A program that allows citizens of specific countries to travel to another country for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a visa for short stays, usually up to 90 days. Participants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including holding a valid passport and complying with the conditions of the program. An example is the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which requires an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travel.
Etymology:
The term “nonimmigrant” combines “non,” meaning “not,” with “immigrant,” derived from the Latin “immigrans,” meaning “to move into.” “Waiver” comes from the Old English “wefan,” meaning “to weave,” indicating a giving up of a right or claim.