Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows foreign nationals from participating countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, for stays of 90 days or less, without obtaining a visa. The Program was established pursuant to section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Section 711 of the 9/11 Commission Act requires the strengthening of security for the VWP. ESTA is an outgrowth of that mandate.