Facts All Visa Waiver Program Travelers to Know

Tripoto
5th Jan 2015
Photo of Facts All Visa Waiver Program Travelers to Know by Lara Sen

Technically, it is safe to say the VWP (Visa Waiver Program) hardly provides a real visa to the traveler. Anyone who is wishing to enter the United States and comes from any of the 38 participating countries has the chance to remain in the United States for about 90 days without any visa being required.  However, even as you travel to the United States for pleasure/tourism, business or in transit, the VWP requirements have to be met. You must remember that VWP in its form hardly provides any possibility of the traveler changing his or her immigration status or extending the program and after 90 days or three months after the individual has entered the United States he or she has to vacate the United States territory.

Thus the travel without the need of a visa under the VWP is a chance for citizens of selected countries to enter the United States without the need to visit a consulate or embassy of the U.S. for an official visa.

Requirements to be met before benefit from VWP

Before you can benefit from the VWP and enter the territory of the USA, the purpose of your trip has to be close to that of a type B kind of visa. Even those who might be in transit and within the United States whose final destination is not the U.S. but a place else must before they board seek a travel authorization.

VWP for business

Those using VWP for business travel within the United States are permitted a number of things, chief of them participating in meetings perhaps with their colleagues, attending conferences, conventions and events whether for professional, educational or scientific purposes. Business travel under the VWP program into the U.S. also allows you to sign up for a short duration training course, but you are not allowed to obtain or receive any kind of funds as compensation from a company within the United States apart from being reimbursed your travel expenses. You are also allowed to negotiate a contract. There are many other things you need to understand on VWP entry into the U.S. for business and you will find them very handy before you leave.

Tourism VWP

If you are entering the United States for tourism under the VWP, you are permitted a score of things. For starters, medical care is allowed or your tourism could be due to some specialized medical care you want to access in the U.S. and participating in social events that have been organized by service or social organizations. You are also allowed to visit, travel and every other tourist activity whether you are traveling with friends or alone, fellow travelers or family.

You can also use this tourism premise to participate in sports and music plus any other event at an amateur or unprofessional level as far as there is no payment for participation. You can also register for short recreational short studies or courses as far as they hardly provide an academic degree credit such as a mentorship training you might have participated in your U.S. vacation. 

Get more information on esta visa website at us-esta.net