Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Travel to the U.S. Without a Visa
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 42 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
However, “Visa Free” does not mean “Paperwork Free.” All VWP travelers must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approval before boarding.
Participating Countries (42)
As of January 2026, the following countries are designated for the VWP:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan*
- United Kingdom**
*Taiwan: Includes Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.
**United Kingdom: Only British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.
Mandatory Requirements
1. Valid ESTA
You must apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before travel. It determines your eligibility and is generally valid for 2 years.
Apply for ESTA →
2. E-Passport
Your passport must have an embedded electronic chip (the specific symbol on the cover). Emergency/Temporary passports must also be e-passports.
3. No Violations
You must not have prior visa denials or immigration violations. You must also hold a valid return ticket.
⚠️ Travel Restrictions (2015 Act)
Even if you are a citizen of a VWP country, you are NOT eligible if you have traveled to or been present in the following countries on or after March 1, 2011:
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Sudan
- Syria
- Libya
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Cuba (Since Jan 12, 2021)
Solution: Affected travelers must apply for a standard B-1/B-2 Visa at a U.S. Embassy.
ESTA Denied? We Can Help.
If your ESTA was denied or revoked, do not travel. Wang Law PLLC helps eligible travelers secure B-1/B-2 visas or apply for waivers of inadmissibility.