Under the Visa Waiver Program, you can visit the U.S. without obtaining a visa, if you meet all of the following:

1. You are a citizen of one of participating countries, and you have a valid passport issued by that country.  The list of participating countries can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/visit/visa-waiver-program.html.

2. The purpose of your visit would be covered by a B-1 or a B-2 visa.

3. You have no criminal history.

4. You have no history of immigration violation.

5. If you applied for any U.S. visa in the past, none of your applications was denied or revoked.

Please remember the following:

1. Although you don't have to obtain a visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate, you still have to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before your trip.  For this reason, some people call this an "ESTA Visa", although this is not a visa.  You have to submit your ESTA application at: http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta.

2. If you are coming to the U.S. by plane or ship, you must be arriving on a carrier that has signed an agreement with the U.S. government to participate in the Visa Waiver Program.  And you must also have a round-trip ticket issued by that carrier.

3. Under the Visa Waiver Program, you can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days, and your status in the U.S. CANNOT BE EXTENDED OR CHANGED.

4. Under the Visa Waiver Program, you must waive (give up) your right to request a hearing in case of deportation.