Unlike regular visas, travel visas do not have to be petitioned for by a relative or employer. The United States encourages tourism, so application for a travel visa is somewhat simpler for the requester. Even so, the wait times for visa processing are still not insignificant

Additionally, some countries do not require a travel visa with their passport. For some citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda, as well as residents of the participating 35 Visa Waiver Program countries, so long as the stay does not exceed ninety days and the person has received ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approval, no visa is needed.