The Visa Waiver Program

How long can I stay in the US under the VWP?

The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals of participating countries, including Belgium, to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.  For complete details about the Visa Waiver Program and its requirements please click here.

If I travel to the United States visa under the Visa Waiver Program, will I be able to extend my stay beyond 90 days?

No, the maximum stay in the United States under the Visa Waiver Program is 90 days.  Extensions are not permitted.

My Belgian passport will expire less than six months after I arrive in the U.S.   May I still use the Visa Waiver Program?

Citizens of visa waiver countries (except Andorra, Brunei, and San Marino), are not required to have a passport that is valid for six months after arrival. If your passport is valid for less than 90 days, however, you will be admitted into the United States only until the passport expiration date. 

How do I know if my passport is valid for travel under the Visa Waiver Program?

In general, Belgians who have machine-readable passports valid for their intended stay in the United States may travel under the Visa Waiver Program.  For detailed information about passport requirements for travelers from visa waiver countries, click here.

My children are included in my passport. Do they need their own passports to go to the US under the Visa Waiver Program?

Children, even infants, need their own machine-readable passports for travel under the Visa Waiver Program.

Can I enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program from anywhere in the world?

Yes, as long as you meet all of the program requirements. Click here.

How will I get the Arrival/Departure Record form I-94W?

If you are on a cruise, the company will provide the documents aboard the vessel.

My trip includes travel to Mexico/Canada/Bermuda or the Caribbean.  How does this affect my eligibility to use the Visa Waiver Program?

There are specific rules that govern these types of travel.  Travelers who intend to visit any of these locations after entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (whether they return home through the U.S. or not) should carefully review the applicable information here to avoid problems.

Can I enter the United States by land from Canada or Mexico under the Visa Waiver Program?

Yes.  If you enter by the United States at a land border there is no requirement to have a round trip or onward ticket. The Bureau of customs and Patrol will give you an I-94W arrival/departure record card at the border checkpoint. You will be charged a $6.00 administrative fee payable in U.S. dollars. This fee is charged to all travelers whether or not they have visas. 

I have been refused a visa under Section 221(g) or 214(b) of the Immigration & Nationality Act.  May I still travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program?

A prior visa refusal under these sections of U.S. law does not make you ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program.  Because the same issues that caused the visa denial may still be relevant when you seek to enter the U.S under the Visa Waiver Program, however, we recommend that you apply for a visa.

I am entering the United States aboard a private aircraft or yacht.  May I travel use the Visa Waiver Program?

No.  You must obtain a visa.

Is there a limit to the number of times I may travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program in any given period of time?

There is no limit to the number of times you may travel the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, and there is no minimum period of time you are required to remain outside the U.S. before returning. If you frequently travel to the United States for lengthy periods under the VWP, however, you should be prepared to demonstrate the purpose of your visit, that you intend to leave the U.S. within 90 days, and that you have sufficient funds to pay for your visit without working.  If you are unable to do so, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection may not be convinced that you are a bona fide visitor for business or tourism and deny your admission.

I have a diplomatic/official passport.  May I enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program?

If you are traveling to the United States for business or pleasure and not for official business, you may use your diplomatic or official passport to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.

If you are traveling to the United States on an official mission for your government, NATO, the European Union or an international organization, you must have a visa.  Your ministry of foreign affairs or the protocol office in your organization should submit the visa application on your behalf accompanied by the appropriate note verbale.