Thirty-six countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, or VWP, which allows their citizens to travel to the United States for 90 days or fewer without a visa. These countries were selected for their counter-terrorism, law enforcement, border control and document security standards. Among the 36 countries are Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K. A full list of participating countries is available on the Visa Waiver Program official website.
Tourists visiting the U.S. from countries not involved in the Visa Waiver Program must present a secure, official travel document before they can enter. For Canadian, Mexican and Bermudian citizens, these documents include a passport, traveler's card (including a NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI) or a driver's license with a photo. Mexican citizens with children must present a laser visa border crossing card or a passport with a non-immigrant visa. Citizens from all other countries must follow specific guidelines for that country, though generally this includes a visa, passport or e-Passport.
All U.S. citizens reentering the country by land, sea or air are required to have an official travel document that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. These can be a U.S. passport, a NEXUS card, a U.S. military ID with a travel order, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner's Document. Citizens are also recommended to bring a valid driver's license with photo ID or a visa. Upon arrival in the United States, travelers must complete a border security and customs form, which requires travelers to identify specific items they are bringing into the country.
