Visa Waiver Programs
The citizens in 35 approved countries are permitted to travel to the United States for tourism and business stays because of the Visa Waiver Program. This program allows these individuals to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less without having to obtain a visa. Established in 1986 to promote a better relationship between the U.S. and foreign allies, the Visa Waiver Program is a very good way to eliminate travel barriers between countries and to stimulate the tourism industries in America. There are passport and eligibility requirements that may sometimes prevent certain individuals from entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, so it is best to speak with a lawyer before beginning this process.
An Atlanta immigration attorney will be very helpful to you if you are wishing to participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Not all individuals will be able to visit the U.S. under this program, and in order to do so you must meet the following requirements:
- You must receive an authorization to travel under the VWP through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
- You must present the appropriate type of passport valid for six months past the expected stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
- The purpose of your stay in the United States is 90 days or less for tourism or business purposes.
- If arriving by air or sea, you must travel on an approved carrier and have a return trip ticket to any foreign destination.
- You must demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days or less in the United States and demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself while in the United States.
The following countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program:
| Andorra |
Iceland |
Norway |
| Australia |
Ireland |
Portugal |
| Austria |
Italy |
San Marino |
| Belgium |
Japan |
Singapore |
| Brunei |
Latvia |
Slovakia |
| Czech Republic |
Liechtenstein |
Slovenia |
| Denmark |
Lithuania |
South Korea |
| Estonia |
Luxembourg |
Spain |
| Finland |
Malta |
Sweden |
| France |
Monaco |
Switzerland |
| Germany |
the Netherlands |
United Kingdom |
| Hungary |
New Zealand |
|
Contact an Atlanta Immigration Lawyer at The Muhammad Firm today to learn more about the Visa Waiver Program!