Visa Waiver Program

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Visa policy of the USA

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US visa refusal rate

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a United States government program that allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business, or while in transit for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa. The program was established to eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulate the tourism industry, and permit the U.S. Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas.

Overview

The Visa Waiver Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department. It applies to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. As of the current date, 40 countries participate in the VWP.

To be eligible for the VWP, a country must meet various security and immigration requirements, including passport security and a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate of less than 3%. Participating countries are also required to maintain high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.

Requirements for Travelers

Travelers wishing to use the Visa Waiver Program must:

• Have authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a U.S.-bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.
• Have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their period of stay in the U.S. (unless exempted by country-specific agreements).
• Plan to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less for business, tourism (including medical treatment), or transit purposes.
• Have a return or onward ticket if arriving by air or sea.

Participating Countries

As of the last update, the VWP includes countries from Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Notable participants include Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most countries from the European Union. The list of participating countries is subject to change based on the aforementioned requirements being continuously met.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Visa Waiver Program has faced criticism and concerns regarding security. Critics argue that the program could be exploited by individuals seeking to enter the U.S. for illegal activities, including terrorism. In response, the U.S. government has implemented several measures to enhance security, such as the introduction of ESTA and requirements for biometric passports.

Impact

The VWP has been credited with increasing tourism and business travel to the U.S., contributing significantly to the economy. It has also facilitated smoother travel for millions of qualifying individuals by simplifying the entry process to the U.S.

See Also

• Electronic System for Travel Authorization
• United States Department of Homeland Security
• Passport
• Tourism in the United States

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