It was announced by the United States that the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) would be extended beginning on November 17, 2008. Citizens and nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia will be permitted to travel to the United States under the VWP, provided that they possess an e-passport and an approved pre-travel authorization through ESTA.
Individuals who are citizens or nationals of officially recognized VWP nations are eligible to travel to the United States for a maximum of 90 days in order to engage in trade or tourism.
Check Also: U.S. J-1 Visa Waiver Process – Apply Now
Introduction:
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. To use the VWP, travelers must have:
- A valid e-passport (an electronic passport with a digital chip).
- An approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel.
VWP Expansion & Eligible Countries:
On November 17, 2008, the United States expanded the VWP to include citizens of:
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Hungary
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Slovakia
Most recently, Qatar was added, bringing the total to 42 countries eligible for the VWP.
List of VWP Countries:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
How Does the VWP Work?
- Get an e-Passport: Your passport must have an embedded electronic chip.
- Apply for ESTA: Complete the online ESTA application at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and pay the processing fee. Approval usually takes about 72 hours.
- Travel to the US: Once approved, you can enter the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa.
- Additional Requirements: Travelers must have a return or onward ticket.
Visa Interview Waiver Program Updates:
To address visa appointment backlogs caused by COVID-19 and staffing shortages, the US Department of State allows consular officers to waive in-person visa interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa categories, including:
- H-1B (Specialty Occupations)
- H-3 (Trainees)
- H-4 (Dependents of H-1B and H-3)
- L (Intracompany Transferees)
- O (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)
- P (Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers)
- Q (Cultural Exchange Visitors)
Eligibility for Interview Waiver:
- You must apply for the visa in your country of nationality or residence.
- You should have previously been issued a US visa in the same category.
- You must not have been refused a visa unless the refusal was overcome or waived.
- Your previous visa must not have expired more than 48 months ago.
For applicants who qualify, the consular officer may waive the interview requirement, simplifying and speeding up the visa renewal process.
How to Apply for US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) 2026?
- Complete the DS-160 form online.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Request an interview waiver through the consular appointment website.
- If approved, print the waiver confirmation and submit it with your application.
- If not approved, schedule and attend a visa interview.
Important Information & Travel Tips:
- Stay Duration: Visits under VWP are limited to 90 days.
- Purpose of Visit: Travel must be for tourism, business, or transit only—no employment allowed.
- Documentation: Always carry proof of onward or return travel.
- Visa Waiver Limitations: Travelers who plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa.
Conclusion:
The Visa Waiver Program makes travel to the US easier for millions of citizens worldwide, and recent expansions continue to grow its reach. Meanwhile, the Visa Interview Waiver Program helps eligible travelers renew visas without attending an in-person interview, reducing wait times and easing travel preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I work or study in the US under the VWP?
No, the VWP only permits travel for tourism, business meetings, or transit. Employment and study require the appropriate visas.
How long can I stay in the US under the VWP?
You can stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit.
What is the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The VWP allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
