Visa at a Glance
- Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Travelers from Europe, Japan, and Australia may visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa — ESTA required.
- Canada: Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for short visits — ESTA not required.
- China: A visitor visa (B-1/B-2) is required before travel.
International visitors traveling to the United States for WOCF 2026 should review U.S. entry requirements well in advance.
Requirements depend on nationality and passport type and may change.
Visa Waiver Program Countries
Many visitors from participating countries may travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of
90 days or less under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), without obtaining a visa, provided all program requirements are met.
ESTA authorization is required
- Approved ESTA authorization is required before boarding a U.S.-bound flight.
- ESTA is not a visa; it is authorization to travel under the VWP.
- Apply early and allow up to 72 hours for approval.
Official resources:
U.S. Visa Waiver Program |
Official ESTA Application
Travelers from Canada
Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business visits and do not need ESTA.
- A valid passport is typically required for air travel to the United States.
- Length of stay is determined by U.S. officials at entry.
- Permanent residents of Canada who are not Canadian citizens may require a visa or ESTA.
Official resource:
CBP guidance for Canadian citizens
Travelers from China
Travelers holding passports from the People’s Republic of China must obtain a U.S. visitor visa before travel.
For most WOCF attendees, this is the B-1/B-2 (business/tourism) visa.
- Complete the online DS-160 application.
- Attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Prepare supporting documentation as instructed.
Early application is strongly recommended, as appointment availability may be limited.
Official resources:
U.S. Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2) |
DS-160 Application
General Guidance for All International Visitors
- Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for your travel dates.
- Purpose of travel: WOCF participation qualifies as tourism/business visitor travel.
- Apply early: Entry requirements and processing times may change.
Important notice: Entry rules are determined by the U.S. government and may change at any time. The WOCF Organizing Committee cannot intervene in visa matters and cannot guarantee entry into the United States.
