The program allows for reciprocal visa-free travel for up to 90 days between participating partner countries. It is only applicable to specific countries where the United States has in-depth security and information-sharing agreements, and a coordination of law enforcement.
The VWP is funded through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization program, which was congressionally mandated by the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of international travelers wishing to enter the U.S. and charges successful applicants a $10 fee.
The VWP provides great value to the United States’ long-standing goals of attracting both business and leisure travelers, while also prioritizing national security. Through this program, the United States benefits from better information-sharing systems among participating countries’ intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
This includes screening all travelers against INTERPOL databases and an increased utilization of fraud-resistant e-passports containing biometric information. These facets of the VWP make the country safer while also keeping its doors open to international visitors.
When President Donald Trump released his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2019 in mid-February, it included a travel-related provision that would divert some funds from ESTA. Currently, funding flows from ESTA to the Visa Waiver Program, the Corporation for Travel Promotion (known as Brand USA) and other recipient programs.
The Trump budget proposal would reallocate some funds from Brand USA and use them to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection passenger inspection activities. Last year, when the administration proposed a similar diversion of ESTA funds, the travel and tourism industry strongly opposed this. NTA and other tourism leaders are already deeply engaged with legislative allies and friends of the industry on this issue.
NTA aims to ensure that all federally funded facets of travel and tourism have sufficient resources to be able to fully function. NTA will continue to support the Visa Waiver Program and believes it will not only bolster tourism, but also strengthen the nation’s security.
Furthermore, as information is shared between the U.S. and the VWP’s partnering countries, the relationship between the countries is strengthened.
NTA understands that President Trump and the administration place the highest priority on maintaining secure travel systems, and the association remains poised to work with the administration and Congress to maintain the highest levels of safety.
But NTA believes Congress should ensure that any reforms to the Visa Waiver Program be crafted carefully and with the numerous security advantages in mind. NTA continues to engage with lawmakers and to monitor movement on this issue.
Signal Group is a Washington, D.C., lobbying firm retained by NTA to advise members about travel-related issues and legislation.
VWP partner countries
Citizens or nationals of the following countries are currently eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom
For more information, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website: cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program.
Top photo ©Lina/Adobe Stock
