Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all travelers, including U.S. Citizens, to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.
WHTI - At-a-Glance Tearsheet
WHTI - U.S. Land/Sea Document Requirements
WHTI - Enhanced Driver's License Program Map
WHTI - Detroit Border Crossing
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so. 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.
In October 2008, President Bush announced the addition of seven countries to the Visa Waiver Program -- the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and South Korea – Read the White House press release.
Read more about the Visa Waiver Program >>
FAQ's about the Visa Waiver Program
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently announced the availability of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA, beginning August 1, 2008. ESTA is accessible online for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP. The ESTA website is now available in 13 additional languages.Read press release from the Department of Homeland Security >>
Effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP.
The following informational sheets are currently being printed and will be distributed to all VWP travelers upon entry beginning early September 2008:
ESTA Tearsheet - Dutch
ESTA Tearsheet - French
ESTA Tearsheet - German
ESTA Tearsheet - Italian
ESTA Tearsheet - Japanese
ESTA Tearsheet - Potruguese
ESTA Tearsheet - Spanish
ESTA Tearsheet - Swedish
ESTA Tearsheet - English