The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with advice from the Department of State , allows citizens of 41 countries and territories to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.
In return, these countries and territories must allow U.S. citizens to enter for a similar period without a visa for business or tourism purposes.
The Statue of Liberty, America's most famous landmark.
Since its inception in 1986, the VWP has grown into a comprehensive security partnership with many of America's closest allies. The VWP employs a multi-layered, risk-based approach to detect and deter terrorism, serious crimes, and other threats to the United States.
This approach also includes thorough screening of each VWP traveler before their departure to the U.S., upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry, and during any subsequent air travel within the U.S.
Citizens of the following countries and territories do not need a visa to enter the United States: European countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, San Marino, and the United Kingdom.
In addition, there are citizens from the Asia- Pacific region : Australia, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan. Finally, there are Canada and Chile.
Citizens of the aforementioned countries and territories wishing to travel visa-free under the VWP program must apply for an Employment Authorization for Travel (ESTA) before boarding an airline or sea vessel to travel to the United States. This permit is valid for two years.
The United States is one of the world's most popular destinations for international tourists, welcoming 79.4 million visitors in 2019, before the pandemic.
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