Visa Waiver Program
If you have a need to travel to the USA, and depending on exactly which country you are currently living in, you may be able to take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program. The VWP makes it possible for foreign individuals residing in qualified countries to travel into the United States of America for the purpose of tourism and business endeavors for a maximum time of ninety days, or less, without having to make an application for a visa at their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Individuals who desire to travel via the VWP, and who meet the requirements, have the option to submit an application for an actual travel visa, should they have the need to stay in the United States for more than 90 days. But keep in mind, not all countries around the world are authorized to take part in the Visa Waiver Program, and not all individuals residing in Visa Waiver Program nations meet the requirements to take take part in the VWP. People who wish to travel via the Visa Waiver Program will need to first apply for permission by using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Individals will be screened when they arrive at their POE (port of entry), and they will be enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program.
A vast majority of potential travelers to the United States are currently not aware of the fact that beginning back in January 2010, significant changes occurred that have drastically modified the eligibility requirements for travel by means of the Visa Waiver program. Prior to such changes, individuals who were residents of qualified countries could present their passports and then be granted entry into the United States. As a result of these changes, an application is now required to be submitted electronically via Electronic System for Travel Authorization Web Site no less than 72 hours in advance of any travel into the United States. The applicant has to first be approved before they can enter into the United States. Furthermore, even though an individual is approved through the ETSA, that particular individual can nonetheless be declined access and entry into the US based on the CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) Officer’s discretion. In addition to the ETSA website, individuals can also find the ESTA application online at the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.
At this time, there are 36 Countries which are presently enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program:

Despite the fact that the majority of people do not have to make application for a visa, a number of exceptions do apply. A certain amount of travelers are still required to make an application for a visa, among them individuals who intend to work or go to school in the United States, choose to stay longer than 90 days, or some individuals who actually might possibly be ineligible to obtain a United States visa. Individuals who have in the past have been denied visas, who have criminal records, or who could possibly be ineligible travel into the United States the on the Visa Waiver Program, should certainly communicate with the closest United States Embassy or Consulate in advance of making an attempt to use the Visa Waiver Program to gain access into the United States.
For a non U.S. country to be accepted into the Visa Waiver Program, it has to satisfy an array of security measures along with other strict conditions. These comprise of advanced law enforcement, and the ability to share security-related information with the United States. Members of the Visa Waiver Program must always accommodate an advanced level of counterterrorism, strict border control, and document security and safety standards.
Additionally, becoming a member nation of the Visa Waiver Program is always at the discretion of the government of the United States. Reaching and achieving the qualifications and criteria of the Visa Waiver Program does not always ensure that a nation will be accepted for VWP membership.
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