US visa resources

ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program explained

What the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA are, who can use them, and when you need a visa instead.

Official guidance Regularly updated

Important

This information is for general guidance only. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee your application will be approved.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) lets citizens and nationals of participating countries travel to the US without a visa for short visits, using an approved ESTA. This page explains the scheme in plain language, drawing on the official U.S. Department of State guidance; always confirm whether your country participates and the current rules on the official pages.

What the Visa Waiver Program is

The VWP enables citizens and nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa, according to the U.S. Department of State.

What ESTA is

ESTA stands for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Travellers using the VWP must obtain an approved ESTA before they travel. An ESTA is not a visa, and approval does not guarantee entry to the United States. Apply only through the official CBP website.

When you need a visa instead

If your country does not participate in the VWP, if you are not eligible, or if your purpose is not tourism or short business — for example study, exchange or work — you need the appropriate US visa rather than an ESTA.

Next steps

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-20. Information only — not legal advice.