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VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
USINFO | 2013-08-15 15:24
Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citizens of some countries are eligible to enter the U.S. as visitors (B-1 for business or B-2 for tourism) for up to 90 days without obtaining a B1/B2 visa stamp in their passport.
For a current list of VWP-eligible countries and further details on required documentation, please visit:
http://tinyurl.com/visawp
People who enter the U.S. under the VWP are given 90 days to stay in the U.S. The green I-94 card will be issued at the Port of Entry (land border crossing) and will either say WB (Waived Business) or WT (Waived Tourist). Those entering by air or sea will receive a stamp in their passport. The 90-day stay cannot be extended and the holder cannot apply to change their status to any other status inside the U.S.
People who intend to enter the U.S. under the VWP must register their intended travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The ESTA registration must be done a minimum of 3 days prior to the intended entry to the U.S. ESTA registration applications or renewals require a fee payment.
Q: Do citizens of Bermuda, Canada, the Marshall Islands, or Micronesia need to apply for an ESTA?
A: No. ESTA is required only for citizens or nationals of VWP countries.
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR VISITORS
It is dangerous to both physical and financial health to be without health insurance in the United States. All visitors should obtain suitable travel and health insurance for the duration of the stay. For an overview of how to shop for travel insurance, visit http://tinyurl.com/travelins101. Health insurance policies should provide at least $50,000 in major medical coverage and offer a low deductible (below $200 is best). Insurance policies can be purchased here in the U.S. or in your home country. If you would like further advice on choosing a suitable health insurance plan, you can visit OISS health insurance walk-in hours, which are listed here: http://oiss.isp.msu.edu/health.php
