Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a U.S. program that allows eligible travelers from participating countries to seek admission for short visits without first obtaining a visitor visa.
Program membership is only one part of eligibility. The traveler, passport, purpose and length of the proposed visit must also qualify. The program covers eligible tourism or business visits of up to 90 days. It is not a general permission to live or work in the United States.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval is a separate pre-travel requirement under the program. Approval allows a traveler to travel under the program; the admission decision still rests with U.S. border authorities.
For globally mobile people, the distinction matters when planning repeated visits or combining business and personal travel. Do not infer that residence in a participating country establishes eligibility, or that a valid authorization permits every activity.
Check the current participating-country list and personal requirements in the State Department’s official VWP guidance. Related concepts: ESTA, Visa Exemption and admission. Reviewed September 17, 2026.