| In hopes of creating a more convenient travel | | | | have to fill out an online application and be approved |
| experience for visitors, the U.S. Department of State | | | | by the Electronic System for Travel Authorization |
| created the Visa Waiver Program, which gives | | | | (ESTA). |
| citizens of certain countries the privilege of entering | | | | They also have to possess a valid passport, and it |
| the U.S. without visas. As the process of obtaining a | | | | must include a barcode or chip that can be read by a |
| travel visa to the United States can be lengthy, this | | | | machine. The passport must be valid for a minimum |
| is great news for certain countries. | | | | of 90 days after they return to their home country. |
| The U.S. Department of State decides whether or | | | | Finally, travelers must arrive on an approved carrier, |
| not a country qualifies for the VWP based on risk | | | | by air or sea, and be able to show sufficient funds to |
| assessment and economic factors, and the list of | | | | cover their living expenses throughout their stay. |
| nations is changing rapidly. Certain countries which | | | | At the time of entrance, the person must complete |
| were once eligible are now no longer in the program; | | | | a form called a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver, or I-94W. |
| in addition, more countries will be joining in the coming | | | | An agent from U.S. Customs will review the form and |
| years. | | | | interview the traveler accordingly. |
| There are 35 nations that are participating in the Visa | | | | Questions such as, “what is the purpose of you |
| Waiver Program at this time: Andorra, Australia, | | | | stay in the United States” are common, as |
| Austria, Brunei, Belgium, the Czech Republic Denmark, | | | | visitors are limited tourism or business purposes. |
| Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, | | | | Under the Visa Waiver, the individual must exit the |
| Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, | | | | country no later than 90 days after entry. |
| Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New | | | | The profit for the United States and participating |
| Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, | | | | nations has been more than merely financial. Because |
| Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United | | | | of the Visa Waiver Program, the world’s |
| Kingdom, South Korea, and the Slovak Republic. | | | | countries seem to be growing closer in both distance |
| There are some restrictions for citizens who wish to | | | | and relationship. |
| travel using the Visa Waiver Program. First, they | | | | |