By Jonita Davis
A passport is used by foreign travelers to the
United States when a visa is not required. This is made possible through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows nationals from 35 countries to entire and travel within the U.S. without a visa. However, these travelers can't just pop on over. They must adhere to certain passport requirements before traveling to the U.S.
Get Permission for Travel
If your country is on the VWP list, you must get authorization for travel to the U.S. This is done online at the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website. Once received, the authorization is good for two years.
Get an E-Passport
Everyone traveling under the VWP must carry an e-passport. This passport has a microchip that carries the holder's information including name, birthdate, digital photo. It is scanned at customs to reveal the pertinent information. Without the passport, the traveler will be stopped at customs and either detained or sent back to his or her home country. The passport expiration date must be dated at least six months from the date the planned trip is to end.
Follow the Rules
Foreign travelers with an e-passport can stay in the U.S. for only 90 days. They must be visiting the U.S. for business or tourism. They must also bring enough money to financially support them while in the U.S. and a return ticket home. Journalists and students are excluded from traveling under the VWP because their purpose is considered neither business nor pleasure.
About the Author:
Jonita Davis is freelance writer and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "The LaPorte County Herald Argus" and Work.com. Davis also authored the book, "Michigan City Marinas," which covers the history of the Michigan City Port Authority. Davis holds a bachelor's degree in English from Purdue University.
