Impact of the New Policy on Your Travel Arrangements

The United States is on the verge of transforming the travel landscape with its new Visa Waiver Program (VWP), aimed at facilitating international visitors’ entry. With this innovative policy change, travelers from designated countries can now enter the U.S. for business or tourism without the hassle of securing a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days. The VWP is designed to expedite the entry process, effectively reducing the typically long wait times associated with traditional visa applications.

By easing travel restrictions, the U.S. government aspires to boost tourism to iconic destinations like Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles, while also shining a light on the hidden charms of smaller towns and rural areas that often get overlooked.

For those daydreaming about Las Vegas, don’t forget to explore some of the best things to do in Las Vegas.

Expanding Visa-Free Access: Eligible Countries and Other Details

Planning to visit the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program? The current ESTA application fee is $21.00 USD when applying through the official site. #TravelTipTuesday

Learn more about ESTA and apply: https://t.co/BmLHUiDW6M pic.twitter.com/zrUOMCsHDR

— CBP (@CBP) January 23, 2024

The countries that qualify for this entry under the VWP include:

1. Norway
2. Poland
3. Portugal
4. San Marino
5. Singapore
6. Slovakia
7. Slovenia
8. South Korea
9. Spain
10. Sweden
11. Switzerland
12. Taiwan
13. United Kingdom
14. Andorra
15. Australia
16. Austria
17. Belgium
18. Brunei
19. Chile
20. Croatia
21. Czech Republic
22. Denmark
23. Estonia
24. Finland
25. France
26. Germany
27. Greece
28. Hungary
29. Iceland
30. Ireland
31. Israel
32. Italy
33. Japan
34. Latvia
35. Liechtenstein
36. Lithuania
37. Luxembourg
38. Malta
39. Monaco
40. The Netherlands
41. New Zealand

It’s important to note that individuals from countries not included in this list, such as India, will still have to undergo the conventional visa application process.

Key Requirements to Apply

ESTA authorizations for people from one of the Visa Waiver Program countries are valid for two years. But this does not mean you can stay in the U.S. for two years.

Find out more from @CBP: https://t.co/Tnw7A5RWbs pic.twitter.com/vVgaEeG6lI

— USAGov (@USAGov) March 26, 2024

• Applicants must originate from a VWP country and possess a valid e-passport equipped with a digital chip containing biometric data.
• Mandatory applications for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) should be submitted at least 72 hours prior to departure.
• Visitors are required to hold tickets for return or onward travel, fully intending to stay in the U.S. for no longer than 90 days.
• No criminal background is permitted, particularly relating to past overstays in the U.S.
• Applicants must adhere to additional security-oriented criteria set forth by U.S. authorities.

Per the VWP and the Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, specific visitors must acquire a visa before they can enter the U.S. These include:

• Citizens of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in countries designated as high-risk, such as North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen, after March 1, 2011.
• Citizens of VWP countries who hold legal status in Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
• Citizens of VWP countries who have traveled to Cuba after January 12, 2021.

The United States is renowned for its myriad attractions, catering to diverse interests ranging from wildlife parks to enchanting gorges, thrilling theme parks to world-class museums, scenic lakes to breathtaking waterfalls, sun-kissed beaches to idyllic islands, and much more. Must-visit destinations include Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Reno, New York, Washington, Seattle, San Francisco, along with the stunning locales in Hawaii and Alaska.

While coordinating your travel, ensure that your financial needs are arranged efficiently with Revolut here.

(Feature image credit: Stephen Leonardi/Pexels)

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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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