On Monday, July 28, 2025, the Argentine government, led by Javier Milei, officially announced that the Republic of Argentina has begun the process of joining the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This news generated great expectations among those planning to travel to the United States without applying for a visa. But what exactly does this measure mean, and what does it change (or not change) for Argentine travelers?
What is the Visa Waiver Program for traveling to the United States?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a program created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business, for a period of up to 90 days, without a visa.
What are the requirements for entry under the VWP if you are traveling to the United States?
To travel to the United States without a visa through the VWP, three key requirements must be met:
- Be a citizen of one of the participating countries in the program. (Argentina is not currently included.)
- Have an electronic passport, also known as an e-Passport, which includes a digital chip and a machine-readable area.
- Apply for and obtain an ESTA authorization before boarding your flight to the U.S.
What is ESTA authorization?
The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a mandatory electronic authorization that must be requested before travel. It does not replace a passport or visa in countries not participating in the VWP, but it is essential for those who are participating.
Some key facts:
- It can be processed online on the official U.S. government website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
- The total cost is USD 21 (USD 4 is paid upon application, and another USD 17 if approved).
- It is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
- It allows multiple entries into the U.S., but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.
- It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before travel.
Important: An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry to the U.S. The final decision is always made by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon arrival.
What are not allowed under the VWP?
Although the program facilitates entry to the United States, it has certain clear limitations:
- You cannot work or study in the country during your stay.
- You cannot extend your visit beyond 90 days.
- If you need to stay longer or have other purposes (such as moving or studying), you must apply for a visa.
Why aren’t all countries in the program?
To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, countries must meet strict standards of security and international cooperation. Key criteria include:
- Having a low visa rejection rate (less than 3%).
- Sharing data on stolen or lost passports with the U.S.
- Signing counterterrorism and security cooperation agreements with U.S. authorities.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reviews the status of participating countries every two years to ensure compliance with these requirements.
So, can Argentines travel without a visa?
Not yet. Although Argentina has formally begun the process to join the VWP, it has not yet been completed. It is a technical and diplomatic procedure that could take several months. Until the official confirmation of its incorporation, Argentine citizens must continue to apply for a visa to travel to the United States, as they have been doing until now.
The news that Argentina has begun the process to join the Visa Waiver Program is undoubtedly positive for those who travel frequently to the United States or plan to do so soon. However, for now, nothing changes immediately: if you are Argentine, you still need a valid visa to travel to the United States.
In the meantime, it is a good idea to stay tuned for official announcements to find out when the change will actually be implemented.
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