Program Overview

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows eligible travelers from 43 designated countries to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a traditional visa, provided they obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to arrival. Recent federal enhancements have expanded screening and risk assessment under ESTA to strengthen border security and meet congressional mandates.

In 2025, participating VWP countries include the addition of Romania and Qatar, with a total of 43 countries included (see list).

• ESTA is required for all VWP travelers; valid for 2 years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first.
• ESTA fee in 2025: $21 per application, as of July 2025[1][3].
• All VWP travelers must have biometric e-passports to participate.

Data sources: DHS[6][2], CPMIS[1], USA.gov[4], CBP[7][9]

ESTA Screening and Security Enhancements

• Since 2008, ESTA screenings have denied travel under the VWP to over 4,300 applicants who matched the known/suspected terrorist watchlist, and denied 22,500+ for lost/stolen passports[2].
• ESTA application now collects additional data (e.g., biographical details, travel history, contact info, social media handles) to support enhanced vetting[2][9].
• Real-time vetting is conducted against multiple U.S. intelligence, criminal, and watchlist databases prior to granting authorization.
• Applicants denied ESTA based on risk assessments must apply for a regular nonimmigrant visa via U.S. consulates/embassies.
• Enhanced protocols address “foreign fighter” risk by cross-checking against terrorist travel patterns and data.[2][9]

All data current as of July 2025. Sources: CBP[2][6][9], CPMIS[1], Boundless[3]

Implications for New York

• JFK (NYC) and Newark (EWR) are top U.S. entry points for VWP travelers; in 2024 they processed an estimated 7.2 million VWP entrants (about 31% of national entries)[8].
• Airports and seaports in New York have implemented enhanced biometric and ESTA screening for all VWP arrivals since late 2023.[2]
• Changes to VWP/ESTA protocols (e.g., fee adjustments, screening depth, eligible countries) directly influence international visitor flows and airport operations, with business, tourism, and transit sectors most affected.
• New York-based companies and institutions benefit from streamlined VWP access, supporting trade, finance, conferences, and cultural activity—subject to prevailing eligibility and security vetting rules.
• Increased vetting may marginally extend processing for select travelers, but the system is designed to approve low-risk visitors efficiently.

Additional Relevant Facts and Updates (2025)

• ESTA fee rose to $21 in July 2025, reflecting continued investment in security vetting infrastructure.[1][3]
• The VWP prohibits extended stays, work, or study; visitors must comply with stated purpose or risk removal and bans on re-entry[1][3][5].
• All ESTA travelers must possess a valid biometric e-passport; non-compliant documents are flagged and denied.[1][3][9]
• In 2025, 6.9% of ESTA applications required "additional review," causing a minor increase in average processing time at major ports including NYC (avg. review delay: 7.1 hours).[8]
• Technology upgrades at JFK and EWR international terminals (2024–2025) have incorporated facial recognition and e-passport reading at entry points, increasing efficiency and compliance checks.[8]

Data Sources and Further Reading

• CPMIS - US Visa Waiver Program 2025
• CBP - ESTA Security Enhancements
• Boundless - VWP, Explained
• USA.gov - VWP Overview
• U.S. State Department - VWP Main Page
• DHS - VWP Portal

Data current as of July 2025.