DELHI, India – The United States still dey require Indian travellers to apply for B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) visas instead of allowing dem enter through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program dey give citizens from 41 countries visa-free access for tourism or business visit for up to 90 days, but India still no join this list.
According to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the current exclusion of India from the VWP dey linked to reciprocity requirements, immigration patterns, security concerns, and how both countries dey evaluate their policies. Despite many European and Asia-Pacific countries benefiting, Indian travellers must continue to go through the traditional visa application process.
Statistics show that citizens of approved countries can travel for short-term visits without visas, and this dey help maintain diplomatic relationships and streamline travel processes. For Indian citizens, pursuing B1 or B2 visas dey necessary, and these visas allow business activities, tourism, and family visits, though none of dem allow employment in the U.S.
Eligibility for the VWP dey strict. To qualify, travellers must have passports from designated countries and plan to stay less than 90 days. They also need to get ESTA approvals before boarding any U.S.-bound flight. However, certain factors can disqualify some travellers. For example, if a person don travel to Iran, North Korea, or Cuba after January 12, 2021, dem no go qualify. Furthermore, dual nationality with countries under U.S. sanctions dey affect eligibility.
Air India, the national carrier, responds to these limitations, emphasizing national security and economic concerns as factors for India’s exclusion. “Pursuing a B1 or B2 visa dey now the only option,” a spokesperson for Air India state this to Aviation A2Z. This dey raise questions on how this affects travel plans for many Indians who want to visit the U.S. for business or tourism.
For travelers under the VWP, securing an ESTA dey crucial. ESTA no be visa, but na travel authorization wey allow multiple entries for up to two years, as long as each trip no exceed 90 days. Dem need to apply at least 72 hours before departure, but apply earlier dey recommended.
United States Congress and DHS dey continuously review the VWP criteria and participating nations. This dey mean say countries fit join or exit the program depending on geopolitical situations or security assessments. While some countries gain easy access, India still dey face challenges and must navigate the B1/B2 visa process for now.
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