What is the Visa Waiver Program?

Traveling, discovering new cultures, or touching the lives of people in different corners of the world can be considered one of the most fascinating experiences for humanity, right? However, for those sharing this experience, certain travel barriers, especially visa requirements, can sometimes cast a shadow. So, what if we told you there is a program that embraces the passion for travel and the desire of global citizens to visit each other? The Visa Waiver Program!

Known as the Visa Waiver Program, this initiative is an impressive step aimed at building bridges of friendship beyond borders and promoting travel freedom. This program eliminates the visa requirement for non-immigrant and short-term travelers, further expanding the world map for travelers.

If you are asking, “But how?” you are in the right article!

Let’s explore the details of this program together:

Contents

1. What is the Visa Waiver Program?
2. 1.1. What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
3. 1.2. Which Countries are Included in the Visa Waiver Program?
4. 1.3. What are the Requirements to Benefit from the Visa Waiver Program?
5. 1.4. Who Can Obtain an ESTA Visa?

What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VMP) provides significant convenience for many visitors wishing to travel to America. This program opens the door to visa-free travel for individuals from certain countries who wish to make short visits for tourism or business purposes.

On the other hand, the Visa Waiver Program also requires visitors to apply for an electronic authorization known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. ESTA is an online form that those wishing to travel to the U.S. fill out. This form includes basic information such as the purpose of the visit, travel dates, and personal information. All visitors who complete the application and receive approval can travel visa-free to certain countries for a specified period.

Which Countries are Included in the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program allows visa-free travel to the countries within its scope for a period of 90 days. As of December 1, 2023, you can view the countries known to participate in the Visa Waiver Program in the table below.

Germany	Denmark	Sweden	Luxembourg	San Marino	South Korea
Andorra	Estonia	Switzerland	Hungary	Slovakia	Singapore
Austria	Finland	Italy	Malta	Slovenia	Taiwan
Belgium	France	Iceland	Monaco	Greece	Chile
Croatia	Netherlands	Latvia	Norway	Brunei	Australia
United Kingdom	Ireland	Liechtenstein	Poland	Israel	New Zealand
Czech Republic	Spain	Lithuania	Portugal	Japan

What are the Requirements to Benefit from the Visa Waiver Program?

Individuals wishing to benefit from the visa exemption under the Visa Waiver Program must meet all of the following conditions:

• Your travel plan must not exceed a 90-day stay within the country you are traveling to.
• You must have a valid passport during your stay in the United States and until your return date. (Additionally, presenting an electronic passport has been mandatory since April 1, 2016.)
• Your application file must include your return ticket as part of your travel plan.
• You must travel with an airline or cruise line approved by the program.
• Finally, you must be a citizen of one of the participating countries in the program.

Who Can Obtain an ESTA Visa?

Firstly, to apply for an ESTA visa, you must be a citizen of one of the countries included in the program and meet all the obligations mentioned in the previous section. However, in addition to this, the Visa Waiver Program is generally used to support purposes covered by the U.S. B-type visitor visa, such as tourism visits, family or friend visits, short-term courses, or medical treatments.

Moreover, the ESTA visa does not only cover tourism travel but also supports commercial activities such as participation in scientific, professional, or commercial conferences, short-term training programs, or work contracts.

However, the ESTA visa also has some limitations. For example, this visa does not grant rights to work, reside permanently, enroll in credit education programs, or engage in press activities in the U.S. This visa is only valid for visitors wishing to travel to America for specific and temporary purposes and can be used within certain rules.

References

• usa-esta.net/tr
• amerikavize.com.tr
• travel.state.gov