Explained: The U.S. Visa Waiver Program – Who Qualifies and How to Apply

The United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits citizens from 41 countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. This initiative aims to streamline travel and foster international relations.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible countries include the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Japan, and Qatar, among others. Notably, India is not part of the VWP, requiring its citizens to apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa for U.S. entry.

Source – Times of India

Application Process

Travelers from VWP countries must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip. The ESTA application, available online, requires a valid e-passport, personal contact information, and an emergency contact. The application fee is $21 — including a $4 processing fee and a $17 authorization fee upon approval.

Source – USA.gov

Important Considerations

While ESTA approval allows for visa-free travel, it does not guarantee entry into the U.S. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers make the final admission decision upon arrival. Additionally, travelers who have visited countries like Iran, Iraq, or Syria since March 1, 2011, may be ineligible for the VWP and should apply for a regular visa instead.

This article is based on information from the Hindustan Times and official U.S. government sources.

Disclaimer: This article is a news summary produced by AfriNews 247 for informational purposes. It is based on publicly available sources including [Original Source Name], which retains full ownership of the original content. AfriNews 247 does not claim authorship of the original reporting and encourages readers to refer to the source for full details.

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