Requirements for travel to the U.S under the Visa Waiver Program

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), non-U.S. citizens traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), must:

• Obtain an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a flight to the U.S. Passengers who do not obtain ESTA prior to travel are subject to denied boarding. For more details on the Visa Waiver Program, a list of VWP eligible countries and the new ESTA process, please visit cbp.gov/ESTA;
• Plan to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less; and
• Hold a ticket, E-Ticket® or proof of return or next destination travel.

Applying for ESTA
Prospective VWP travelers must apply for ESTA online through the Department of Homeland Security website. A third party, such as a relative, friend or travel agent, may submit an application on behalf of a VWP traveler. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the U.S., and VWP travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the U.S.

Please note: Starting September 8, 2010, all non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. under VWP are subject to an ESTA application fee. Visit travel.state.gov for more information.

An approved ESTA is:

• Only available through application at the Department of Homeland Security website;
• Valid for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first;
• Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.; and
• Not a guarantee of admission to the U.S. at a port of entry. ESTA approval only authorizes a traveler to board a carrier for travel to the U.S. under the VWP.

For more information, please visit:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Travel Association