Visa resource
ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program explained
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.
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.
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Official sources