Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program enables citizens from certain countries to travel to the United States for periods of up to 90 days without obtaining visas. Find a complete list of eligible countries on the Department of State website.

Important: All visitors coming under the VWP are required by law to obtain travel authorization prior to entering the United States. This authorization is obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

VWP status allows the visitor to stay for a period of up to 90 days. No extensions are allowed. Change to another status in the U.S. is not allowed.

When planning for an overseas visitor who receives an honorarium payment or reimbursement of expenses, the hosting department should contact the Nonresident Alien Taxation Office for a preliminary review of the visitor’s tax obligations. During the brief stay, the visitor also must meet with the office.

Entering the U.S. in VWP status

  1. Visitor receives a letter of invitation from the hosting Mizzou department (refer to sample letter below). The letter must include:
    • Statement of invitation
    • Exact dates of visit
    • Purpose of the trip
    • Activities during the visit
    • Funding source information
  2. Visitor obtains travel authorization through ESTA.
  3. Visitor enters the U.S.
  4. Visitor presents to the customs officer:
    • Passport
    • Mizzou letter of invitation
    • Proof of funding/support

For more information about claiming tax benefits, tax treaty exemptions from withholding of federal tax and payment for persons in visitor status, consult the Nonresident Alien Taxation Office.

To Whom It May Concern:


This letter is submitted in support of the non-immigrant status application for a VWP status for [name of visitor].

[Name of visitor] is currently employed as a [title] in [area]. The [name of department] at the University of Missouri in Columbia would like to invite [name of visitor] to participate in [purpose] from [start date] to [end date].

[Name of visitor]’s activities will include [list all activities].

As an invited business visitor, the University of Missouri will reimburse [name of visitor] for the actual transportation and travel charges, which may include round trip airfare, lodging, meals, conference fees and other expenses based on actual receipts for these items. [This paragraph should not be included if no reimbursements will be made.]

Therefore we respectfully ask for a VWP status to be given to [name of visitor] for entry into the United States for the above business purpose.