The US has updated its visa policies to increase security. It will likely take you longer to get a visa than it used to, and you will find that a few new security measures have been put into place. For details that may apply specifically to your country, see information posted by your nearest US Consulate or Embassy.

Citizens of certain countries, traveling for visitor visa purposes for 90 days or less, and who meet all the requirements, can travel to the United States for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program.

Currently, the 27 countries, shown below, participate in the Visa Waiver Program. (Certain citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa to visit the US ).

Since October 2004, visa waiver travelers from ALL VWP countries must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry. Machine-readable passports issued since October 2005 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or integrated chip with information from the data page.

A passport with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States is required. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make a separate application;

To avoid frustrations and disappointments

• Advance planning by travelers is essential. Review your visa status and find out if you need a US visa or a visa renewal.
• Plan to submit your visa application well in advance of your departure date. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a current time estimate and recommendations.
• Visit the embassy or consular section website where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions. An interview is required as a standard part of visa processing for most visa applicants.
• Applicants must now also have two index finger-scans collected as part of the visa application process. These finger-scans are normally collected by the consular officer at the visa interview window, but in some countries they are collected prior to the visa interview.