US Visa Waiver Program: All you need to know, eligibility, and how to apply
The
US Visa
Waiver Program (VWP) offers a streamlined process for citizens of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a traditional visa. This program allows eligible travelers to stay in the US for up to 90 days, facilitating easier and quicker entry for short-term visits.
Who is eligible?
As of May 2025, citizens from 43 countries are eligible for the VWP. These include nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and more. Recent additions to the program are Qatar and Romania, reflecting the efforts of the United States to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with these countries.
Read more:
6 airports you'll want to visit even if you're not flying
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Banteay Mean Choay: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun...
Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List
Undo
Application process
To travel under the VWP, eligible individuals must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This online application requires travelers to provide personal information, passport details, and answers to eligibility questions. An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first, and permits multiple entries into the US.
Passport requirements
Travelers must possess an electronic passport (e-passport) with a digital chip containing biometric information. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US, although some countries have agreements that waive this requirement.
Restrictions and exceptions
Certain individuals are excluded from the VWP, even if they hold citizenship from participating countries. This includes those who have traveled to or been present in countries such as Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011. Additionally, individuals with dual nationality from these countries are ineligible.
Read more:
Coming soon: Universal Studios' first theme park to open in this Indian city by 2027
While the VWP simplifies travel to the US, it is essential for travelers to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and possess the necessary documentation. An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry; US Customs and Border Protection officers have the authority to deny admission upon arrival. Therefore, travelers should be prepared to provide evidence of their travel purpose and financial means during their stay. For more detailed information and to apply for ESTA, visit the official US Customs and Border Protection website for all information.
Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
36 minutes ago
- News18
Finance Ministry Clarifies Reports On Swiss Bank Deposits; Know What It Says
Last Updated: The Finance Ministry addresses reports on Indian deposits in Swiss banks, highlighting efforts to curb offshore tax evasion via international cooperation and data sharing. The Ministry of Finance has clarified recent media reports regarding a rise in deposits by Indian entities in Swiss bank accounts, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to curb offshore tax evasion through international cooperation and data sharing. In a statement, the ministry said India has been receiving annual financial account information from Switzerland under the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework since 2018, with the first data exchange taking place in September 2019. The data shared includes details even on accounts suspected of financial irregularities. 'In this context, it is stated that in order to combat the problem of offshore tax evasion, tax jurisdictions cooperate among themselves and share relevant information about financial assets held by the citizens of other countries in their tax jurisdiction," the finance ministry said. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) regularly undertakes a systematic review of data so received and identifies taxpayers, whose cases require further verification. Such verification is carried out through different modes, including search and survey actions, open enquiries, etc, it added. 'For AY 2024-25, CBDT compared the data shared under AEOI with the information about foreign assets and income filed in the ITRs by the taxpayers, for the purpose of verification. The analysis covered all jurisdictions, including Switzerland. Additionally, SMS and Emails were sent to various taxpayers with a request to review their ITRs, where foreign assets and income were not reported in the appropriate Schedules of ITR," it added. Following this, 24,678 taxpayers reviewed their ITRs, and 5,483 filed belated returns, disclosing foreign assets worth Rs 29,208 crore and additional foreign income of ₹1,089.88 crore. The ministry said appropriate legal action is being considered against those who failed to respond. The initiative has significantly boosted compliance. For AY 2024-25, 2.31 lakh taxpayers reported foreign assets and income, a sharp 45.17% rise compared to 1.59 lakh in AY 2023-24. The Finance Ministry attributed the improvement to increased awareness and a data-driven compliance strategy, and reiterated its commitment to pursuing enforcement against non-compliant taxpayers under existing laws. 'It is further stated that Switzerland has been providing annual financial information about Indian residents since 2018 under the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework. The first data transmission to Indian authorities occurred in September 2019, and the exchange has continued regularly since then, covering even those accounts suspected of involvement in financial irregularities," the ministry said. First Published: June 21, 2025, 10:10 IST
Mint
38 minutes ago
- Mint
Foreign investors infuse ₹1209 cr in Indian equities this week, net outflow in June stands at ₹4192 cr: NSDL
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 21 (ANI): Foreign investment in the Indian equity market remained positive during the week from June 16 to June 20, though the net inflows declined compared to the previous week, as per the latest data released by the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). According to the data, foreign investors made net inflows worth ₹ 1,209 crore in Indian equities this week. The inflows were largely supported by significant buying activity on Wednesday and Friday. Market experts attributed this trend to foreign participation in several block deals offered during the week, along with notable inflows on Friday due to the FTSE rebalancing. Siddhartha Khemka, Head Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services told ANI "FPI inflows this week has been driven by buying seen in several blocks offered during the week as well as large inflows on Friday due to FTSE rebalancing. Overall Indian economy stands strong driven by healthy economic growth multi year low inflation, rate cut by RBI as well as prospects of a above normal monsoon". Despite the positive movement this week, foreign portfolio investment (FPI) flows for the month of June so far continue to remain in the negative. As of June 20, the net outflows by foreign investors stood at ₹ 4,192 crore. However, this is an improvement from the previous week (ending June 13), when net outflows were higher at ₹ 5,402 crore. This reduction in outflows reflects some signs of stabilization in FPI sentiment. Khemka added that the recent inflows are being driven by India's strong economic fundamentals. These factors are collectively boosting investor confidence and encouraging selective foreign investment, even amid global uncertainties. Looking ahead, he suggested that both global and domestic factors will influence FPI trends in the coming week. Key global triggers include geopolitical developments, fluctuations in crude oil prices amid tensions in middle east, and the approaching deadline for the imposition of US reciprocal tariffs. On the domestic front, important drivers will be macroeconomic indicators, institutional buying support, and sector-specific triggers such as monsoon progress, consumption trends, and infrastructure push. These elements are expected to determine stock specific movements and FPI behaviour in the short term. Earlier in May, the net foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflows remained in positive and stood at ₹ 19,860 crore, making May the best-performing month so far this year in terms of foreign investment. The previous months' data also showed that FPIs had sold stocks worth ₹ 3,973 crore in March. In January and February, they had sold equities worth ₹ 78,027 crore and ₹ 34,574 crore, respectively. (ANI)
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Elon Musk's Tesla to open first showroom in India in July: Know city, EV models, price and more
The world's richest person, Elon Musk, is finally bringing Tesla to India. The electric vehicle giant is all set to open its first Tesla showroom in India this July, with Mumbai being the chosen city. After years of speculation and delays, this move marks Tesla's official entry into the Indian market, which is the third-largest car market in the world. Tesla's First Showroom in India to Open in Mumbai According to a Bloomberg report, Tesla is opening its first retail showroom in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in July. This marks a major step by Elon Musk to introduce Tesla cars in India. A second showroom is also reportedly in the pipeline for New Delhi, further strengthening the company's presence in the country. Tesla Starts Importing Model Y and Components Tesla has already begun importing the first batch of its Model Y electric SUVs along with spare parts, Supercharger units, accessories, and Tesla-branded merchandise. These items are being shipped from the United States, China, and the Netherlands, showing the brand's serious intentions to build a solid infrastructure here. The Model Y, currently the world's best-selling Tesla car, has arrived from Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai. Five rear-wheel drive units have been shipped to Mumbai, with each car valued at around Rs 27.7 lakh (approximately $31,988). Due to India's high import taxes, each car attracted over Rs 21 lakh in duties. This aligns with the country's 70% import tax on fully built electric vehicles (CBUs) priced under $40,000. Tesla Model Y India Price to Be Higher Than in the US In India, the Tesla Model Y is expected to cost over $56,000, excluding taxes and insurance. This is a lot more than its US base price of $44,990 (or $37,490 after government incentives). The steep price could be a challenge in India, where most buyers are price-conscious and value affordability over luxury. Can Tesla Succeed in India's Price-Sensitive Market? Electric vehicles (EVs) currently make up only about 5% of new passenger car sales in India. Of these, luxury cars form less than 2% of the total. This means Tesla will have to work hard to gain traction in a market where price plays a major role in buying decisions. However, despite these challenges, Elon Musk and Tesla seem confident about the Indian EV future. Earlier delays were mainly due to disagreements over high import taxes and the demand for setting up a local manufacturing plant. But now, Tesla is moving ahead with its India plans. Tesla Hiring and Expanding Infrastructure in India Tesla currently does not have an official country head after the exit of Prashanth Menon. However, the company is actively hiring for roles in retail, charging infrastructure, and public policy. It's also setting up warehousing operations in Karnataka and increasing its storage capacity near Gurugram, close to Delhi, to support its growing logistics needs. What This Means for Indian Car Buyers With Elon Musk's Tesla stepping into India, car buyers who have been waiting for high-performance electric vehicles now have a new option. The arrival of the Tesla showroom in India and the Model Y gives Indian consumers access to cutting-edge EV technology. However, unless Tesla finds a way to reduce costs—either by local production or reduced duties—it may remain a niche brand for now. Elon Musk's Tesla opening a showroom in India is a major moment for the country's electric vehicle market. Starting with Mumbai, and soon expanding to New Delhi, Tesla is making its presence felt. While the high price of a Tesla car could be a hurdle, the company's long-term success will depend on how well it adapts to Indian conditions and consumer expectations. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here
