{"id":3226,"date":"2012-03-13T08:00:57","date_gmt":"2012-03-13T13:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/?p=3226"},"modified":"2023-06-19T16:32:03","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T21:32:03","slug":"visa-waiver-program-answers-to-common-questions-about-the-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/visa-waiver-program-answers-to-common-questions-about-the-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Visa Waiver Program and Business Aviation: Answers to Common Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP)<\/strong> allows nationals of 38 participating countries to travel to the U.S. for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Many corporate operators have registered as \u2018signatory carriers,\u2019 which gives them the same privileges as scheduled commercial airlines in granting immigration status to eligible passengers. If you\u2019re not a signatory carrier, you may not bring non-U.S. nationals to the U.S. without valid U.S. visas. However, with the VWP you have the ability to carry non-U.S. visa holders into the country, which can prove invaluable for both private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) operators. Registering as a signatory carrier under VWP helps eliminate barriers of travel.<\/p>\n

1. Why should operators participate?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Non-U.S. nationals flying to the U.S. on private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) flights require a valid U.S. visa \u2013 even if they have their ESTA approval<\/em> \u2013 unless the operator is a VWP signatory carrier. It remains a common misconception that having an ESTA approval allows a non-U.S. national to enter the U.S. without a visa aboard corporate aircraft. This is not the case. ESTA is NOT a substitute for a U.S. Visa unless passengers are traveling on a signatory carrier.<\/strong> If these parameters are not met, you\u2019ll be subject to fines, penalties, significant operational delays, and the prospect of immediate deportation of passengers.<\/p>\n

2. What\u2019s the process to register to become a signatory carrier?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The program is open to applicants based in the U.S. and abroad. U.S.-based operators can be either private non-revenue or charter (non-scheduled commercial). However, non-U.S. based operators without a U.S.-based subsidiary may only operate commercially. Application requires an I-775 visa waiver agreement, information on aircraft participating in the program, and a company tax ID for U.S.-based private operators or a customs bond (typically $75,000 – $100,000) for non-U.S. based charter operators. Confirmation of registration takes up to 60 days from document submission. A 3rd-party provider can arrange this service for any client that requests it. The process usually goes smoothly, but to avoid any delays on obtaining the approval, all User Fee accounts must:<\/p>\n