Visa waiver program boosts tourism to the U.S.

15-06-24

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in collaboration with the Department of State, allows citizens of 41 countries to enter the United States for business or tourism without a visa for up to 90 days. In reciprocity, these countries also allow U.S. citizens to enter their borders for a similar period without a visa.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a crucial component of the VWP, which screens travelers to determine their eligibility to enter the U.S. Although ESTA approval does not guarantee entry, it is a necessary step, with final admission determined by U.S. Customs at the point of entry. Travelers must provide personal and eligibility information through ESTA and are advised to apply for this authorization when planning their travel.

For travelers from countries not eligible for the VWP, B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas are available. The B-1 visa is designed for business visits, while the B-2 is for leisure activities such as sightseeing, medical visits or attending events. Both visas do not permit employment in the U.S. and have specific restrictions on study, generally admitting holders for up to six months per visit.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) 2024 economic impact research, the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector contributed $2.36 trillion to the economy in 2023 and created 18 million jobs. Domestic visitor spending increased to $1.37 trillion, while international visitor spending reached $156.1 billion, despite being 25% lower than in 2019. WTTC President Julia Simpson highlighted the need to improve visa processing and border staffing to boost international tourism.

Established in 1986, the VWP was designed to improve tourism and business travel to the United States. Initially, it included a limited number of countries, but has expanded to 41 nations, simplifying entry procedures, increasing tourism revenue, and strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.

The new visa policy allows travelers from participating countries to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. This initiative aims to streamline the entry process, reduce wait times and improve the overall travel experience, making it easier to explore the diverse attractions of the U.S. Increased tourism will benefit not only major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, but also smaller cities and rural areas that offer unique travel experiences.