Visa Waiver Program (WB and WT Status)

The following information is a summary of the Visa Waiver Program. Please access the U.S. Department of State web site at http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html for complete details.

On a reciprocal basis, citizens of participating countries may enter the U.S. for short-term business or tourist visits without having to obtain a B-1/B-2 visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The Visa Waiver Program is administered by the airlines, both U.S. and foreign carriers participate. Check with the airline directly to confirm participation. Criteria for eligibility are:

• Must have a Machine-Readable Passport from a participating country with validity date six months beyond the intended visit,
• Must travel on a participating airline,
• Must have a round-trip ticket, and,
• The visit can NOT exceed 90 days.

Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are:

*United Kingdom- for citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Travelers need to express the purpose of their visit to the Immigration Officer at their port of entry to obtain either WB (Waiver for Business) or WT (Waiver for Tourist) status on their I-94 Arrival/Departure Card. Any error should be corrected prior to leaving the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection area. Visitors are urged to speak with a CBP supervisor if necessary.

NOTE: Status and length of stay as a visitor to the U.S. are defined by what is written on the I-94 Arrival/Departure Card by the U.S. CBP immigration officer upon entry. Extensions of stay or changes to another visa status are NOT available.

The WB visitor (equivalent to the B-1 visitor for business) is on assignment in the U.S. as a representative of their foreign employer. No U.S.-based salary or fellowship payments are permitted. However, reimbursement of normal and usual travel expenses, for business purposes, is permitted.

NB: The WB or B-1 is the appropriate status for most international visitors to SLAC.

The Visa Document Guidelines required for Travel reimbursement for Foreign National Visitors can be found at: Visa Document Guidelines Required for Travel Reimbursement for Foreign National Visitors - SLAC Human Resources.