The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in 2025 continues to facilitate visa-free travel to the United States for citizens of selected countries, enabling short-term stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit without the need to obtain a traditional visa.
The program is designed to promote easier travel and stronger diplomatic ties between the US and partner nations with high standards of passport security, low visa refusal rates, and reciprocal visa-free access for US citizens.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest US Visa Waiver Program 2025, highlighting the newly updated list of eligible countries, key requirements under the program, recent changes, and what travellers need to know before planning their US visits.
What Is the US Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program is an agreement administered by the US Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of State. It permits citizens of designated countries (referred to as “program countries”) to enter the United States without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
To travel under VWP, eligible travellers must apply for authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and hold an electronic passport (e-passport) embedded with biometric chip data.
The program applies across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The key goals of the VWP are to promote tourism and business travel, improve border security through standardised vetting processes, and strengthen bilateral travel reciprocity.
Updated Eligible Countries List for 2025
As of 2025, the US Visa Waiver Program includes 42 countries. This list features most European Union member states (with some exceptions), several Asia-Pacific nations, and selected countries from South America and the Middle East. The eligible countries are rigorously vetted based on passport security, low refusal rates for US visas, and willingness to grant US citizens reciprocal visa-free entry.
Latest Changes in 2024-2025
- New Additions: Israel joined the VWP on October 19, 2023. Qatar was added on November 21, 2024.
- Pending or Removed: Romania was under consideration to join in early 2025, but after a security review, their inclusion was put on hold and ultimately rescinded in May 2025.
- Future Aspirants: Countries like Argentina are expected to rejoin soon, though the process was paused in September 2025.
Current Eligible Countries List by Region
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan |
| Americas & Middle East | Chile, Israel, Qatar |
(Excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania who are not currently part of VWP.)
This list reflects the status as of October 2025 and is subject to ongoing review by US authorities.
Key Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Travel
Travel under the VWP is dependent on several important criteria and conditions:
- Electronic Passport: Travellers must have an e-passport that includes an integrated chip with biometric information.
- ESTA Approval: Before boarding a flight to the US, visitors must obtain approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
- Trip Duration: Maximum stay under the VWP is 90 days for each visit.
- Purpose of Visit: Travel must be solely for tourism, business meetings, or transit. Work, study, or long-term residence are not permitted under this program.
- Eligibility Restrictions: Applicants must not have travelled to certain restricted countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, Cuba etc.) in the last five years or hold dual nationality with such countries.
- No Visa Overstays: Past overstays under the VWP or other visa categories can result in disqualification.
- Reciprocal Agreements: Participating countries must afford US travellers reciprocal visa-free entry.
Additional Notes on US Territories
The Visa Waiver Program also applies to several US territories such as Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, however, American Samoa operates its own distinct entry regime and is not covered by the VWP.
Benefits of the Visa Waiver Program
The program ensures that eligible travellers enjoy simplified and quicker entry procedures. Some benefits include:
- Avoidance of lengthy and costly visa application processes.
- Streamlined electronic authorisation via ESTA.
- Ability to explore the US for short visits up to 90 days.
- Strengthened bilateral ties between the US and partner countries.
Limitations and Considerations
- The VWP is designed for short stays only, and travellers intending to study, work, or immigrate must apply for appropriate visas.
- Approval under the VWP is not a guarantee of entry; final admission is decided by Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry.
- Travellers need to comply with all security screenings and provide precise travel information during the ESTA application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum duration of stay allowed under the US Visa Waiver Program 2025?
The program allows stays of up to 90 days for each visit for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
2. Which new countries joined the Visa Waiver Program recently?
Israel joined in October 2023, and Qatar joined in November 2024.
3. Can Indians travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program?
No. India is not currently part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Indian nationals must obtain a visa before travelling to the US.
4. What is ESTA and why is it required for VWP travellers?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an online travel authorisation system required for all Visa Waiver Program travellers before they can board a US-bound flight.
5. Can one work or study in the US under the Visa Waiver Program?
No. Employment or educational activities are not allowed under VWP; travellers must apply for appropriate visas for these purposes.
