A trip to the United States is the dream of many Indian travellers, whether it is the sightseeing of the legendary skyline of New York or the Grand Canyon and its stunning view. The question that people often ask is: Is it possible to travel to the US without a visa? It will depend on nationality and purpose of travel. Indian nationals require visa, although visitors of other nations can resort to Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You may even apply online for US visa even though you are an Indian citizen using official and trusted agencies.

This paper describes the Visa Waiver Program, who is eligible, and what Indian travelers need to be aware of before they visit the US.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP): What?

The Visa Waiver Program allows the nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States without a visa to visit the country either as a tourist or a businessperson. The travelers will be allowed a maximum of 90 days and no visa required.

Eligible travels are required to apply ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) instead of visa. An ESTA approval indicates that the traveler satisfies all the security and eligibility criteria of short-term stays.

The VWP is currently practiced in more than 40 countries, among them the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, or Australia. India is not included in the program and therefore, Indian citizens have to apply to get a valid visa in order to enter the US.

Who Can Travel to the US Without Visa?

Does the VWP countries allow its citizens to enter the US to:

• Tourism (vacations, visits of relatives or friends)
• Business (conferences, meetings or negotiations)
• Travel without the United States to a foreign destination)

In order to be eligible to receive visa-free travel, a visitor should:

• Have a biometric e- passport of a VWP nation
• Be given ESTA authorization prior to boarding.
• Intention to remain not more than 90 days.
• Carry back or forward ticket.

It is important to remember that ESTA approval is not a visa, it is a pre-screening of low-risk passengers.

Are Indians eligible to the Visa Waiver Program?

The VWP is not open to Indian passport holders. They will have to submit an application to a B1/B2 visa (Business or Tourist).

Although this is likely to be perceived as an additional work, the process has been made easier. Indian tourists will be able to reserve an appointment online, provide the necessary documents, and have a brief visa meeting in a US embassy or consulate.

One of the travel agencies like Go Kite Tours located in India can assist you in the whole process including document preparation, and interviewing, and save time and errors that are very likely to occur.

Introduction to ESTA and Its Application.

In case you are a dual citizen- that is, you have an Indian passport and a passport of a country in the VWP program- then you can apply to ESTA with the eligible passport.

The ESTA process is conducted in the following way to eligible travelers:

1. Internet Use: Complete a form by indicating personal, travel and security information.
2. Cost and Forwarding: Pay a minor fee and receive a decision in 72 hours.
3. Travel Authorization: The ESTA has a two year period of validity, or until the expiry of your passport, whichever is reached, first.

In case your ESTA is rejected, you need to request a regular visa in one of the U.S. consulates.

Advantages to Visa Waiver Program.

In the Visa Waiver program, some of the benefits to the qualified travelers are as follows:

• Convenience: No visit of the consulate or interview.
• Accelerated process: Appraisals in days.
• Multiple entries: You can make several short journeys during the term of the ESTA.
• Economical: Less expensive than a conventional visa.

But to the Indian travelers, the only method of accessing the US is through the visa.

The easiest way of the Indian Travelers to get a US Visa.

The process of acquiring a US visa in India is not that difficult when done properly. The following is a basic stepwise guide:

• Find out the type of visa: The majority of Indian tourists use B2 (Tourist) or B1 (Business).
• DS-160 form: This is the primary application, which is completed online. Complete it with much care and fact.
• Pay visa fee: It is a non-refundable fee which may be paid online or at an approved center.
• Make your interview appointment: Make an appointment at the closest U.S. consulate or embassy, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata, online.
• Bring to the interview: your passport, DS -160 confirmation, receipt of payment and supporting documents.
• Obtaining your visa: After the approval, the visa shall be put in terms of passport and sent via mail to your address.

Visa application tips to the US

• Tell the truth: Be straight and consistent when answering questions in the interview.
• Express good connections with India: Provide evidence of your wanting back-job, family, property etc.
• Be prepared with your paperwork: Have all your supporting paperwork on hand and organized.
• Do not wait till the last minute: confirm a few months before traveling to avoid any delays.

Final Thoughts

The Visa Waiver Program allows the citizens of some countries to travel to the US without a visa, but the citizens of India are required to have a visa. Under the right guidance and preparation, it is an easy and efficient process. When you want to visit the US next time, you can begin with the hopes of getting a US travel visa from India and do it with the professional assistance of Indian Express. It makes no difference whether you are going there on leisure, business or family, proper steps will make your American adventure start off with a pain free and stress free start.