When planning a trip to the United States, it is crucial to know the entry requirements. Generally, Latin American travelers need a visa, but there are exceptions.

Chile is the only Latin American country whose citizens can enter without a visa, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Chileans must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business.

How ESTA Works

The VWP allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business without needing a visa but with prior authorization. The ESTA application collects information to determine the traveler's eligibility. Once granted, the authorization is valid for two years and allows multiple entries, with stays of up to 90 consecutive days.

VWP Participating Countries

• Europe: United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia, San Marino, Portugal, Poland, Norway, Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Italy, Ireland, Iceland, Hungary, Greece, Germany, France, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Croatia, Belgium, Austria, Andorra.
• Americas: Chile.
• Asia: Australia, Brunei, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan.

ESTA Requirements

To apply for ESTA authorization, you need:

• A valid electronic passport from a VWP participating country.
• A valid email address.
• Home address and emergency contact phone number.
• Money to pay the $4 fee for processing the application and an additional $17 if approved.

To start the application and obtain ESTA authorization, visit the official ESTA website and follow the steps provided.

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