Here’s Who Can Enter The U.S. Without A Visa (& Who Can’t)

As global travel continues to become popular, countries are introducing new visa options to attract tourists. For example, Thailand recently launched a digital nomad visa, allowing visitors to work and live there for up to five years. Many European countries also offer top-rated digital nomad visas with unique perks for long-term visitors.

Additionally, eligible travelers looking for visa-free stays can live abroad in at least three tropical destinations for up to six months. While the United States isn’t one of these destinations, travel into the country is steadily increasing every year.

While traveling to the U.S. can be relatively easy for some, others must adhere to stricter requirements to gain entry. These requirements vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the traveler’s nationality.

The good news is that many countries offer visa-free travel for U.S. citizens. Citizens of certain countries can also enter the U.S. without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program.

While this program can help mitigate the stress of applying for a visa before traveling, not all countries are eligible. This article explains who can enter the U.S. without a visa, who needs one, and how the Visa Waiver Program makes travel easier for visitors.

What Is The Visa Waiver Program, & How Does It Make Travel Easier?

The program makes it possible for citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. without a traditional visa

A traveler in an airport carrying a passport and an airplane ticket

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a traditional visa. Instead, travelers who are eligible for the program can sign up for online pre-authorization using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Although U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes the final decision on entry into the United States, the ESTA collects a traveler’s data in advance to help make the customs process go more smoothly.

Applying For ESTA Approval

The application for ESTA approval is easy, as it only takes about 20 minutes online. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection advises that it could take up to 72 hours to receive a determination, so it is best to fill it out well in advance.

Once an approved ESTA is in hand and entry into the United States has been cleared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, most travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can visit for up to 90 days for tourism or short-term business.

Limitations Of The Visa Waiver Program

Although the Visa Waiver Program is convenient for travelers from participating countries, there are a few limitations. Travelers cannot extend their stay or change their visa status during the 90 days.

Additionally, travelers who have been denied a U.S. visa, have overstayed a previous visit, or traveled to restricted countries may be ineligible for the program, even if they are citizens of participating countries.

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Who Can Enter The U.S. Without A Visa?

Over 40 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program

Currently, 42 countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and South Korea, participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers from these countries can obtain ESTA approval before their trip to gain entry into the United States for up to 90 days.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda, a Caribbean destination that offers digital nomad visas, enjoy even more streamlined travel into the United States.

Canadians, for example, don’t need a visa or ESTA approval for short visits, although they still need a valid passport for entry. Bermudians can also visit the U.S. visa-free for up to 180 days if they are eligible for travel and are visiting for nonwork purposes.

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Who Needs A Visa To Travel To The U.S.?

Citizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a visa and undergo an interview

Travelers from countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program, including citizens of China, India, Russia, and most African nations, must obtain a visa before entering the United States.

Additionally, citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who have traveled to these countries most likely need to apply for a visa:

• North Korea
• Iran
• Iraq
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Cuba

There are two main visa categories short-term visitors from these countries can apply for: the B-1 visa for business and the B-2 visa for tourism. Travelers must submit an application, provide proof of financial stability, and undergo an interview to obtain these visa types. They also need proof of intent to leave the U.S. after the trip.

While the B-1 and B-2 visa applications can be submitted online, travelers applying should review the visa appointment wait times before solidifying travel plans to the U.S. Some U.S. embassies and consulates have availability within a few days of applying. Still, it might take up to 2 years to secure an appointment at others.