The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens from 43 designated countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa, provided they meet specific entry conditions. This program is designed for short-term visits related to tourism or business.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, enables citizens of certain countries to enter the U.S. without a visa for a maximum of 90 days, as long as they meet specific criteria. The program is meant for visitors intending to travel for tourism or business.
In return, countries participating in the VWP offer U.S. citizens similar privileges, allowing them to visit for business or tourism without a visa for the same duration.
Is Pakistan Part of the Visa Waiver Program?
No, Pakistan is not included in the Visa Waiver Program. As a result, Pakistani nationals must apply for a visa before traveling to the U.S.
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Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry
The following countries have nationals who are eligible for 90-day visa-free entry to the United States under the VWP:
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Andorra
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Australia
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Austria
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Belgium
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Brunei
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Chile
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Croatia
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Czech Republic
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Denmark
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Estonia
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Finland
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France
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Germany
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Greece
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Hungary
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Iceland
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Ireland
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Israel
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Italy
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Japan
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Latvia
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Liechtenstein
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Lithuania
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Luxembourg
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Malta
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Monaco
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Netherlands
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New Zealand
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Norway
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Poland
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Portugal
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Qatar
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Romania
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San Marino
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Singapore
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Slovakia
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Slovenia
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South Korea
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Spain
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Sweden
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Switzerland
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Taiwan
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United Kingdom
Requirements for Visa-Free Entry Under the VWP
To qualify for visa-free entry under the VWP, travelers must meet the following conditions:
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Obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
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Ensure the visit is solely for tourism or business purposes.
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Be a citizen or national of one of the VWP-participating countries.
Passport Requirements for Visa-Free Travel to the U.S.
For entry under the VWP, travelers must have a passport that meets certain standards. The passport must:
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Include a machine-readable zone on the biographical data page.
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Be an e-passport, which includes a digital chip containing the passport holder’s biometric data.
Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 – Specific Restrictions
Under the Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, additional restrictions apply. Some travelers must now obtain a visa, even if they are from a VWP country. These restrictions include:
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VWP nationals who have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, unless the travel was for diplomatic or military purposes.
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VWP nationals who traveled to Cuba for non-diplomatic or non-military reasons on or after January 12, 2021.
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Dual nationals of VWP countries and Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria are also restricted.
