Does Everyone Need a Visa to Travel to the US?

Not everyone is required to have a visa to travel to the US, depending on where they are from and the purpose of their travels. Below are some examples of those who may travel without a visa. For more specific information on whether you qualify to enter the US without a visa, contact an experienced immigration attorney.

Visa Waiver Program

To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, the individual must be:

• A resident of a country part of the program
• Entering the US for an approved business or tourism purpose
• Staying in the US for 90 days or less

There are 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. So long as residents from these countries meet the qualifications for the program and are eligible to enter the country under US immigration laws, they may travel to the US without a visa.

Visitors from Canada

Canadian citizens generally can enter the US without acquiring visas, unless they are entering the country for one of these purposes:

• Foreign government officials
• Officials and employees of international organizations
• NATO officials, representatives and employees
• Anyone seeking a K visa, including fiancé(e) of a US citizen, the child of the foreign fiancé or the foreign spouse of a US citizen or legal permanent resident or child of the foreign spouse entering the US to complete immigration
• Treaty traders and treaty investors

Canadian legal permanent residents must acquire visas before they can travel to the US, unless their home country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program. Then, so long as they meet the requirements for travel under the program, they can enter the US without a visa.

Visitors from Mexico

Citizens and legal permanent residents of Mexico are required to have either a nonimmigrant visa to travel to the US or a Border Crossing Card, also referred to as a Laser Visa. Without one of these documents, Mexican residents and citizens will not be allowed to enter the US.

Visitors from Bermuda

Bermuda citizens and legal residents seeking to enter the US for periods of 180 days or less are not required to obtain a nonimmigrant visa. However, if they are intending to stay for periods greater than 180 days or for one of the following purposes, they will need to apply for the appropriate type of visa:

• Foreign government officials
• Officials or employees of international organizations
• Anyone seeking a K visa, including fiancé(e) of a US citizen, the child of the foreign fiancé or the foreign spouse of a US citizen or legal permanent resident or child of the foreign spouse entering the US to complete immigration

All other foreign nationals wishing to travel to the US must secure the appropriate type of visa. To learn more about the visa application process or for help completing your application, contact a knowledgeable immigration attorney in your area.

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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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