US visa-free entry: Canada, Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau citizens qualify under different rules

Citizens of four countries can enter the United States without a visa. They are Canada, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. The conditions for travel and length of stay differ from country to country.

Canada has its own arrangement. The other three countries benefit from Compacts of Free Association with the US government. Visa-free entry does not guarantee admission. US authorities still decide whether a traveller can enter.

Canada: no visa for many visits, up to six months

According to the US Department of State, Canadian citizens generally do not need non-immigrant visas for tourism and certain other temporary visits. According to the Canadian government's travel advice, Canadian visitors can usually remain in the United States for up to six months, although US border officials determine the period of admission. However, some categories of travel and individual circumstances may require a visa or other authorisation. Canadian permanent residents who are not Canadian citizens may also need a visa, depending on their nationality.

Pacific nations covered by Compacts of Free Association

Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands benefit from a special agreement with the United States. Under the Compact of Free Association, eligible citizens can enter the US without a visa and may live, work and study there in line with the agreement. The arrangement is different from the standard Visa Waiver Programme, which generally allows qualifying visitors to stay for up to 90 days with approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA, authorisation.

Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia also enjoy visa-free access under the Compact of Free Association. The US Department of State confirms that the agreement allows eligible Micronesian citizens to travel to the US without a visa, and to live, work and study there. The agreement provides a separate legal basis for travel and residence, not the short-term visitor arrangement under the Visa Waiver Programme.

Palauan citizens are covered by a similar agreement. Under the Compact of Free Association, eligible citizens of Palau can enter the US without a visa and may live, work and study there under the agreement terms. The arrangement reflects the longstanding relationship between the US and the three freely associated Pacific island nations.

Entry is not automatic

Travellers must meet the applicable entry requirements. US authorities retain the power to determine whether an individual can enter. The four countries do not all fall under the same visa exemption system. Canada has its own arrangements, while the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau benefit from agreements with the US government.

Earlier, the US Mission said the eligible term for nonimmigrant visa renewals would be extended from 24 to 48 months. Applicants whose prior US visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire within the next three months are now eligible for visa renewal without an interview. According to the US Mission, hundreds of visa renewal appointments are being made available to applicants who want to renew their visas.