United States of America Visa & Entry Information

Current as at 21 October 2026

Guests visiting the United States of America as part of their Explorations by Norwegian voyage must ensure they meet the entry requirements applicable to their passport nationality before travelling.

Depending on your nationality and individual circumstances, you may be eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), or you may need to obtain a U.S. visa.

What Is an ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) determines a traveller's eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

An approved ESTA allows eligible travellers from participating Visa Waiver Program countries to travel to the United States without obtaining a Visitor Visa for eligible business or tourism visits of up to 90 days. An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States, with admissibility determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on arrival. 

Guests travelling under the Visa Waiver Program must also hold an e-Passport with an embedded electronic chip. 

👉 Visit the Official ESTA Website

Visa Waiver Program Countries

Citizens of the following 42 countries may be eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program for eligible business or tourism stays of up to 90 days. 

Guests must still meet all applicable Visa Waiver Program requirements. An approved ESTA does not guarantee admission into the United States. 

Important for Cruise Guests

Visa Waiver Program travellers intending to enter the United States at air, sea or land ports of entry require an approved ESTA. This means guests arriving in the United States aboard their Explorations by Norwegian cruise must ensure they meet the ESTA requirements applicable to their journey.

When Should I Apply?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends submitting an ESTA application as soon as your travel plans begin, rather than waiting until immediately before travel.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has also advised travellers to apply no later than 72 hours before departure or arrival, as applicable. 

Each traveller requiring an ESTA should have an approved travel authorisation before travelling.

👉 Apply through the Official ESTA Website

Guests Who Require a U.S. Visa

Not all travellers are eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA.

If your passport nationality is not covered by the Visa Waiver Program, or your individual circumstances mean you are not eligible to travel using an ESTA, you may need to obtain an appropriate U.S. visa before travelling.

Guests should check their individual entry requirements with the relevant U.S. authorities before departure.

Flying To, From or Within the United States

Guests travelling by air should ensure the personal information supplied to their airline accurately matches their travel documentation.

The original information supplied for your voyage refers to the U.S. Secure Flight programme and advises guests to provide the applicable passenger details required by their airline.

For guests arranging flights independently, please check with your individual airline regarding the passenger information required before departure.

What Do I Need to Do?

If Travelling Under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

✅ Check that your passport nationality is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

✅ Ensure you hold an eligible e-Passport. 

✅ Apply for your ESTA before travelling to the United States.

✅ Apply through the official ESTA website.

✅ Apply as early as possible when making your travel arrangements.

✅ Ensure every traveller in your booking who requires an ESTA has the appropriate travel authorisation.

If You Are Not Eligible for the Visa Waiver Program

✅ Check which U.S. visa or entry permission applies to your passport and individual circumstances.

✅ Arrange the appropriate documentation before departing for your Explorations by Norwegian voyage.

✅ Do not assume that travelling as a cruise passenger removes the requirement to obtain the appropriate U.S. entry documentation.

Before You Travel

U.S. entry requirements vary depending on your passport nationality, individual circumstances and travel documentation.

All guests are responsible for ensuring they hold the correct passport, ESTA, visa and any other documentation required for their complete Explorations by Norwegian journey.

Failure to hold the appropriate travel documentation may result in you being unable to board your flight or cruise, or being refused entry into the United States.