Change in Visa Waiver Rules
Effective January 12, 2009, all visitors who wish to enter the U.S. with a Visa Waiver, must first register online with the ESTA system at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html
Explanation: Citizens of certain countries are able to enter the U.S. without obtaining a visa, for a visit of up to 90 days. This is allowed for persons who are coming for the purpose of tourism or business, and not for employment, studies, or longer visits. Such persons receive an I-94 marked “WT” (Tourist) or “WB” (Business Visitor).
Beginning on January 12, 2009, anyone wishing to use the Visa Waiver program will not be allowed to board the plane unless he/she can show proof of the on-line ESTA registration.
Note: Citizens of Canada do not require visas, but they do not enter the U.S. under the “Visa Waiver Program”. Therefore, they will not be required to register with ESTA.
If there are other questions about the Visa Waiver program, contact the International Scholar Services Office in the UT Center for International Education.
More information about the Visa Waiver program.
Explanation: Citizens of certain countries are able to enter the U.S. without obtaining a visa, for a visit of up to 90 days. This is allowed for persons who are coming for the purpose of tourism or business, and not for employment, studies, or longer visits. Such persons receive an I-94 marked “WT” (Tourist) or “WB” (Business Visitor).
Beginning on January 12, 2009, anyone wishing to use the Visa Waiver program will not be allowed to board the plane unless he/she can show proof of the on-line ESTA registration.
Note: Citizens of Canada do not require visas, but they do not enter the U.S. under the “Visa Waiver Program”. Therefore, they will not be required to register with ESTA.
If there are other questions about the Visa Waiver program, contact the International Scholar Services Office in the UT Center for International Education.
More information about the Visa Waiver program.