Visa Waiver Program

From the U.S. Department of State Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without obtaining a visa, for stays of ninety days or less for business, tourism, visiting, or pleasure.  In order to travel without a visa on the VWP, one must have authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding an approved U.S. bound transport (passport requirements apply).  There are thirty-seven countries that currently participate in the VWP:

*The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.