Throughout history, the US has frequently served as a center of grabbing tourists worldwide. Going there for either tourism or business has been a highlight for many people. However, the constant process of getting a visa is viewed as somewhat long and complicated. In order to facilitate this process, the US set up the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which is still a great benefit to tourists in 2025. Under the VWP, citizens from certain countries can come to the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a unique program that allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for 90 days or less without a visa if they have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval.
If a traveler wishes, he can also choose the B-category and get the visa in his passport in the traditional way.
Improvement and security provisions
The Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which came into force in 2015, added some strict rules to it. According to this:
- Citizens of VWP countries who have traveled to North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen after March 1, 2011, cannot take advantage of this program.
- The same restriction applies to travelers traveling to Cuba after January 12, 2021.
- If a traveler also holds citizenship of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Iraq, Sudan or Syria, then he cannot take advantage of VWP.
The main purpose of these restrictions is to strengthen the national security of the United States.
Activities allowed under the Visa Waiver Program
If you are traveling under this program, you can do the following activities:
- For business – meeting business associates, attending conferences or conventions, taking short-term training (without receiving pay from a US source), negotiating contracts.
- For tourism – leisure travel, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatment, attending social events, participating in amateur sports, cultural or musical events (if not paid), taking short-term courses such as cooking classes, etc.
For what purposes is VWP not valid?
There are some activities for which VWP cannot be used, such as –
- Obtaining permanent residence in the US.
- Studying for higher education or obtaining a degree.
- Doing any type of employment.
- Doing work related to journalism or media.
Which countries are included?
This facility is only for citizens of certain countries. The major countries included in it are –
Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and many other European countries.
A total of more than 40 countries come in this list.
ESTA requirement
To enter the US without a visa, it is mandatory to have ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approval. It is a web-based system operated by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- The ESTA application is done online and is usually approved quickly.
- It is necessary to check your ESTA status before planning a trip.
- If for some reason the ESTA is rejected, the traveler can apply for a traditional visa at the US embassy or consulate.
Have the Correct Type of Passport
When you are about to leave the United States, you are required to have a passport with at least 6 months remaining (unless the country agreements specifically exempt you). For families, every single person, including kids and babies, will require a passport.
You will need to have an e-passport in order to use VWP. E-passport is a passport that is secure and has an electronic chip located within it. The chip can be scanned in order to confirm the identity of the traveler with the passport. E-Passports should be secure passports in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO. It is easy to recognize an e-passport simply by the symbol located on the cover. You can find more specific information regarding e-passports on the DHS site.
Passport rules
The passport must also be standard to avail the Visa Waiver Program.
- The validity of the passport must be at least 6 months more than the date of return from the US.
- Each family member – including children and infants – must have a separate passport.
- An E-Passport is mandatory, which has an electronic chip embedded in it. It is used to verify the identity of the traveler.
Emergency and temporary passports
If a traveler has an emergency or temporary passport, it must also be an E-passport. Only then will travel under the VWP be allowed.
Visa application from the Embassy or Consulate
If the traveler does not meet the conditions of the VWP or the ESTA is rejected, he or she can apply for a traditional visa at a US embassy or consulate. In certain circumstances – such as funerals, medical emergencies, or university/school enrollment dates – the embassy may expedite the application process.
Conclusion
The US Visa Waiver Program 2025 is an efficient and convenient option for travelers worldwide. The program facilitates tourism and business travel as well as gains diplomatic and economic benefits for the US as it pertains to the countries involved.
It is worth noting, however, the facility is only available to travelers who comply with the conditions of the program, specifically the terms of acceptance and ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), e-passports, and security.
In conclusion, the VWP benefits global access to the US without access to compromised security controls.
FAQs
Q1. What is the $2,000 Child Tax Credit 2025?
It is a federal program in the U.S. that provides $2,000 per eligible child under 17 to support families financially.
Q2. Who is eligible for this credit?
Children under 17, living with the taxpayer, including biological, step, adopted, or half-siblings, with the parent meeting income and tax requirements.
Q3. How will the payment be made?
Payments will be issued monthly starting October 2025, either via direct deposit or check.
Q4. Is the entire $2,000 refundable?
No, $1,600 of the $2,000 credit is fully refundable, ensuring families receive it even with low or no tax liability.
Q5. Are there additional benefits from states?
Yes, several states like California, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, and New York provide extra child tax credits to supplement the federal benefit.
