ESTA USA: What is ESTA and do I need to apply?
From January 12 2009, Electronic Travel Authorization ESTA become a mandatory for all travelers before entering the USA either by sea or air. ESTA is valid for 2 years or until the expiration date of your passport. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa, when they meet all requirements.
Overview of Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is known as a program of the United States Government that paves the way for citizens to travel to US for either tourism or business for at least 90 days. The VWP applies to the United States and the US territories of PuertoRico and the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.
Eligible Countries
At present, there are 38 Visa Waiver countries that need an approved ESTA travel authorization to visit the United States via sea or air.
Member Countries
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom