Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business [visitor (B) visa purposes] for periods of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the purpose of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, thus stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State consular resources to better focus on other areas.
VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so. However, not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program. VWP travelers are screened prior to admission into the United States, and they are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program.
From September 8, 2010, Visa Waiver Program Travelers will need to pay a fee of $14.00 to register under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The new fee will cover $10.00 collected pursuant to the Travel Promotion Act (TPA) and a $4.00 ESTA fee.
Please note: There is only one official ESTA website, anyone else charging a fee for this service is NOT operating on behalf of the U.S. government.
For More Information
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For immigrant visa (IV) inquiries, please e-mail ImmigrantCaracas@state.gov
For inquiries regarding non-immigrant tourist visas, please contact ConsularCaracas@state.gov
For inquiries regarding U.S. citizenship claims and U.S. passports please contact acsvenezuela@state.gov