US Visa Waiver Program: New Restrictions and Requirements for Travelers

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most residents or nationals of participating nations to visit the United States for leisure or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. However, subsequent revisions have imposed further limits and obligations on some passengers.

What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens or nationals of participating nations to visit the United States for vacation or business for stays of 90 days or less without requiring a visa. To travel under the VWP, persons must first get a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) permission and complete all of the conditions. Despite the ease of the VWP, tourists may still apply for a visiting (B) visa if they want to carry one in their passport.

New Restrictions Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

The 2015 Terrorist Travel Prevention and Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act brings about several important changes that impact VWP eligibility. Upon entering the United States on or after March 1, 2011, nationals of VWP countries who have visited or been present in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen are now required to get a visa. Travel undertaken in support of a VWP nation for diplomatic or military reasons is subject to certain restrictions.

Moreover, citizens of VWP nations who visited or were physically present in Cuba on January 12, 2021, or later, must apply for a visa. Once more, there are exceptions for travel undertaken on behalf of a VWP nation for diplomatic or military missions.

Moreover, citizens of VWP nations who are also citizens of Syria, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are no longer qualified to travel under the VWP and will need to apply for a visa.

Eligibility Criteria for VWP

You must be a citizen or national of one of the following nations to be eligible for the VWP:

Andorra; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Brunei; Chile; Croatia; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Japan; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Monaco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Poland; Portugal; San Marino; Singapore; Slovakia, Slovenia; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Taiwan; United Kingdom?

It should be noted that eligibility is contingent upon British residents’ unlimited right of permanent presence in any of the following: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

To travel without a visa under the VWP, you must get authorization from ESTA prior to boarding a U.S.-bound air or marine carrier. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates ESTA, a web-based system that determines eligibility for VWP travel. For further information, please visit the CBP website’s ESTA page.

Update Your ESTA

Your ESTA is normally good for two years. You need a new ESTA if you:

• Receive a new passport, even an emergency or temporary one.
• Change your name.
• Change your gender.
• Change your nation of citizenship.
• Change your answers to any “yes” or “no” questions on the ESTA application.

The VWP makes travel easier for many overseas visitors, but it’s critical to understand and follow the program’s standards, as well as remain up to speed on any modifications, such as those implemented by the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. To guarantee a smooth and hassle-free trip to the United States, always check your ESTA status and make sure your passport and travel plans fit with the most recent standards.