America emanates the need of a traditional visa for citizens of other countries in case they have approved visas from other countries around the world. This is only for the purpose of business or tourism, under which travelers can stay in the US for a total of 90 days only, which is convenient for short trips. However, those who are eligible should start by applying from the electronic system for Travel authorisation. The ESTA is an online approval system that works as a permit for traveling where a visa is not mandatory. Eligible countries for the free visa countries include nations like Japan, the UK, Australia and European countries but not China and India.
The ESTA approval for travelers willing to visit the US is provided within 72 hours of applying. Those who want to visit the US with the free visa entry under the Visa Waiver program need to first complete the online permit process with ESTA before the travel, where they have to provide their passport. These approvals will be valid for a time duration of two years or until the passport expires and the fees to apply shall be $21. All visitors may arrive via sea or air routes; meanwhile, those travelling from Mexico and Canada will need visas. This program will only cover people going for training and business purposes or short trips.
Visa-Free Entry to America
The Free-Visa entry to the US is allotted to citizens with valid passports from a list of 41 countries in the world and it can be easily applied for using your passport with the ESTA. People can get their ESTA permit approved within a time period of 72 hours and it will be valid for a total of 90 days since you are in the US.
While VWP makes travel easier, you need to follow all the terms and conditions mentioned in the criteria. Those who overstay their 90 days, their future visa-free entries can be banned in the US; travelers with a history of visa denial and criminal records may not get approved for VWP.
Visa Waiver Program Overview
| Authority | Department of Homeland Security (DHS) |
| Program Name | Visa Waiver Program |
| Country | USA |
| Eligibility | People with visa approved from eligible countries |
| Purpose of travel required | Business, short trip, training, etc |
| Approved countries | UK, Japan, Australia and other European countries |
| Time period of valid | 2 years till passport expires |
| Approval system | ESTA |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | https://travel.state.gov/ |
Who Is Eligible For Free-Visa Entry To The US Under The VWP
- Citizens from any of the 41 countries listed were released by the government of the US.
- A valid ESTA approved permit before boarding, which can be received within 72 hours of applying from the ESTA.
- The VWP permits are valid only for people who want to visit America for the purpose of business, short trips, or training only for a period of 90 days.
- Applicants with previous visa denials and overstays and criminal records are not eligible.
- The entries are allowed only through air or sea travel, not through land borders.
How To Apply For Visa Free Entry Via ESTA
- Make sure you are an eligible citizen of any of the 41 visa waiver countries listed and gather your passport and ID.
- Visit the official ESTA website of the US government and enter your personal details like passport, name, address, etc.
- Answer all eligibility-related questions, like any criminal history or previous visa denials.
- You also have to provide a contact, like a family member, a hotel or known from the US for verification.
- Pay the ESTA application fees of $21 and submit the application, after which your application will be approved within 3 days of applying.
List Of 41 Free Visa Approved Countries By US VWP
| Belgium | Andorra |
| Czech republic | Belgium |
| Denmark | Africa |
| Estonia | Taiwan |
| Austria | Singapore |
| Croatia | Korea |
| Finland | New Zealand |
| France | Japan |
| Germany | Australia |
| Greece | Switzerland |
| Hungary | Sweden |
| Ireland | Spain |
| Italy | Slovakia |
| Latvia | San Marino |
| Liechtenstein | Romania |
| Lithuania | Portugal |
| Luxembourg | Poland |
| Malta | Norway |
| Monaco | Netherlands |
FAQs
What is the travel time period of the Visa Free entry in the US?
In the US the travel-free period under the ESTA permit is 90 days.
What is the permit approval period of the ESTA?
Your ESTA permit gets approved within a time period of 3 days.
How to apply for a VWP visa-free permit to the US?
You can apply for a visa-free permit under the VWP from ESTA.