U.S. Visa Waiver Program for Children: Everything Parents Need to Know

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The U.S. Visa Waiver Program for children allows eligible minors to travel to the United States without a visa, provided they meet the same requirements as adult travelers. Parents often wonder whether children need a visa, an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), or if there are special conditions for minors under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

This guide will explain how children can travel under the Visa Waiver Program, what documents are needed, and how to apply for ESTA for minors.

What Is the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for Children?

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows travelers from 40 eligible countries to visit the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a visa. However, all travelers—including children of all ages—must have their own valid ESTA approval before entering the United States.

Key Points About the Visa Waiver Program for Children:

✔️ No visa required – Children from Visa Waiver Program countries do not need a visa but must have an ESTA.
✔️ ESTA is mandatory – Even infants and toddlers require their own ESTA.
✔️ Passport requirements – Children must have an e-passport with an electronic chip to qualify for the VWP.
✔️ Parental travel considerations – If a child is traveling alone or with one parent, additional documents may be needed.

Which Countries Are Part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program includes 40 countries, such as:

  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Germany
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

📌 Important: If your child is not from a VWP-eligible country, they must apply for a U.S. visa instead.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Do Children Need ESTA for U.S. Travel?

Yes! Every traveler under the Visa Waiver Program—regardless of age—must have their own ESTA. Even newborns and infants need individual ESTA approval before boarding a plane or cruise ship to the U.S.

How to Apply for ESTA for a Child?

1️⃣ Visit the official ESTA website and fill out an application for the child.
2️⃣ Provide the child’s personal details, including full name, passport number, and nationality.
3️⃣ Answer security questions related to the child’s background.
4️⃣ Pay the ESTA application fee using a credit or debit card.
5️⃣ Wait for approval – Most ESTA applications are processed within minutes.
6️⃣ Print the ESTA confirmation or save it electronically for reference.

✔️ Tip: Parents can apply for ESTA on behalf of their child, but each minor must have a separate application.

Visa Waiver Program vs. ESTA for Children

FeatureVisa Waiver Program (VWP)ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
What it isA program that allows travelers from 40 countries to visit the U.S. without a visa.A mandatory online application that pre-screens travelers under the Visa Waiver Program.
Who needs it?Travelers (including children) from Visa Waiver Program countries.Every individual traveler, including infants and minors.
Application processNo application required; travelers must meet eligibility criteria.Parents/guardians must apply online for each child.
Approval validityNo expiration; applies as long as the country remains in the VWP.Valid for two years or until the passport expires.
PurposeAllows travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business.Pre-screens travelers for security risks before entering the U.S.

Passport Requirements for Children Traveling Under VWP

To qualify for ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program, children must have a biometric e-passport with:

✔️ An electronic chip containing biometric data.
✔️ A machine-readable zone (MRZ) on the data page.
✔️ Validity beyond the intended stay in the U.S.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

📌 Warning: If a child does not have an e-passport, they cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Program and will need a B1/B2 U.S. visa instead.

Special Rules for Children Traveling Alone or With One Parent

If a child is traveling alone or with only one parent, U.S. border officials may require additional documentation, such as:

📄 A notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s).
📄 A copy of the child’s birth certificate to confirm parental relationships.
📄 Legal custody documents (if applicable).

✔️ Tip: Check with the airline and U.S. Customs & Border Protection before traveling to ensure all necessary documents are provided.

What If Your Child Is Not Eligible for VWP or ESTA?

If your child is not a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, they must apply for a U.S. visa. The most common visa options include:

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

  • B1/B2 Tourist Visa – For family vacations or visiting relatives.
  • F1 Student Visa – For minors studying at a U.S. school.
  • K2 Visa – For children joining a parent with a fiancé(e) visa.

Apply for a U.S. Visa Online for Your Child

If your child does not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA, you can apply for a U.S. visa online quickly and easily.

CLICK HERE to apply for a U.S. visa online:

👉 https://www.touristrequirements.info

Easily apply for your eVisa online by visiting Tourist Requirements.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

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