You may travel visa free if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You have your own passport (everyone, including children, is required to have his or her own passport to travel VWP)
• Children's passport (Kinderreisepass) are not eligible for the VWP, unless issued or extended before or on 26 October 2006. All Children's ID (Kinderausweis) require a visa and are not eligible for the VWP. Children must have their own e-passport to travel VWP.
• You are traveling for business, pleasure or transit only.
• Your intended stay in the US does not exceed 90 days.
• You must hold a valid return or onward ticket. Onward tickets may not end in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.
• You will enter the US aboard an air or sea carrier that has agreed to participate in the program. This applies to most airlines and shipping companies.
• Private or official aircraft or vessels do not meet this requirement. You will need a visa if you travel on a private plane or yacht.
• Your passport is valid for the duration of stay in the U.S.
• Read the VWP guidelines handout (pdf 573kb)

The Visa Waiver Program applies for the United States of America including Puerto Rico, Guam and the US-Virgin Islands.

After entering the US you may travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean within 90 days and re-enter the US using any mode of transport. You may also enter the US without a visa traveling from Canada or Mexico for up to 90 days (please note that there will be a $6.00 fee, payable only in US dollars). You will have to show proof of the ability to finance your trip at the port of entry.

The Visa Waiver Program permits visa free travel to the US if you are a citizen of one of the following countries and the conditions apply to you.

Note: Citizens of Argentina and Uruguay may no longer enter the United States without visas.

Persons who enter the US on VWP must have an ESTA approval before they will be allowed to enter. If the airline carrier is unable to process the ESTA authorization, the form I-94w may still have to be filled out and retained until the final exit from the U.S. This is especially important if individuals plan to re-enter the U.S. from their side-trip using a non-signatory aircraft or boat. (If they re-enter by land or with a signatory carrier, such individuals can just fill out a new I-94w. However,if they return from the side-trip by private boat, they must retain the valid I-94w from the original admission.)

What do I do if I did not turn in my I-94w when leaving the U.S.?