The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for private aviation
- What is the Visa waiver program (VWP)?
- Does it cover me?
- How do I apply for it?
Are you planning a trip to the United States and don’t know if you need a visa? Pay attention because you might be able to book a jet and travel without one as long as your country is one of the 35 participants of the program.
Currently 35 counties participate in the United States Visa Waiver Program or VWP, which means that nationals of these countries are able to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. But keep in mind that not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program. VWP travelers are first required to apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) on this site https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ , and once approved they need to print and forward the confirmation to the operator of the jet.
| Andorra | Iceland | Norway |
| Australia | Ireland | Portugal |
| Austria | Italy | San Marino |
| Belgium | Japan | Singapore |
| Brunei | Latvia | Slovakia |
| Czech Republic | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Denmark | Lithuania | South Korea |
| Estonia | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Finland | Malta | Sweden |
| France | Monaco | Switzerland |
| Germany | the Netherlands | United Kingdom |
| Hungary | New Zealand |
Not only are the passengers required to be eligible for the VWP but also the operator of the aircraft is required to be a participant of the VWP. Not all operators participate on the VWP and like most airlines, might have to fly you from London to NY on a BA without a visa but you will need a visa to enter the United States if you want to rent a jet that does not participate on the VWP. When booking your jet charter please make sure first to ask for a participant VWP Jet.
For additional information please visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
So what if your business trip is to the city of Ostrava which is not connected by Chicago or New York by direct flights? Now with private charter jet services operating to virtually to any destination in the world, you don’ t need to take a stop over at London or Prague; but can arrive straight away in Ostrava well ahead of time and in shape too.
Comment by Todd — March 3, 2009 @ 11:00 am
Todd,
You are correct, private jet charter allows the passengers to fly directly to almost every city in the world. But keep in mind that for international flights the airport of arrival must be able to provide customs service. Prive Jets jet charter service allows passengers to fly into any airport as long as the runway is 5,000 Ft long, for shorter runways Prive Jets can arrange a turbo prop or helicopter as well.
Comment by admin — March 3, 2009 @ 11:48 am