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Amid increasingly stringent US visa policies under the Trump era, there's a welcome exception for citizens of 41 countries. Thanks to the US Visa Waiver Program, eligible travelers from these nations can visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) covers a wide range of short-term travel purposes. These include tourism, vacations, medical visits, seeing friends or family, attending conferences or professional events, taking part in unpaid short-term training, and negotiating business deals.
List of countries eligible
Citizens of United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan are included in this list, allowing their citizens to travel to the US without a visa for short stays.
However, India is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. Therefore, Indian citizens and nationals must apply for a visa through the regular process.
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
In collaboration with the State Department, the US Department of Homeland Security oversees the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It enables citizens from member nations to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as the travel is for business or tourism.
In exchange, US nationals can visit these nations for brief stays without a visa, promoting convenient travel for both parties.
Are all citizens from these 41 countries automatically eligible for visa-free travel to the US? Not quite. Let’s break it down.
Visitors who have recently traveled to North Korea or Iran, or who have visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, may face restrictions under the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Additionally, individuals holding dual citizenship with countries such as Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria may not be eligible for the program.
Such travelers are required to apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa through the standard application process at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
What is B1 and B2 visa?
- A B2 visa allows the holder to participate in leisure and recreational activities, such as sightseeing or engaging in sports.
- The B1 visa, on the other hand, permits individuals to attend business meetings, conferences, conventions, trade fairs, and similar events. Indian citizens can apply for a B1/B2 visa if their visit includes both business and leisure activities.
However, neither the B1 nor B2 visa grants permission to work in the United States.
Key VWP Requirements:
- Travelers must obtain approval via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
- The visit should be for tourism or business purposes.
- Only nationals from designated countries are eligible.
How to get ESTA approval?
Travelers must first complete an online application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to determine their eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Although it permits airline boarding, ESTA clearance is not a visa. Once granted, an ESTA can be utilized for more than one visit, provided that each stay is less than ninety days, and is valid for two years or until the passport expires.
How to apply for ESTA approval?
In order to apply, you must provide personal information and pay a nominal charge to answer eligibility questions. Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before to departure, but ideally as soon as your trip is scheduled. Keep in mind that while ESTA approval is required for travel, entry to the US is not assured and is subject to the judgment of US Customs officers.
