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The United States of America (USA) is a dream destination for many travelers worldwide, known for its iconic cities, diverse culture, and vibrant lifestyle.
To facilitate travel and promote tourism, the USA has established the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for citizens of specific countries.
Under this program, eligible travelers can enter the Countries With Free Visa to USA for tourism or business purposes, for a stay of up to 90 days.
US Visa Free Countries
Visiting the United States of America (USA) is a dream for many people around the world. The USA is known for its iconic cities, diverse culture, and vibrant lifestyle.
To facilitate travel and promote tourism, the USA has established the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for citizens of certain countries.
Under this program, eligible travelers can enter the USA without a visa for tourism or business purposes, for a stay of up to 90 days.
This article explores the concept of free visa travel to the USA, the Visa Waiver Program, and the countries that are eligible for visa-free entry.
Visa-Free Countries for US Citizens
The term “free visa” refers to the ability to visit a foreign country without the need for a visa. A visa is a legal document that grants permission to enter a country for a specified period.
The USA offers visa-free travel to citizens of certain countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
This means that eligible travelers can enter the USA without obtaining a visa beforehand, as long as they meet the program’s requirements.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a program established by the United States government to facilitate travel for citizens of specific countries.
Under the VWP, eligible travelers can enter the USA for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a visa.
Instead of a visa, travelers must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a flight or ship to the USA.
The ESTA is an online system that determines the eligibility of travelers to enter the USA under the VWP.
Are Free Visa and Visa Waiver Programs the Same?
While the terms “free visa” and “Visa Waiver Program” are often used interchangeably, they refer to slightly different concepts.
“Free visa” generally refers to the ability to visit a country without a visa, while the Visa Waiver Program specifically refers to the program established by the USA for visa-free travel.
Under the VWP, travelers still need to obtain authorization through the ESTA, but they do not need to apply for a visa.
Eligibility for Getting a US Passport Visa Free Countries
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to visit the USA for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. To be eligible, travelers must:
- Be a citizen of a VWP country or have a special agreement with the USA (like Canada, Bermuda, or some Pacific islands).
- Have a valid, full-validity e-passport with an electronic chip.
- Obtain ESTA authorization at least 72 hours before traveling to the USA.
- Not have serious communicable illnesses or a criminal record that would make them ineligible for a visa.
- Have a return or onward ticket and travel on an approved air or sea carrier.
- If entering by land, have a completed Form I-94W and pay a $6 fee in US dollars.
- Not plan to study, work, or stay in the USA for more than 90 days.
Travelers who don’t meet these criteria must apply for a visa through a US embassy or consulate.
List Of US Passport Visa-Free Countries
Here is a list of countries whose citizens can travel to the USA with a free visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- 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
Additionally, citizens of Canada and Bermuda, as well as certain island nations in the Pacific, are also eligible for visa-free entry to the USA under special agreements.
Learn also about Dual Citizenship in the USA
Required Documents For Getting the Free Visa
To apply for visa-free entry to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), travelers must use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Here’s what you need:
- You need a valid e-passport with an electronic chip, which should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the USA.
- Provide your full name, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
- Share your email address and phone number.
- Include details about your travel plans to the USA, such as your flight or ship information and where you’ll be staying.
- If you’re employed or in school, provide details about your employer or school.
- Disclose any past arrests, convictions, or involvement in terrorist activities.
- Disclose any serious communicable illnesses you may have.
- Pay the ESTA application fee of $14 using a credit or debit card.
USA Free Visa Application Step-by-Step Guide
To apply for visa-free entry to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), travelers must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The ESTA application process is relatively straightforward and can be completed online. Here are the steps to apply for a free visa:
- Go to the official ESTA website.
- Click on the ‘New Application’ button to start a new ESTA application.
- A security pop-up message will be shown, Confirm it.
- Select Individual on the next page.
- Fill out the ESTA application form with your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
- You will also need to provide your contact information, travel information, employment information, and any criminal history or health information.
- The ESTA application fee is USD 14, and it can be paid using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied.
- Review the information you have provided and submit the ESTA application.
- You will receive a confirmation number once the application has been submitted.
- Most ESTA applications are processed within minutes of submission.
- However, it is recommended that you apply for ESTA authorization at least 72 hours before your intended departure to allow for any potential delays or issues with the application.
- You can check the status of your ESTA application on the ESTA website using your confirmation number and the email address you provided when you created your account.
- If your ESTA application is approved, you will receive authorization to travel to the USA under the VWP.
- The authorization is valid for multiple entries during the validity period of your passport, which is usually two years.
How Long Does it Take To Get A Free Visa?
The processing time for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application, which is required for visa-free entry to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), can vary.
In general, the ESTA application process is relatively quick, and most applications are processed within minutes of submission.
However, it is recommended that travelers apply for ESTA authorization at least 72 hours before their intended departure to the USA to allow for any potential delays or issues with the application.
Does a Visa Wavier Program Cost?
Yes, there is a cost associated with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application, which is required for visa-free entry to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The ESTA application fee is $14. This fee is payable online at the time of submitting the ESTA application. Payment can be made using a credit or debit card.
Validity of the Free Visa
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows travelers from certain countries to visit the USA for up to 90 days without a visa.
This 90-day period starts from the day they arrive in the USA. To avoid overstaying, they must leave before the 90 days are up.
After leaving, they must wait 90 days before returning under the VWP. They can enter multiple times during the validity of their passport, but they need a new ESTA authorization each time, even if they have a valid one from before.
Overall, the VWP makes it easy for eligible travelers to visit the USA for tourism or business without a visa. But they must follow the 90-day rule and get a new ESTA each time they visit.
FAQs For Countries With Free Visa to USA
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers for additional information about countries with free visa to USA.
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a program established by the United States government to facilitate travel for citizens of specific countries. Under the VWP, eligible travelers can enter the USA for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a visa.
What are the benefits of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The VWP allows eligible travelers to visit the USA for tourism or business without the need for a visa, making the travel process more convenient and streamlined.
Who is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
Citizens of specific countries are eligible for the VWP. Additionally, citizens of Canada and Bermuda, as well as certain island nations in the Pacific, are also eligible for visa-free entry to the USA under special agreements.
What are the requirements for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
To be eligible for the VWP, travelers must meet certain criteria, including citizenship, having a valid passport, obtaining ESTA authorization, not having serious communicable illnesses or a criminal record, having a return or onward ticket, and not planning to study, work, or stay in the USA for more than 90 days.
What is ESTA authorization, and how do I obtain it?
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is an online system that determines the eligibility of travelers to enter the USA under the VWP.
To obtain ESTA authorization, travelers must apply online and pay the application fee of $14.
How long is the ESTA authorization valid for?
ESTA authorization is usually valid for two years from the date of approval or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, travelers can enter the USA multiple times without the need for a visa.
What if I want to stay in the USA for more than 90 days not permitted under the VWP?
If you plan to stay in the USA for more than 90 days or engage in activities not permitted under the VWP, you must apply for a visa through the appropriate US embassy or consulate.
How do I check the status of my ESTA application?
You can check the status of your ESTA application on the ESTA website using your confirmation number and the email address you provided when you created your account.
What if my ESTA application is denied?
If your ESTA application is denied, you must apply for a visa through the appropriate US embassy or consulate.
Can I apply for ESTA authorization on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can apply for ESTA authorization on behalf of someone else, such as a family member or friend, as long as you have their consent and the necessary information to complete the application.
Final Words
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) makes it easy for eligible travelers to visit the USA for tourism or business without a visa.
However, travelers must ensure they meet the program’s requirements, including obtaining ESTA authorization, having a valid passport, and not planning to stay in the USA for more than 90 days.
