The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. Travelers must be eligible to use the VWP and have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. If you are eligible to travel on the VWP, but prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.
Effective January 9, 2009, foreign travelers coming into the U.S. under the visa waiver program must "pre-authorize" themselves online through the "Electronic System for Travel Authorization" (ESTA). It is recommended that travelers log into ESTA as far in advance of their travel as possible, but no less than 72 hours before departure.
You must be a citizen or national of VWP-participant country. Currently, 37 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Please make sure your country is participating in the Visa Waiver Program before starting this process.
Foreign visitors will need a U.S. visa if their country does not meet all requirements for the Visa Waiver Program (WVP). All foreign visitors are encouraged to send an email to Nicole Kelly (nkelly@bnl.gov) if they need a "letter of invitation" for the visa procedure.
Depending on the country of citizenship, US visa applications may take a while to process. Prospective participants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.