Can I stay in the US without a visa?
Visitors can enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days for business, pleasure, or transit. However, this exemption does not apply to individuals intending to study, work, or stay longer than 90 days, or those ineligible for a visa under US visa regulations.
Can I Stay in the US Without a Visa?
The United States offers visa-free entry to citizens of certain countries for short-term stays. This exemption allows for a maximum stay of 90 days for business, pleasure, or transit purposes.
Eligibility for Visa-Free Entry
To be eligible for visa-free entry to the US, individuals must:
- Be a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
- Intend to stay in the US for 90 days or less
- Travel for business, pleasure, or transit purposes
- Hold a valid passport from their VWP-participating country
Restrictions on Visa-Free Entry
The following individuals are not eligible for visa-free entry:
- Individuals intending to study or work in the US
- Individuals intending to stay longer than 90 days
- Individuals who have been arrested or convicted of certain crimes
- Individuals who are ineligible for a visa under US visa regulations
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The VWP is a reciprocal agreement between the US and certain countries that allows for visa-free travel for short-term stays. Currently, 39 countries participate in the VWP, including:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
ESTA Authorization
Individuals from VWP-participating countries who wish to travel to the US for visa-free entry must first obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This is an online application that determines an individual’s eligibility for visa-free travel. ESTA authorization is valid for two years and allows for multiple entries into the US during the validity period.
Important Notes
- Individuals who overstay their 90-day visa-free stay may face penalties, including fines and deportation.
- Visa-free entry does not guarantee admission into the US. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to deny entry to anyone they deem inadmissible.
- Individuals who are unsure of their eligibility for visa-free entry should consult with a US embassy or consulate prior to travel.
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