Who can legally enter the United States without a visa?

The United States is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, but tourists in many countries wanting to visit have to go through a rigorous application process to be granted a visa and be authorized to pass through its borders.

There are several programs that allow access and ease of entry to the United States. One of them is the Visa Waiver Program that helps certain foreigners who meet the requirements to enter the country without a visa.

“The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the Department of State, allows citizens of 41 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism stays up to 90 days without a visa. In exchange, those 41 countries must allow U.S. citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar period of time without a visa for business or tourism,” the department explained on its website.

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Citizens from which countries can enter the United States without a visa?

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of these 41 authorized countries to enter the United States for three months for purposes of tourism, business or other activities. Travelers are not allowed to work in the country and cannot request a change in immigration status after having entered the U.S.

The program requires that before heading to the country, travelers have prior authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. This application must be made online and completed at least 72 hours before travel to the United States.

Additionally, they must have a passport valid for at least six months after their planned visit to the U.S. If the trip is for a family, each of the members must have their own passport, according to information from the Office of Consular Affairs of the United States Government.