Embassy of the United States Praia, Cape Verde

Individals Traveling to the United States Under the Visa Waiver Program Must Now Obtain Pre-Approval

Under new U.S. regulations, individuals who qualify to travel to the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must now obtain pre-approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling.  Air carriers will deny boarding to VWP travelers without ESTA approval.  Travelers should obtain pre-approval by going to the VWP website and follow the instructions.  ESTA will reply to approval requests within 72 hours, although most applicants receive a response within seconds.  Travelers should also remember that ESTA pre-approval is only valid for travel for temporary business or pleasure; travel for another purpose will still require a visa. 

Additional information about the VWP and ESTA is provided below.  The Department of Homeland Security’s website also contains answers to frequently asked questions about the VWP and ESTA.

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The VWP enables citizens and nationals from the following 34 countries to travel to and enter the United States for business or visitor purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa:

* United Kingdom Passports: Only United Kingdom passports notated with “British Citizens” and/or “with unrestricted right of abode in the United Kingdom” are eligible for VWP admission. Holders of passports indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) do not qualify for VWP travel.

Who Is Eligible to Use the VWP?

To qualify for admission under the VWP, you must:

• Be a national of the VWP country that issued your passport;
• Have a passport lawfully issued to you by a VWP country that is valid for six months beyond your intended visit;
• Intend to enter the United States for 90 days or less for temporary business or pleasure;
• Have received approval for travel under the VWP via ESTA prior to your travel to the United States;
• Have a return trip ticket to any foreign destination other than a territory bordering on the United States or an adjacent island unless:
  • You are a resident of an adjacent island,
  • This requirement is waived by the Attorney General under regulations, or
  • You are a visitor for business who arrives aboard a private aircraft that maintains a valid agreement guaranteeing to transport you out of the United States, if you are found to be inadmissible or deportable;

• Present to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer a completed and signed Form I-94W, Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Form. ( Visa Waiver Program Applicant Responsibilities )
• Not have failed to comply with the conditions of any previous admission under the Visa Waiver Program;
• If arriving by air or sea, you must arrive aboard a carrier that is signatory to the VWP.
• Waive any right to review, appeal or challenge a CBP Officer's decision as to your admissibility, other than on the basis of an application for asylum or an application for withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
• Must carry a passport that meets VWP requirements; please see the Department of Homeland Security’s page of frequently-asked questions regarding ESTA (pdf) for more details.

When Must I Obtain a Nonimmigrant Visa Instead of Using the VWP?

You must obtain a nonimmigrant visa prior to travel instead of traveling under the VWP:

• If you intend to arrive in the United States aboard a non-signatory air or sea carrier;
• If you were denied authorization to travel under the VWP via ESTA:
• If you intend to visit the United States for more than 90 days or for reasons other than temporary business or pleasure;

If you believe any grounds of inadmissibility apply to you, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa with Form DS-160 before traveling to the United States. You may obtain Form DS-160 via the website http://ceac.state.gov/genniv/.  Although you may be inadmissible to the United States, you may qualify for a nonimmigrant visa and waiver, which will allow you to travel to the United States.

How Long Does It Take to Get ESTA Approval?

Although it can take up to 72 hours to receive approval, most applicants receive an answer within seconds of applying.

How Long is My ESTA Approval Good for?

ESTA approvals will typically be granted for a period of two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. ESTA will provide validity dates upon approval of the application.

Who Should I Contact If I Have More Questions About the VWP or ESTA?

The Department of Homeland Security’s website contains answers to frequently asked questions about the VWP and ESTA.  You may also contact the CBP Customer Service Center at 703-526-4200 or 1-877-227-5511, or visit www.help.cbp.gov and click on “Find an Answer, Ask a Question.” 

Please note that the CBP Customer Service Center will only be able to answer general questions regarding ESTA.  If you need to know why an ESTA application has been denied or you have specific questions regarding your ESTA application, you must file a request with the DHS Redress Program at www.dhs.gov/trip.