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Page 1: USA TOURIST VISA GUIDE - Wix.com

Page13 113 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Disclaimer

USA Travel Assistance the publisher of this information guide is an independent non-governmental organization USA Travel Assistance is not affiliated with the United States government No attorneyclient relationship is created by the usage of this information guide

Copyright Warning

This publication is copyrighted by USA Travel Assistance No part of this publication may be reproduced transmitted transcribed stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form or by any means including electronic mechanical optical chemical manual or otherwise without prior written permission of USA Travel Assistance All violations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law Official government forms (if any) included with this publication are copyrighted by the US government not by USA Travel Assistance

USA TOURIST VISA GUIDE

Page13 213 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

USA Visitor Visas USA Visitor Visas are divided into three sub-categories with each sub-category allowing international visitors to enter the country for a period of up to six months It is also known as B1 B2 Visa and Visa Waiver Program ESTA A visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to people entering US temporarily for pleasure tourism or medical treatment Any foreign citizen including parents who wants to visit USA for tourism visiting children family friends relatives attending special events family functions ceremonies or for medical treatment may qualify and can apply for a Visitor Visa

Note Citizens of certain countries may not require a visitor visa if the trip is less than 90 days This is known US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Quick Facts about USA Visitor Visas

bull The visitor visa or tourist visa is also known as B1-B2 or B2 visa for USA

bull The visitor visa is subject to approval You must apply and get the visitor visastamped in your passport

bull The visitor visa is granted for a specific purpose only like tourism medicaltreatment etc Persons entering the USA on a visitor visa should not be involved in study business or work If the purpose of your trip is business you must apply for a USA Business Visa (B1 Visa)

bullThe maximum length of stay in the USA on a visitor visa can be 6 months orless which is granted at the port of entry at US airport on arrival An extension to maximum 6 months may be possible which is subject to approval To request an extension you will need to submit a USA visitor visa extension application to USCIS with the fee included

How to get Visitor Visa for USA

Getting a visitor visa to the USA is subject to approval Each applicant must have a valid passport complete the Visa Application form pay the fee and appear for the visitor visa interview at the nearest applicable US consulate in their country Following is the visitor visa application and visitor visa stamping process for USA visitor visa

Page13 313 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Step 1 Photograph for Visitor

Visa

Step 2 Visitor Visa Application

Step 3 Visitor Visa Application

Fee

Step 4 Visitor Visa Interview

Appointment

Step 5 Visitor Visa

Interview

Step 1 Get a digital photograph of each applicant A digital photograph is required in order to apply for a US visitor visa The photograph must meet certain criteria A good photographer or studio can provide you this picture if you mention the photograph is needed for a US visitor visa purpose

The digital photograph must meet the following requirements bull The digital photograph must be a squarebull Minimum dimensions must be 600 pixels by 600 pixelsbull Maximum dimensions must be 1200 pixels by 1200 pixelsbull Image must be in color (24 bits per pixel)bull Image must be in the JPEG format (jpg or jpeg file

extension)bull File size of the image must be less than or equal to 240

kilobytesSee the complete photograph requirements for visitor visa

Step 2 Complete your Visitor Visa Application Here A visitor visa application (form DS160) must be completed in order to submit your visa

After successfully completing the application you will receive a confirmation with a 10-digit barcode You will need to print this page in order to set up your visa interview appointment

Page13 413 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Step 3 Pay the Visitor Visa application fee Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment The fee is good for a year from the date of payment This payment is mandatory and is not refundable under any circumstances If the visa is refused or you abandon your application the fee will not be refunded If it is mistakenly paid twice it will not be refunded Only the application fee should be paid into this account

Step 4 Take an appointment for the visa interview After you pay the fees you will have to schedule an appointment with the Consulate or Embassy for a personal visa interview

Step 5 Attend the visa interview at designated US consulate

On the day and time of your appointment for interview go to the consulate where your interview is scheduled Carry all mandatory and supporting documents and originals

Carry the following to your interview

bull Your passport (and your old passports if any)bull Your photographbull The DS160 barcode pagebull Visa application fee receiptbull Interview Appointment letter

See complete details of the visitor visa interview preparation

Page13 513 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Introduction to the Visa Waiver Program

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to enter into the United States without a Visa for a short business or tourist trip of 90 days or less There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to qualify for the VWP Not all countries participate in the VWP and not all citizens of participating countries qualify for the VWP You can apply here ESTA Visa Waiver Program

List of Countries Participating in the VWP

Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Portugal Republic of Korea San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Kingdom

Visa Waiver Requirements

bull Applicant must hold a machine-readable passport as of June 26th 2005bull Passport must be valid at least 6 months from the expected day of departurefrom the United States bull Applicant has complied with the conditions of previous admissions under theVisa Waiver Program and has not been found ineligible for a US visa bull Applicant arrives by an approved carrier (by sea or air)Most major airlines and cruise ships are approved carriers bull The applicant must have a return ticket to any foreign location besides any partof United States or any US adjacent islands bull If arriving by land the applicant must demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days orless in the United States and have sufficient funds to support themselves during hisher stay in the US bull VWP travelers who have been admitted under the Visa Waiver Program andwho make a short trip to Canada Mexico or an adjacent islands generally can be readmitted to the US under the VWP for the original admission period New passports issued by Visa Waiver Program countries must include a digital photo otherwise the traveler will be required to get a visa (A digital photo is one that is printed on the page not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport)

If a passport does not have this aforementioned (point 8) feature youcan still travel without a visa if

You were issued a valid passport before October 26 2005 which is machine-readable or

Page13 613 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

You have e-Passport which includes an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page a digitized photograph and other biometric information (All passports issued from Visa Waiver Program countries are required to be e-Passports as of October 26 2006)

Machine-Readable Passports

Machine-readable passports were required of Visa Waiver Program countries as of June 26 2005 A machine-readable passport has two lines of text as letters numbers and chevrons (ltltlt) at the bottom of the personal information page with your picture

If a passport was issued on or after October 26 2005 and it does not meet these requirements the traveler will need to obtain a visa

For more detailed information on Visa Waiver Program visit the Untied States Bureau of Consular Affairs httpwwwtravelstategovvisatempwithoutwithout_1990html

Carriers Liability

Beginning October 26 2005 transportation carriers will be fined up to $3300 per violation for transporting any visitor traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to the United States who does not meet the stated requirements Similarly visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program arriving in the United States on that date without the proper passport should not anticipate being granted entry into the country

The USA offers some of the best medical care in the world and it is also very expensive Purchasing medical insurance for your US visit is an important part of the trip planning processMedical insurance for US Visitors may be issued for short term or long term visits You your family member or friend will need medical insurance for unforeseen illnesses or injuries that may occur during a visit to the US Coverage is provided for unforeseen illnesses or injuries out-patient medical expenses hospital charges surgery fees prescription drugs x-rays lab work and other related medical expenses Get a FREE quote Online

Travel Insurance

Page 2: USA TOURIST VISA GUIDE - Wix.com

Page13 213 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

USA Visitor Visas USA Visitor Visas are divided into three sub-categories with each sub-category allowing international visitors to enter the country for a period of up to six months It is also known as B1 B2 Visa and Visa Waiver Program ESTA A visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to people entering US temporarily for pleasure tourism or medical treatment Any foreign citizen including parents who wants to visit USA for tourism visiting children family friends relatives attending special events family functions ceremonies or for medical treatment may qualify and can apply for a Visitor Visa

Note Citizens of certain countries may not require a visitor visa if the trip is less than 90 days This is known US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Quick Facts about USA Visitor Visas

bull The visitor visa or tourist visa is also known as B1-B2 or B2 visa for USA

bull The visitor visa is subject to approval You must apply and get the visitor visastamped in your passport

bull The visitor visa is granted for a specific purpose only like tourism medicaltreatment etc Persons entering the USA on a visitor visa should not be involved in study business or work If the purpose of your trip is business you must apply for a USA Business Visa (B1 Visa)

bullThe maximum length of stay in the USA on a visitor visa can be 6 months orless which is granted at the port of entry at US airport on arrival An extension to maximum 6 months may be possible which is subject to approval To request an extension you will need to submit a USA visitor visa extension application to USCIS with the fee included

How to get Visitor Visa for USA

Getting a visitor visa to the USA is subject to approval Each applicant must have a valid passport complete the Visa Application form pay the fee and appear for the visitor visa interview at the nearest applicable US consulate in their country Following is the visitor visa application and visitor visa stamping process for USA visitor visa

Page13 313 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Step 1 Photograph for Visitor

Visa

Step 2 Visitor Visa Application

Step 3 Visitor Visa Application

Fee

Step 4 Visitor Visa Interview

Appointment

Step 5 Visitor Visa

Interview

Step 1 Get a digital photograph of each applicant A digital photograph is required in order to apply for a US visitor visa The photograph must meet certain criteria A good photographer or studio can provide you this picture if you mention the photograph is needed for a US visitor visa purpose

The digital photograph must meet the following requirements bull The digital photograph must be a squarebull Minimum dimensions must be 600 pixels by 600 pixelsbull Maximum dimensions must be 1200 pixels by 1200 pixelsbull Image must be in color (24 bits per pixel)bull Image must be in the JPEG format (jpg or jpeg file

extension)bull File size of the image must be less than or equal to 240

kilobytesSee the complete photograph requirements for visitor visa

Step 2 Complete your Visitor Visa Application Here A visitor visa application (form DS160) must be completed in order to submit your visa

After successfully completing the application you will receive a confirmation with a 10-digit barcode You will need to print this page in order to set up your visa interview appointment

Page13 413 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Step 3 Pay the Visitor Visa application fee Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment The fee is good for a year from the date of payment This payment is mandatory and is not refundable under any circumstances If the visa is refused or you abandon your application the fee will not be refunded If it is mistakenly paid twice it will not be refunded Only the application fee should be paid into this account

Step 4 Take an appointment for the visa interview After you pay the fees you will have to schedule an appointment with the Consulate or Embassy for a personal visa interview

Step 5 Attend the visa interview at designated US consulate

On the day and time of your appointment for interview go to the consulate where your interview is scheduled Carry all mandatory and supporting documents and originals

Carry the following to your interview

bull Your passport (and your old passports if any)bull Your photographbull The DS160 barcode pagebull Visa application fee receiptbull Interview Appointment letter

See complete details of the visitor visa interview preparation

Page13 513 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Introduction to the Visa Waiver Program

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to enter into the United States without a Visa for a short business or tourist trip of 90 days or less There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to qualify for the VWP Not all countries participate in the VWP and not all citizens of participating countries qualify for the VWP You can apply here ESTA Visa Waiver Program

List of Countries Participating in the VWP

Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Portugal Republic of Korea San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Kingdom

Visa Waiver Requirements

bull Applicant must hold a machine-readable passport as of June 26th 2005bull Passport must be valid at least 6 months from the expected day of departurefrom the United States bull Applicant has complied with the conditions of previous admissions under theVisa Waiver Program and has not been found ineligible for a US visa bull Applicant arrives by an approved carrier (by sea or air)Most major airlines and cruise ships are approved carriers bull The applicant must have a return ticket to any foreign location besides any partof United States or any US adjacent islands bull If arriving by land the applicant must demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days orless in the United States and have sufficient funds to support themselves during hisher stay in the US bull VWP travelers who have been admitted under the Visa Waiver Program andwho make a short trip to Canada Mexico or an adjacent islands generally can be readmitted to the US under the VWP for the original admission period New passports issued by Visa Waiver Program countries must include a digital photo otherwise the traveler will be required to get a visa (A digital photo is one that is printed on the page not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport)

If a passport does not have this aforementioned (point 8) feature youcan still travel without a visa if

You were issued a valid passport before October 26 2005 which is machine-readable or

Page13 613 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

You have e-Passport which includes an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page a digitized photograph and other biometric information (All passports issued from Visa Waiver Program countries are required to be e-Passports as of October 26 2006)

Machine-Readable Passports

Machine-readable passports were required of Visa Waiver Program countries as of June 26 2005 A machine-readable passport has two lines of text as letters numbers and chevrons (ltltlt) at the bottom of the personal information page with your picture

If a passport was issued on or after October 26 2005 and it does not meet these requirements the traveler will need to obtain a visa

For more detailed information on Visa Waiver Program visit the Untied States Bureau of Consular Affairs httpwwwtravelstategovvisatempwithoutwithout_1990html

Carriers Liability

Beginning October 26 2005 transportation carriers will be fined up to $3300 per violation for transporting any visitor traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to the United States who does not meet the stated requirements Similarly visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program arriving in the United States on that date without the proper passport should not anticipate being granted entry into the country

The USA offers some of the best medical care in the world and it is also very expensive Purchasing medical insurance for your US visit is an important part of the trip planning processMedical insurance for US Visitors may be issued for short term or long term visits You your family member or friend will need medical insurance for unforeseen illnesses or injuries that may occur during a visit to the US Coverage is provided for unforeseen illnesses or injuries out-patient medical expenses hospital charges surgery fees prescription drugs x-rays lab work and other related medical expenses Get a FREE quote Online

Travel Insurance

Page 3: USA TOURIST VISA GUIDE - Wix.com

Page13 313 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Step 1 Photograph for Visitor

Visa

Step 2 Visitor Visa Application

Step 3 Visitor Visa Application

Fee

Step 4 Visitor Visa Interview

Appointment

Step 5 Visitor Visa

Interview

Step 1 Get a digital photograph of each applicant A digital photograph is required in order to apply for a US visitor visa The photograph must meet certain criteria A good photographer or studio can provide you this picture if you mention the photograph is needed for a US visitor visa purpose

The digital photograph must meet the following requirements bull The digital photograph must be a squarebull Minimum dimensions must be 600 pixels by 600 pixelsbull Maximum dimensions must be 1200 pixels by 1200 pixelsbull Image must be in color (24 bits per pixel)bull Image must be in the JPEG format (jpg or jpeg file

extension)bull File size of the image must be less than or equal to 240

kilobytesSee the complete photograph requirements for visitor visa

Step 2 Complete your Visitor Visa Application Here A visitor visa application (form DS160) must be completed in order to submit your visa

After successfully completing the application you will receive a confirmation with a 10-digit barcode You will need to print this page in order to set up your visa interview appointment

Page13 413 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Step 3 Pay the Visitor Visa application fee Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment The fee is good for a year from the date of payment This payment is mandatory and is not refundable under any circumstances If the visa is refused or you abandon your application the fee will not be refunded If it is mistakenly paid twice it will not be refunded Only the application fee should be paid into this account

Step 4 Take an appointment for the visa interview After you pay the fees you will have to schedule an appointment with the Consulate or Embassy for a personal visa interview

Step 5 Attend the visa interview at designated US consulate

On the day and time of your appointment for interview go to the consulate where your interview is scheduled Carry all mandatory and supporting documents and originals

Carry the following to your interview

bull Your passport (and your old passports if any)bull Your photographbull The DS160 barcode pagebull Visa application fee receiptbull Interview Appointment letter

See complete details of the visitor visa interview preparation

Page13 513 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Introduction to the Visa Waiver Program

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to enter into the United States without a Visa for a short business or tourist trip of 90 days or less There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to qualify for the VWP Not all countries participate in the VWP and not all citizens of participating countries qualify for the VWP You can apply here ESTA Visa Waiver Program

List of Countries Participating in the VWP

Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Portugal Republic of Korea San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Kingdom

Visa Waiver Requirements

bull Applicant must hold a machine-readable passport as of June 26th 2005bull Passport must be valid at least 6 months from the expected day of departurefrom the United States bull Applicant has complied with the conditions of previous admissions under theVisa Waiver Program and has not been found ineligible for a US visa bull Applicant arrives by an approved carrier (by sea or air)Most major airlines and cruise ships are approved carriers bull The applicant must have a return ticket to any foreign location besides any partof United States or any US adjacent islands bull If arriving by land the applicant must demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days orless in the United States and have sufficient funds to support themselves during hisher stay in the US bull VWP travelers who have been admitted under the Visa Waiver Program andwho make a short trip to Canada Mexico or an adjacent islands generally can be readmitted to the US under the VWP for the original admission period New passports issued by Visa Waiver Program countries must include a digital photo otherwise the traveler will be required to get a visa (A digital photo is one that is printed on the page not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport)

If a passport does not have this aforementioned (point 8) feature youcan still travel without a visa if

You were issued a valid passport before October 26 2005 which is machine-readable or

Page13 613 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

You have e-Passport which includes an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page a digitized photograph and other biometric information (All passports issued from Visa Waiver Program countries are required to be e-Passports as of October 26 2006)

Machine-Readable Passports

Machine-readable passports were required of Visa Waiver Program countries as of June 26 2005 A machine-readable passport has two lines of text as letters numbers and chevrons (ltltlt) at the bottom of the personal information page with your picture

If a passport was issued on or after October 26 2005 and it does not meet these requirements the traveler will need to obtain a visa

For more detailed information on Visa Waiver Program visit the Untied States Bureau of Consular Affairs httpwwwtravelstategovvisatempwithoutwithout_1990html

Carriers Liability

Beginning October 26 2005 transportation carriers will be fined up to $3300 per violation for transporting any visitor traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to the United States who does not meet the stated requirements Similarly visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program arriving in the United States on that date without the proper passport should not anticipate being granted entry into the country

The USA offers some of the best medical care in the world and it is also very expensive Purchasing medical insurance for your US visit is an important part of the trip planning processMedical insurance for US Visitors may be issued for short term or long term visits You your family member or friend will need medical insurance for unforeseen illnesses or injuries that may occur during a visit to the US Coverage is provided for unforeseen illnesses or injuries out-patient medical expenses hospital charges surgery fees prescription drugs x-rays lab work and other related medical expenses Get a FREE quote Online

Travel Insurance

Page 4: USA TOURIST VISA GUIDE - Wix.com

Page13 413 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Step 3 Pay the Visitor Visa application fee Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for On the payment confirmation screen you will be presented with payment options and further details of how to initiate payment The fee is good for a year from the date of payment This payment is mandatory and is not refundable under any circumstances If the visa is refused or you abandon your application the fee will not be refunded If it is mistakenly paid twice it will not be refunded Only the application fee should be paid into this account

Step 4 Take an appointment for the visa interview After you pay the fees you will have to schedule an appointment with the Consulate or Embassy for a personal visa interview

Step 5 Attend the visa interview at designated US consulate

On the day and time of your appointment for interview go to the consulate where your interview is scheduled Carry all mandatory and supporting documents and originals

Carry the following to your interview

bull Your passport (and your old passports if any)bull Your photographbull The DS160 barcode pagebull Visa application fee receiptbull Interview Appointment letter

See complete details of the visitor visa interview preparation

Page13 513 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Introduction to the Visa Waiver Program

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to enter into the United States without a Visa for a short business or tourist trip of 90 days or less There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to qualify for the VWP Not all countries participate in the VWP and not all citizens of participating countries qualify for the VWP You can apply here ESTA Visa Waiver Program

List of Countries Participating in the VWP

Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Portugal Republic of Korea San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Kingdom

Visa Waiver Requirements

bull Applicant must hold a machine-readable passport as of June 26th 2005bull Passport must be valid at least 6 months from the expected day of departurefrom the United States bull Applicant has complied with the conditions of previous admissions under theVisa Waiver Program and has not been found ineligible for a US visa bull Applicant arrives by an approved carrier (by sea or air)Most major airlines and cruise ships are approved carriers bull The applicant must have a return ticket to any foreign location besides any partof United States or any US adjacent islands bull If arriving by land the applicant must demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days orless in the United States and have sufficient funds to support themselves during hisher stay in the US bull VWP travelers who have been admitted under the Visa Waiver Program andwho make a short trip to Canada Mexico or an adjacent islands generally can be readmitted to the US under the VWP for the original admission period New passports issued by Visa Waiver Program countries must include a digital photo otherwise the traveler will be required to get a visa (A digital photo is one that is printed on the page not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport)

If a passport does not have this aforementioned (point 8) feature youcan still travel without a visa if

You were issued a valid passport before October 26 2005 which is machine-readable or

Page13 613 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

You have e-Passport which includes an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page a digitized photograph and other biometric information (All passports issued from Visa Waiver Program countries are required to be e-Passports as of October 26 2006)

Machine-Readable Passports

Machine-readable passports were required of Visa Waiver Program countries as of June 26 2005 A machine-readable passport has two lines of text as letters numbers and chevrons (ltltlt) at the bottom of the personal information page with your picture

If a passport was issued on or after October 26 2005 and it does not meet these requirements the traveler will need to obtain a visa

For more detailed information on Visa Waiver Program visit the Untied States Bureau of Consular Affairs httpwwwtravelstategovvisatempwithoutwithout_1990html

Carriers Liability

Beginning October 26 2005 transportation carriers will be fined up to $3300 per violation for transporting any visitor traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to the United States who does not meet the stated requirements Similarly visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program arriving in the United States on that date without the proper passport should not anticipate being granted entry into the country

The USA offers some of the best medical care in the world and it is also very expensive Purchasing medical insurance for your US visit is an important part of the trip planning processMedical insurance for US Visitors may be issued for short term or long term visits You your family member or friend will need medical insurance for unforeseen illnesses or injuries that may occur during a visit to the US Coverage is provided for unforeseen illnesses or injuries out-patient medical expenses hospital charges surgery fees prescription drugs x-rays lab work and other related medical expenses Get a FREE quote Online

Travel Insurance

Page 5: USA TOURIST VISA GUIDE - Wix.com

Page13 513 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

Introduction to the Visa Waiver Program

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to enter into the United States without a Visa for a short business or tourist trip of 90 days or less There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to qualify for the VWP Not all countries participate in the VWP and not all citizens of participating countries qualify for the VWP You can apply here ESTA Visa Waiver Program

List of Countries Participating in the VWP

Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Portugal Republic of Korea San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Kingdom

Visa Waiver Requirements

bull Applicant must hold a machine-readable passport as of June 26th 2005bull Passport must be valid at least 6 months from the expected day of departurefrom the United States bull Applicant has complied with the conditions of previous admissions under theVisa Waiver Program and has not been found ineligible for a US visa bull Applicant arrives by an approved carrier (by sea or air)Most major airlines and cruise ships are approved carriers bull The applicant must have a return ticket to any foreign location besides any partof United States or any US adjacent islands bull If arriving by land the applicant must demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days orless in the United States and have sufficient funds to support themselves during hisher stay in the US bull VWP travelers who have been admitted under the Visa Waiver Program andwho make a short trip to Canada Mexico or an adjacent islands generally can be readmitted to the US under the VWP for the original admission period New passports issued by Visa Waiver Program countries must include a digital photo otherwise the traveler will be required to get a visa (A digital photo is one that is printed on the page not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport)

If a passport does not have this aforementioned (point 8) feature youcan still travel without a visa if

You were issued a valid passport before October 26 2005 which is machine-readable or

Page13 613 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

You have e-Passport which includes an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page a digitized photograph and other biometric information (All passports issued from Visa Waiver Program countries are required to be e-Passports as of October 26 2006)

Machine-Readable Passports

Machine-readable passports were required of Visa Waiver Program countries as of June 26 2005 A machine-readable passport has two lines of text as letters numbers and chevrons (ltltlt) at the bottom of the personal information page with your picture

If a passport was issued on or after October 26 2005 and it does not meet these requirements the traveler will need to obtain a visa

For more detailed information on Visa Waiver Program visit the Untied States Bureau of Consular Affairs httpwwwtravelstategovvisatempwithoutwithout_1990html

Carriers Liability

Beginning October 26 2005 transportation carriers will be fined up to $3300 per violation for transporting any visitor traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to the United States who does not meet the stated requirements Similarly visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program arriving in the United States on that date without the proper passport should not anticipate being granted entry into the country

The USA offers some of the best medical care in the world and it is also very expensive Purchasing medical insurance for your US visit is an important part of the trip planning processMedical insurance for US Visitors may be issued for short term or long term visits You your family member or friend will need medical insurance for unforeseen illnesses or injuries that may occur during a visit to the US Coverage is provided for unforeseen illnesses or injuries out-patient medical expenses hospital charges surgery fees prescription drugs x-rays lab work and other related medical expenses Get a FREE quote Online

Travel Insurance

Page 6: USA TOURIST VISA GUIDE - Wix.com

Page13 613 13 13 copy 2013 USA Travel Assistance

You have e-Passport which includes an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page a digitized photograph and other biometric information (All passports issued from Visa Waiver Program countries are required to be e-Passports as of October 26 2006)

Machine-Readable Passports

Machine-readable passports were required of Visa Waiver Program countries as of June 26 2005 A machine-readable passport has two lines of text as letters numbers and chevrons (ltltlt) at the bottom of the personal information page with your picture

If a passport was issued on or after October 26 2005 and it does not meet these requirements the traveler will need to obtain a visa

For more detailed information on Visa Waiver Program visit the Untied States Bureau of Consular Affairs httpwwwtravelstategovvisatempwithoutwithout_1990html

Carriers Liability

Beginning October 26 2005 transportation carriers will be fined up to $3300 per violation for transporting any visitor traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to the United States who does not meet the stated requirements Similarly visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program arriving in the United States on that date without the proper passport should not anticipate being granted entry into the country

The USA offers some of the best medical care in the world and it is also very expensive Purchasing medical insurance for your US visit is an important part of the trip planning processMedical insurance for US Visitors may be issued for short term or long term visits You your family member or friend will need medical insurance for unforeseen illnesses or injuries that may occur during a visit to the US Coverage is provided for unforeseen illnesses or injuries out-patient medical expenses hospital charges surgery fees prescription drugs x-rays lab work and other related medical expenses Get a FREE quote Online

Travel Insurance