How to Travel to the U.S. Without a Visa: Everything You Need to Know

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a program run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It allows citizens from specific countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa. This is only possible if travelers meet certain requirements. The program is designed for short visits, like tourism or business trips.

In exchange for the benefits provided by the VWP, the countries participating in this program offer similar entry privileges to U.S. citizens, allowing them to visit those countries without needing a visa for a similar period of time.

Is Pakistan Included in the Visa Waiver Program?

No, Pakistan is not a part of the Visa Waiver Program. As a result, Pakistani citizens are required to apply for a visa if they wish to travel to the United States.

Countries Eligible for 90-Day Visa-Free Travel to the U.S.

Citizens from the following countries can visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they meet all the necessary requirements:

Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom

Key Requirements for Visa-Free Entry Under the VWP

If you plan to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, here are the key requirements:

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): Travelers must obtain approval through the ESTA system before their trip. This is an online process that must be completed in advance.
Purpose of the Visit: The trip must be for tourism or business. Other types of visits do not qualify under the VWP.
Eligibility: Only citizens or nationals from VWP-approved countries are eligible to use this program. If you are from a country that is not part of the VWP, you must apply for a visa.

Passport Requirements for Traveling to the U.S. Under the VWP

When traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, your passport must meet specific standards to qualify for visa-free entry:

The passport must have a machine-readable zone on the biographical page. This feature allows quick and accurate reading of the passport’s information.
The passport must be an e-passport, meaning it has a digital chip embedded with biometric information of the passport holder.

If your passport does not meet these criteria, you will not be eligible to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

In 2015, the U.S. introduced new restrictions under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. These changes require certain travelers to apply for a visa, even if they are from VWP-approved countries. The restrictions apply to the following groups:

Travelers with recent visits to certain countries: If you are a citizen of a VWP country and have traveled to North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen after March 1, 2011, you must apply for a visa to enter the U.S., unless your visit was for diplomatic or military purposes.
Travelers who visited Cuba: Citizens of VWP countries who have traveled to Cuba for non-diplomatic or non-military reasons after January 12, 2021, are also required to apply for a visa.
Dual Nationals: If you are a dual national of a VWP country and one of the countries listed above (Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria), you cannot use the VWP and must apply for a visa.

These rules were implemented to enhance U.S. security and prevent the entry of individuals who could pose a risk.