Visa Waiver Program (WB and WT)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism (WT=Waiver of Tourist Visa) or business (WB= Waiver of Business Visa) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. This means that the normal requirement to go to a US embassy or consulate and apply for a visa sticker in a passport is not necessary because it is waived. Please read the detailed information about the VWP at the U.S. Department of State website: U.S. Department of State.
The Visa Waiver Program is currently available for citizens of these countries:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom*, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Republic of Korea and Slovak Republic
Visitors should check with the U.S. embassy website to make sure that their country is still eligible for the VWP before they travel. The Visa Waiver Program has very stringent passport requirements; be sure to check the U.S. Department of State website for details.
Visitors from one of the above countries who come on a WB or WT must fly on an approved Air Carrier. The visitor will be given a green colored Arrival/Departure card (I-94 w) on the plane to fill out. This card will be stamped by the DHS or Customs Border Protection official at a U.S. port-of-entry.
Important: The WB or WT only allows the visitor to stay for a period of up to 90 days. No extensions are allowed. Change to another visa status within the U.S. is also NOT allowed.
Steps to be Taken to Enter the U.S. in WB/WT Status
Advance Authorization is required online. Filing is recommended 72 hours before travel begins. The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) registration is available online and is valid for two years after approval.
- a. International Faculty and staff as business visitor (WB) need to receive a letter of invitation from the U of MN department. The
letter of invitation needs to include: statement of invitation, exact dates of visit,
purpose of the trip, activities during visit, is funding provided, if no funding is
provided what is the funding (i.e. personal funds, etc.) See Sample Letter.
b. Family and friends as tourist (pleasure) visitors (WT) may need a letter of invitation and/or an affidavit of support (I-134) if trip funding is from a U.S. source.
- Visitor
must fly on an approved Air Carrier
- Visitor completes online ESTA application (more than 72 Hours prior to travel is recommended.)
- Visitor travel to the U.S.
- Visitor needs to present to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer:
- Passport (see the passport citizenship requipment above)
- Letter of Invitation (required for University of Minnesota International faculty,
- staff or official
Business visitors (WB), recommended for tourist/pleasure visitors(WT)
- proof of funding/support
- Arrival/departure card (I-94W)- green color- completed front and back.
See the University Central
Payroll for more information about Restrictions on Payments, and Tax Issues for Short-term International Visitors.
Please See
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