When Do You Need a Tourist Visa to US?

Currently, citizens of 36 countries have visa-free entry to the US. If you're a citizen of one of these countries, no need to apply for a tourist visa in advance to enter. The Visa Waiver Program allows entry to the US for the purpose of tourism or business for up to 90 days, similar to the B1 (business) or B2 (tourist/visitor) visas.

Here's the list:

Andorra	Hungary	New Zealand
Australia	Iceland	Norway
Austria	Ireland	Portugal
Belgium	Italy	San Marino
Brunei	Japan	Singapore
Czech Republic	Latvia	Slovakia
Denmark	Liechtenstein	Slovenia
Estonia	Lithuania	South Korea
Finland	Luxembourg	Spain
France	Malta	Sweden
Germany	Monaco	Switzerland
Greece	the Netherlands	United Kingdom

First, you need to receive authorization to travel under the VWP through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This can be done online a few days in advance of your trip. Here's the website for ESTA: ahttp://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/.

You must prove you have sufficient funds for your intended stay. Working - or anything which indicates intent to remain longer in the US! - is strictly prohibited! And your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of departure. VWP participants will not be able to change status once in the US - they must return home within 90 days of arrival. Any violations, including any overstay, gets you barred from VWP for the rest of your life.

But anytime you can travel without having to obtain a visa in advance, you simplify your life - and your travels!

May your road rise to meet you!

Ann