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Immigration
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Expanded
Beginning November 17, 2008, eligible citizens and nationals from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia are now able to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provided they have an electronic passport (e-passport) and an approved authorization via ESTA.
An e-passport is the same as a regular passport with the addition of a small contactless integrated circuit (computer chip) embedded in the back cover. The chip securely stores the same data visually displayed on the photo page of the passport, and additionally includes a digital photograph. The inclusion of the digital photograph enables biometric comparison, through the use of facial recognition technology, at international borders. E-passports must comply with
international technical standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The VWP enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. VWP-eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so. Not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program.
Established VWP countries include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Please contact your Hodgson Russ immigration professional with any questions.
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