WB, WT Visa Waiver
Hosting Visitors under the Visa Waiver Program
It is possible for visitors for business and tourism from certain countries to enter the US without a passport visa stamp. The visa requiement is waved for tourists/businessmen (WB/WT), for citizens from: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom refers only to British citizens who have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in the United Kingdom, which includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It does not refer to British overseas citizens, British dependent territories' citizens, or citizens of British Commonwealth countries.
Recently this list was expandied to include the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, and the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Korea. Eligible nationals from these countries may enter the United States for business or tourism visits without the need to apply for a visa. However, citizens from these recently added countries will be required to possess a biometric passport and to register in the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). All visa waiver countries are required to register in ESTA.
Important: The WB or WT status only allows the visitor to stay for a period of up to 90 days. No extensions are allowed. Change to another status within the U.S. is also NOT allowed.
The ESTA Requirement
Last year the Department of Homeland Security introduced the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, an online mechanism through which Visa Waiver Program travelers apply for travel clearance up to 72 hours before boarding a carrier bound for the United States. Nationals from all VWP member countries are required to use the new authorization system.
For additional information about ESTA and answers to frequently asked questions please download the Department of Homeland Security FAQ PDF Passport Requirements. Nationals of the seven new VWP member countries will be required to present an "ePassport" containing a digital photograph printed on the passport data page or an integrated chip containing information from the passport's data page.
Note that nationals of pre-expansion VWP countries may be subject to different passport requirements, depending on the date their passport was issued.
Visitors from one of the above countries who come in WB or WT status need to check with their airline to make sure it participates in the program. The visitor will be given a green colored Arrival/Departure card (I-94) on the plane to fill out. This card will be stamped by the INS official at a U.S. port-of-entry.
All guests coming to WSU for "business purposes" (including speaking at a conference, giving a talk on-campus, collaborating with professional colleagues, etc.) should enter the USA in WB immigration status. As a result, it is crucial for the visitor to make known the business nature of the activity with the immigration officer at the port of entry so the WB notation can be made on the Form I-94.
Persons entering the USA in WT status are presumed to be tourists. While a payment may be allowed to someone in WT status if they enter for legitimate tourist purposes and then have an offer to come to WSU, the Department of Homeland Security prefers that the status type most accurately reflect the US activity and believes that WB is more appropriate for persons receiving payment or reimbursement of expenses for their business activities at WSU.
Entering the U.S. in WB Status
Step 1. Visitor needs to receive a letter of invitation from the WSU department. The letter of invitation needs to include: statement of invitation, exact dates of visit, purpose of the trip, activities during visit, is funding provided, if no funding is provided what is the funding (i.e. personal funds, etc.)
Step 2. Visitor needs to check with airline to make sure the airline participates in the program (may also need to register in ESTA 72 hours before the flight)
Step 3. Visitor enters the U.S.
Step 4. Visitor needs to present to the customs officer:
- Passport
- WSU Letter of Invitation
- Proof of funding/support
- Arrival/Departure Card (I-94) - should be a green color
For the most current information, go to the U.S. Department of State.
Page Updated: October 6, 2009