Visa Waiver Program - Explained
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
Written by J. Mance Gordon
Updated at April 19th, 2024
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What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a program run by the United States Government that enable nationals or citizens of specific countries to travel to the U.S and stay for a period of 90 days without obtaining a visa. This program is strictly applicable for tourism and business purposes. This program covers 36 participating countries, only citizens of these countries are permitted to travel to the United States for tourism or business without a visa. VWP is administered by the United State's Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This program stimulates tourism to the United States and eliminate certain barriers on traveling.
How Does the Visa Waiver Program Work?
VWP does not prevent eligible persons from applying for visas, if they want to. This who are eligible for VWP are citizens of nationals from any of the participating 36 countries. Nevertheless, these individuals must meet the requirements of VWP before they can be regarded as eligibles. Participating citizens must be enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security's US-VISIT program. Also, without credible authorization from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to the time of travel, citizens of the participating countries can be denied entrance into the United States for business or tourism purpose.
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