Travel Guidelines
Your complete guide to understanding and applying for the US ESTA
Current ESTA Requirements (List of countries that need ESTA)
Nationals of the following countries, which are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), must obtain a US ESTA before traveling:
* Only Taiwanese passport holders with a personal identification number (ID number) on their passport are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and can apply for ESTA.
Travel Regulations
The United States maintains specific entry and travel regulations for international visitors. Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for a smooth and lawful entry process. Below are the key requirements you must follow when traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Entry Authorization
An Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is mandatory for entry into the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This applies to all travel purposes including tourism, business, transit, and short-term study or family visits. Once approved, the ESTA is valid for multiple entries over a period of 24 months or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Document Regulations
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United States and must be an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip. You must carry your approved ESTA confirmation, proof of return or onward travel, and accommodation details at all times during your journey.
Length of Stay Rules
Visitors entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an approved ESTA are permitted to stay for up to 90 days per visit. Consecutive visits intended to establish long-term residency are not allowed. During this period, visitors may not engage in paid or unpaid employment, enroll in long-term study programs, apply for public benefits, or get married with the intention of immigrating.
Currency Regulations
Travelers entering or leaving the United States are required by law to declare if they are carrying more than $10,000 USD (or equivalent in foreign currency or monetary instruments). This includes cash, traveler’s checks, money orders, and negotiable instruments. The requirement applies to individuals, families, or groups traveling together. The declaration must be made using FinCEN Form 105 at customs. Failure to declare may lead to seizure of the funds and potential civil or criminal penalties.
Health Requirements
Travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are strongly advised to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage, as healthcare in the U.S. can be extremely costly and is not covered for foreign visitors. If you are carrying prescription medications, they must be in their original packaging and accompanied by a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note. EU-issued GHIC or EHIC cards are not valid in the United States and cannot be used to access healthcare services.
Border Control Regulations & Entry Procedures
Upon arrival in the United States, all travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures, which may include:
Passport and ESTA verification
Confirmation of the purpose of your visit
Review of supporting documents such as proof of accommodation, return ticket, or financial means
Customs declaration processing, including questions about items being brought into the country
Admission is ultimately determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry. An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry.
Permitted Activities
Travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA may engage in permitted activities such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings or conferences, participating in short recreational courses (not for credit), and transiting through the U.S. Engaging in employment, enrolling in long-term academic programs, or performing for pay or public audiences is not allowed without the appropriate visa. Activities outside the permitted scope require prior authorization through a different visa category.
Transportation Guidelines
Public transportation systems in the United States vary widely by city and region, with different rules for ticketing and payment. Major cities like New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco operate subway, bus, or commuter rail systems that may require contactless cards, mobile apps, or preloaded transit cards. It is recommended to research and download the appropriate local transit apps or purchase fare cards in advance. For intercity travel, such as by Amtrak or domestic flights, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak travel periods.
Accommodation Standards
Travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA are expected to have confirmed accommodation arrangements for at least the first night of their stay. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may request proof of accommodation upon arrival. While it is not legally required to book your entire stay in advance, it is strongly recommended to have a clear travel itinerary and accessible booking confirmations to support your entry.
Official Resources
For current regulatory information related to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), consult:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- U.S. Department of State – Travel Information
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Guidelines
- Visa Waiver Program Information
Regulatory Notice: All requirements are subject to change. Travelers should verify current entry, visa waiver, and security regulations through official U.S. government sources before travel.
ESTA Exemptions
The following groups do not need to apply for an ESTA to travel to the United States:
- • U.S. Citizens and Nationals: Individuals holding a valid U.S. passport.
- • U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents: Holders of a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
- • Citizens of Canada: Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa or ESTA for tourism or business visits. However, certain travel purposes may necessitate a visa.
- • Citizens of Bermuda: Bermudian citizens typically do not need a visa for visits up to 180 days.
- • Holders of a Valid U.S. Visa: Individuals with a valid U.S. visa appropriate for their travel purpose.
All other travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain an approved ESTA prior to traveling to the United States by air or sea.
Please note that an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry; final admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry.
Travel Restrictions
The U.S. ESTA does not permit:
- • Paid work for U.S. companies
- • Unpaid work, including volunteering or internships
- • Self-employed or freelance activities
- • Access to public benefits or assistance
- • Living in the U.S. through frequent or successive visits
- • Marriage with intent to adjust immigration status
- • Enrollment in long-term or credit-earning study programs
Required Documents for Travel
Essential Documents
Valid e-passport eligible for the Visa Waiver Program
Approved ESTA confirmation (received via email)
Return or onward travel tickets
Proof of accommodation
Evidence of sufficient financial means
Details supporting the purpose of your visit
Supporting Documents (May Be Required)
Hotel reservations or accommodation details
Travel itinerary
Business meeting details (for business visitors)
Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
Course enrollment details (for short-term study)
Tips for Successful Travel
Before Applying
- Check that your passport is an e-passport and valid for the entire stay
- Confirm your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
- Ensure your travel will not exceed 90 days
- Gather all required travel and accommodation details
- Have a valid payment method ready for the ESTA fee
During Application
- Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport
- Review all information carefully before submitting
- Save your application reference number
- Keep the confirmation email with your ESTA approval
- Ensure the data you submit, including a passport photo has no errors
After Approval
- Carry a copy of your ESTA approval when you travel
- Confirm the ESTA is valid for your intended entry date
- Plan to leave the U.S. within the allowed 90-day period
- Have supporting documents (e.g. return ticket, proof of funds) ready for border control if requested