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Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) lets citizens of participating countries travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, after getting an approved ESTA travel authorization online.

Written by the NorthAmericans Editorial TeamLast verified: Expert review in progress
On this page
  1. Key rules
  2. Frequently asked questions
  3. Official sources

Key rules

  • Stay is limited to 90 days, with no extensions in most cases.
  • You cannot work or study for credit.
  • You usually cannot change status inside the US.
  • You give up most rights to contest removal.

You need an approved ESTA before boarding, which costs $40 as of September 2026. Some travelers are not eligible even if their country participates, for example people who visited certain countries or have past overstays. They must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa instead.

See our ESTA page and B-2 tourist visa page.

Frequently asked questions

Which countries are in the Visa Waiver Program?

About 40 countries participate. The State Department keeps the current list.

Can I extend a Visa Waiver stay?

Generally no. Only in rare emergencies can CBP or USCIS grant a short satisfactory departure.

Is ESTA a visa?

No. ESTA is a travel authorization for Visa Waiver travelers.

Official sources

  1. State Department: Visa Waiver Programtravel.state.gov
  2. CBP: ESTAesta.cbp.dhs.gov

General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.