWP-participating country
- British citizens are eligible, but other categories of UK nationals may not qualify
- Only holders of full-validity biometric passports from Israel qualify
Travel Restrictions Under the VWP
The Visa Waiver Program has important restrictions you should understand:
90-Day Maximum Stay
Each entry under the VWP allows a maximum stay of 90 days. This includes time spent traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or Caribbean islands if you originally entered through the United States. The 90-day period cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before your authorized stay expires.
No Status Changes
You cannot change your immigration status while in the United States under the VWP. For example, you cannot switch from a tourist to a student or work status without leaving the country and applying for the appropriate visa.
Restricted Activities
Under the VWP, you may NOT:
- Seek employment or work in the United States
- Enroll in academic study programs
- Work as a journalist or media representative
- Apply for permanent residence
What You CAN Do Under the VWP
The VWP permits:
- Tourism and vacation
- Business meetings and conferences
- Medical treatment
- Transit through the United States
- Attending social events and visiting family
- Short-term recreational study (not for credit)
Ineligibility Due to Travel History
Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, certain travelers are ineligible for the VWP:
- Those who have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011
- Those who have traveled to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021
- Dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria
Exceptions may apply for diplomatic, military, humanitarian, or legitimate business travel to these countries. Ineligible travelers may still apply for a regular visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
ESTA: The VWP Travel Authorization
ESTA is the online authorization required for all VWP travelers. Key facts about ESTA:
- Cost: $40.27 USD per application
- Validity: Two years or until passport expiration
- Processing: Usually instant, but apply at least 72 hours before travel
- Multiple entries: Allowed during validity period
- Website: Only apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov (the official government site)
For a complete guide to the application process, see our ESTA application walkthrough.
Documents Needed at the Port of Entry
When arriving in the United States under the VWP, have these documents ready:
- Valid passport from a VWP country
- ESTA authorization (electronically linked to passport)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Evidence of ties to your home country (may be requested)
- Form I-94W (issued electronically at the port of entry)
While ESTA and a valid passport are the minimum requirements, CBP officers may ask additional questions about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans.
Countries Removed from the VWP
The United States has removed countries from the VWP in the past. For example, Argentina was removed in 2002 due to the economic crisis and associated overstays. Countries can also have their VWP status modified, as happened with Hungary (limited to one-year ESTA validity from August 2023 to September 2025) and Brunei (limited to one-year ESTA validity from July 2023).
Tips for VWP Travelers
- Apply for ESTA well before your trip, even months in advance
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure
- Carry documentation of your return flight and hotel reservations
- Be prepared to explain the purpose of your visit to CBP officers
- Do not overstay your 90-day limit – overstays can result in future visa ineligibility
- Remember that time in Canada and Mexico counts toward your 90-day limit if you entered through the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Visa Waiver Program
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days under the VWP?
No, the 90-day maximum stay cannot be extended under the Visa Waiver Program. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the United States and apply for an appropriate visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Overstaying your authorized period can result in being barred from future VWP travel.
Can I visit Canada or Mexico and return to the U.S. to restart my 90 days?
No, simply visiting Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands does not reset your 90-day clock. Time spent in these countries is counted toward your U.S. stay if you originally entered through the United States. To get a new 90-day period, you must return to your home country and re-enter the U.S.
What is the difference between ESTA and a U.S. visa?
ESTA is a travel authorization for citizens of VWP countries that allows stays up to 90 days without a visa. A U.S. visa is a more formal authorization that allows longer stays, different purposes of travel (such as work or study), and is available to citizens of all countries. ESTA is easier and faster to obtain but has more restrictions.
Can I study in the U.S. under the VWP?
You may engage in short-term recreational study that does not count toward a degree or academic credential. For full-time academic study, you must obtain a student visa (F-1 or M-1). Volunteering and unpaid internships may also require specific visa categories.
Do children need ESTA to travel under the VWP?
Yes, every traveler regardless of age needs their own ESTA authorization, including infants and children. Each child must have their own valid passport. Parents or guardians can submit ESTA applications on behalf of their children.
What if I am denied entry at the U.S. border despite having ESTA?
ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. CBP officers at the port of entry make the final admissibility determination. If denied entry, you will be returned to your country of departure. You may be given the option to withdraw your application for admission, which is generally preferable to a formal denial.
Related Resources
For more information about traveling to the United States under the VWP, explore our guides on:
