Is your country on the list? The U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) release new list of countries eligible for the U.S Visa Waiver Program (VWP) 2025. Citizens from these countries can now travel to the United States without a visa for short-term visits. Check the updated list to see if your country qualifies and start planning your trip.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) makes it easier for eligible travelers to visit the U.S for tourism, business, or transit without a traditional visa. If your country name lies in the list, apply for online using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and follow the rules for a smooth, hassle-free entry.
US Visa Waiver Program 2025
Exciting news for travelers, U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the updated list of countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program 2025. Romania and Qatar are the newest additions, while Bulgaria has been removed. Check the full updated list of eligible countries below to see if your country qualifies.
The U.S government first introduced the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in 1986 to make short-term travel to the United States easier. The program became permanent in 2000, with the United Kingdom being the first country to participate. According to the latest update, 42 countries are now part of this program.
Individuals from eligible countries can apply online for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and the application window is now open. Travelers can visit the official ESTA website to submit their applications. The complete step-by-step registration process is explained below for easy guidance.
USA Visa Waiver Program 2025 Key Highlights
| Program Name | US Visa Waiver Program 2025 |
| Department Name | U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, or transit |
| Eligibilities Countries | 42 countries currently participate |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days |
| New Country List | Released |
| ESTA Application Fee | $21 per traveler (May Vary) |
| ESTA Validity | 2 Years |
| Mode of Apply | Online |
| Official Website | https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov |
What is US Visa Waiver Program 2025?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is an initiative of the U.S government that allows citizens from selected countries to travel to the United States for a short period (90 days) without obtaining a visa.
The U.S government started this program with the aim of promoting tourism, strengthening international relations, and encouraging business and cultural exchanges while maintaining secure entry procedures through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
New Updated List of US Visa Waiver Program Participating Countries
The U.S Visa Waiver Program (VWP) 2025 now includes 42 countries. Qatar and Romania are the newest additions, while Bulgaria has been removed from the list. Citizens of these countries can travel to the U.S for up to 90 days without a visa and apply online through the ESTA system.
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
Who Can Travel? Eligibility for America Visa Waiver Program
As per the new rues of Homeland Security (DHS) department only the citizens from selected countries can apply for US Visa Waiver Program. Here are the eligibilities listed below:-
- VWP Citizenship – You must be a citizen or eligible national of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program.
- Passports- The traveler must hold a biometric passport valid for at least six months beyond the departure date.
- ESTA Approval – Citizens need to apply online for ESTA and receive approval.
- Duration of Stay – Each visit must not exceed 90 days.
- Criminal Record– One should not have any criminal record.
- Passports and documents – having reliable travel documents.
- Correct Passport– One must have correct e-passport to use the VWP.
- No Existing Visa – You should not already hold a U.S visitor visa.
- Purpose of Visit – Your travel is for business, tourism, or transit only.
- Applying for Authorization – You can submit a new ESTA application for yourself or a group of travelers.
Travel Purposes Not Allowed on the Visa Waiver Program
Not all types of travel are allowed under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The program does not permit visits for study for credit, employment, working as a journalist or in other media, or for moving permanently to the United States. Travelers using the VWP must stick to short-term visits for tourism, business, or transit only.
Restrictions Under Visa Waiver Program (VWP) – What You Need to Know?
As per the latest update Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 sets rules for travelers who are no longer eligible to use the VWP and must apply for a visa before visiting the U.S
- Travel to Certain Countries – If you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen, you must apply for a visa. Exceptions apply for official diplomatic or military travel.
- Travel to Cuba – Visits to Cuba require a visa unless it was for diplomatic or military purposes.
- Dual Nationals – If you are from a VWP country and also hold nationality of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria, you cannot use the VWP and must apply for a visa.
Why U.S Offers the Visa Waiver Program?
Applying for a U.S visa can be a long and time-consuming process. To make short-term travel easier and faster for citizens of trusted countries, the U.S government introduced the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The main purpose of the VWP is to allow travelers to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), without the need for a traditional visa.
Additional Information Required
- Traveler’s Selfie Photo
- Aliases or Other Names
- National or Personal ID Number
- Global Entry / NEXUS / SENTRI ID Number
- Employer Address and Phone Number
- U.S Point of Contact Name, Address, and Phone
Process to Apply Online For US Visa Waiver Program 2025
Citizens applying for the US Visa Waiver Program must check that if he or she hold a biometric passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure.
- Visit the official website of Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
- Now a home page of the website appears in front of you, read the details carefully.
- Then click on Start New Individuals Application option.
- Hit the confirm and continue option.
- After that read the Disclaimers and complete the Applicant Information.
- Fill up the Personal and Travel details.
- Go for the Eligibility Questions.
- Take a review of the details you filled.
- Finally, click on the Submit option and go for online payment.
After submitting your ESTA application for the U.S Visa Waiver Program, within 72 hours you will receive a response. One can also check the updates on ESTA portal.
