Entering the United States Under the Visa Waiver Program
Australia is one of 36 countries participating in the US Visa Waiver program, which allows for a stay in the country of up to 90 days. In order to enter, there are certain requirements that must be met:
- Passports must be machine-readable and include a digital photograph if issued after 2005. If issued after 2006, the passport must be an an e-Passport. Confirmation as to the machine-readability of a passport can be obtained through the Australian Passports Information Service on 131232.
- As of September 2010, the US has implemented an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which currently applies to all Australian passport holders traveling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers should use the ESTA website to submit an ESTA application at least three days before traveling. While there is a US $14 fee involved, the upside is that less than .5% of applications are refused and each approved application will last for two years (or until passport expiration).
- Travelers may only enter the country under the US Visa Waiver Program for tourism or business. If the intention is to work, study or stay for longer than 90 days, a visa must be acquired.
- Travelers must provide a US address and zip code of where they will be staying during their time in the country.
- The US-VISIT program requires most visitors to have their fingerprints scanned when entering the country.
- While the Form I-94W Arrival/Departure record is being phased out for visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, do be aware that certain air and ship carriers will still require travelers to fill this form out. Visitors may only stay in the US until the date listed on this form, and it must be surrendered to airline or ship check-in staff when departing the country.
For further information about the US Visa Waiver Program, call the United States Visa Information Service on 1800 687 844. Alternatively, you may refer to the information provided in Australia’s website about the Embassy of the United States.