Chile soon to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Expanding Visa-Free Travel to the United States is estimated to boost U.S. Economic Growth and Job Creation

Citizens of the South American country of Chile will soon enjoy the same visa-free entry that travelers from 37 other nations currently have access to, making it easier for them to travel to the USA for business and pleasure.

"Expanding visa-free travel from allied nations to the United States is a proven path to increased economic prosperity for communities all across America while also enhancing our national security," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. without having to obtain a nonimmigrant visitor visa for stays of up to 90 days. Visits to the United States under the VWP is allowable for approved business purposes or leisure, but not for work, study or permanent residency. Visa-free travelers to the U.S. require an advanced authorization for travel through the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online system. To participate in the VWP, countries must be certified by the Department of Homeland Security as meeting stringent security standards.

Chile would be the only Latin America country that is part of the program. 

Elimination of the visa requirement for Chilean citizens who wish to visit the United States for a maximum of 90 days "requires compliance with conditions that Chile has already been complying with," said Sebastian Piñera, Chile’s President during a press conference in Washington D.C

More than 200,000 Chileans currently visit the United States every year. 
 

For travelers interested in visiting the United States through the Visa Waiver Program, contact us for more information. You may be eligible to apply through the ESTA online application system.

Travelling to the United States? Do you have your pre-planning checklist in order? Visit our ESTA Guide for more information about obtaining your travel permit. We'd love to hear from you. Send us your comments or questions for travel assistance.

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