Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business [visitor (B) visa purposes] for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. To know more about the Visa Waiver Program and other conditions to travel to the United States, please follow the links on the left.

In most cases, Portuguese citizens who wish to travel to the United States for business or tourism and will stay less than ninety days do not require a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Under this program, a visa is not required for most tourist and business visits of 90 days or less, provided that you are a citizen of one of the following countries: PORTUGAL, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.

Regular Portuguese passports issued after January 1, 2001 or later comply with all Visa Waiver Program requirements.

Please check the validity of your passport by following this link: http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/content_multi_image_0021.shtm

In addition to being a citizen of a qualifying country, an individual applying for admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must carry a current, unexpired passport, valid for more than 90 days after the date of entry into the United States. Individuals admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program cannot extend the duration of their stay, cannot accept paid or unpaid employment, and cannot change their visa status. Travelers entering by air or sea must hold a return ticket or an onward ticket. Please check with your airline to make sure they participate in this program. A visa is required for those traveling on a cruise ship, privately chartered boat or airplane. If the onward ticket terminates in either Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or one of the Caribbean Islands, the traveler must be a resident of that country in order to travel through the United States without a visa.

Upon entering the United States, travelers may make side trips to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands within the 90-day period.

If your travel plans meet the above specifications, you do not need to apply for a visa and you may obtain a Visa Waiver form from your airline at check-in. However, certain travelers from the Visa Waiver countries listed previously must obtain visas, including those who:

• Plan to study;
   

• Plan to be in the U.S. longer than 90 days;
   

• Have a criminal record;
   

• Have tuberculosis, AIDS or are HIV positive; or
   

• Have previously been refused a visa or have been denied entry into the U.S.

Those who have previously been refused visas or have been denied entry into the U.S. must apply for a visa.