United States Immigration Services

Online Guide to U.S. Visas, ESTA, Green Cards & More

United States Immigration Services is a major publisher of immigration guides and legal eBooks. Our do-it-yourself immigration guides are designed to assist immigrants in navigating the complicated United States immigration system. We strive to provide the best information about immigration to the United States.

ESTA Visa Waiver Application Guide

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ESTA Visa Waiver Program General Information:

ESTA Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from 40 countries to travel to America for business or tourism for 90 days or less without needing a visa. This program was created in 1986 to promote better relations between the United States of America and its allies. It eliminates unnecessary travel barriers, stimulates the tourism industry, and allows the Department of State resources to be redirected to other areas. Visa Waiver-eligible travelers can apply for a United States Visa for longer stays, but this is not mandatory. There are two requirements for the Visa Waiver Program: a passport and an eligibility requirement. All visa waiver travelers must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departing on January 12, 2009. The United States Travel Authorization does not provide a visa but allows you to travel to the United States to apply for entry. A Travel Authorization approved does not guarantee entry. Visa Waiver Program Application Guide provides a detailed, easy-to-understand guide that will help you to successfully travel to the United States with the Visa Waiver Program.

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Simple-to-understand instructions
Apply Online or By Mail
Prices and fees included
Checklist of Documents Required
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What's included

Visa Waiver Program Overview
List of Visa Waiver Countries
Visa Waiver requirements
Visa Waiver benefits
Visa Waiver drawbacks
Information about eligibility for Visa Waiver
Description and sample form I-94W
Description and sample U.S. Customs form
Instructions for applying for a USA Online Visa
USA Online Visa transit information

Important Warning

How to update an existing travel authorization
Information on when to apply for a travel authorization
Information regarding Arrival and Departure Records
How to apply for a new Travel Authorization
What to do if you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
List of all USCIS Offices in the Nation
Directory of U.S. Consulates and Embassies
How to get the most recent United States immigration forms

Download ESTA Visa Waiver Application Guide for more information.

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VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of these countries to enter the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. You will need to apply for either a B-1 Business Visa or a B-2 Tourist Visa if you don’t have a passport from one of these countries.

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

Entry Requirement for the United States:

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization has been implemented by the Department of Homeland Security. ESTA’s purpose is to pre-screen all travelers who intend to enter the United States through the Visa Waiver Program. Non-Visa Waiver Countries cannot enter the United States through this program. They must apply for a visitor visa prior to entering.

It is a good idea to register online for travel to the United States as soon as you can. You do not need to book a flight or make a hotel reservation in advance. After the Travel Authorization registration is completed, the traveler will receive an instant result that indicates whether they are permitted to travel to the United States. A Travel Authorization can be used for two years unless the passport expires sooner.

January 12, 2009, All Visa Waiver Program travelers must register online before they can enter the United States by air or sea. Travelers who do not have a valid Travel Authorization will be denied entry to any U.S.-bound aircraft or sea carrier.

A machine-readable passport or an electronic passport must be presented by any person who travels under the Visa Waiver Program. Persons from Visa Waiver Countries must apply in advance for a visitor visa.

Member Countries of the 40 Visa Waiver Program:

Visa Waiver Program Eligibility:

Visa Waiver Program visa-free entry to the United States is not possible for all citizens from Visa Waiver countries. To travel to the United States, some applicants may need to apply for a B-1 Business Visa and a B-2 Tourist Visa. The Visa Waiver Information Guide contains additional information.