Visiting New York, the city that never sleeps; Los Angeles, the birthplace of Hollywood; or the beaches of Florida, are the dreams of many people around the world. Thousands of travelers arrive in the United States every day, whether for tourism, business, or both. For this reason, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has been established. The goal is to open the doors to travelers so they can enter the country without too many complications.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers it to citizens of countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany…
In total, citizens of 41 countries are eligible for this privilege. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers it to citizens of countries such as Spain, Chile, Italy, Germany, Japan, and Australia. This is a U.S. government initiative that allows entry into the country without a visa. Instead, travelers can enter the United States for a maximum of 90 days, provided the purpose is tourism or business.
These are some of the essential requirements to apply for the VWP
To qualify for the VWP, it is essential to meet several requirements, such as having a valid electronic passport. This type of passport contains a digital chip with the holder’s biometric data. It is important to travel with authorized airlines; that is, only those airlines and shipping companies approved by the U.S. authorities can operate flights within the program. Finally, the maximum stay for this type of service must be 90 days. The purpose of the trip must be exclusively touristic or commercial and must not exceed the established time.
To continue meeting the necessary requirements, the next important step is to apply for an authorization known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This authorization is obtained through an online form and an app, which allows you to have it available at any time.
The application must be submitted at least 72 hours before your flight to the United States
It’s also important to remember that the application must be submitted at least 72 hours before your flight to the United States; the form must be completed according to the Department of Homeland Security guidelines. Remember that the application fee is $21 and that once approved, the ESTA is valid for two years until the passport or permit expires. During this time, travelers may enter the United States at any time as long as their total continuous stay does not exceed 90 days.
There are some restrictions to keep in mind. With this “free movement” permit, you cannot work or study. The VWP is limited to tourism or business activities, but all must be previously authorized and under official and legal terms. Any activity outside of these purposes will require additional visa procedures.
Despite having everything in order, a CBP agent will determine entry upon arrival at the airport
Furthermore, something that people traveling to the United States often don’t know is that there are a number of restrictions. Despite having valid documents, entry into the country may be denied if the traveler has been to countries with complex diplomatic relations with the United States in recent months—for example, Iran, Iraq, Syria, or North Korea. Regarding this, and despite having everything in order, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent will determine entry upon arrival at the airport. Whether for this reason or others.
In short, this program saves time, facilitates entry to one of the most important countries in the world, and is ideal for tourists. For the complete list of countries, you can visit the official U.S. government website.
