The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a U.S. government program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. To be eligible for the VWP, travelers must meet certain requirements, including having a valid passport from a VWP-participating country and meeting specific travel criteria.
To apply for a visa waiver, travelers must complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online. The ESTA application asks for basic information about the traveler, including their name, date of birth, passport number, and travel plans. Travelers must also pay a $14 application fee. Once the ESTA application is submitted, it is typically processed within 72 hours. If the application is approved, the traveler will receive an email authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP.