US Visa Waiver Program 2025 – Updated List of Eligible Countries

US Visa Waiver Program 2025 – America has always been a centre of attraction for travellers, tourists and businessmen. Every year millions of people travel to America to visit, study, work or for some business deal. But the US visa process often seems complicated and time-consuming to people. To ease this difficulty, the US government started the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows citizens of countries with which the United States has strong diplomatic and security relations to visit the United States.

In 2025, this program has been updated and some new countries have also been included in it. The purpose of this change is to make it easier for travelers to travel to America and at the same time strengthen global partnerships. Let us know in detail what VWP is, how it works, which countries are included in it, and what things you should keep in mind before traveling.

What is Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a US government initiative, which is operated by the U.S. Department of State. Under this, citizens of select countries do not need to get a traditional visa to come to America. They can come to America only by taking online permission through ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

The main objective of this program is –

• To promote tourism,
• To simplify business trips, and
• To encourage the movement of global people.

However, strict security procedures remain in force during this time as well.

How does VWP work?

If you are from a VWP country and want to come to the US, you have to follow some important rules:

• ESTA application: It is mandatory to apply for ESTA online before going to the US.
• E-passport required: Passport must be electronic with a biometric chip.
• Purpose of travel: VWP is valid only for tourism, business or transit (i.e. stopping in the US on the way to another country).
• Maximum duration: Cannot stay in the US for more than 90 days.
• Final approval: Getting ESTA does not mean that you are guaranteed entry. The final decision is made by US Customs and Border Protection Officers.

List of eligible countries in 2025

A total of 42 countries are included in VWP till 2025. These are divided by region as follows:

Europe

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania (newly added in 2025)
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Asia-Pacific

• Australia
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Korea

Middle East and Americas

• Chile
• Israel
• Taiwan
• Qatar (newly added in 2024) (Added at the end)

Key updates for 2025

• Romania has now officially joined the program. Its citizens will be able to travel to the US visa-free from 2025.
• Qatar was added in late 2024. This is considered a major milestone in the diplomatic relations between the US and the Middle East.

The joining of these two countries is a sign that the US is increasing facilities for travelers while strengthening global partnerships, without compromising security.

Requirements for VWP travelers

If you want to travel to the US under VWP, then you have to follow these rules:

• ESTA Permission: It is necessary to obtain an online ESTA before travel.
• Purpose of travel: Only for tourism, business, medical visit or transit.
• 90-day limit: No longer stay allowed.
• Valid e-passport: Must have an e-passport with a biometric chip.
• Return ticket: You must have a round-trip ticket or a ticket to another country.
• No previous violations: If you have previously violated US immigration rules, you will not get the benefit of VWP.

Also, if you have traveled to certain countries (eg – Iran, North Korea, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Somalia) after March 1, 2011, then you will not be eligible for VWP.

Important things related to ESTA

• Validity: Once approved, ESTA is usually valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
• Fee: The fee for ESTA in 2025 is approximately $21.
• Timing: Application should be made at least 72 hours before travel. However, in most cases the application is approved within minutes.

Who is not eligible for VWP?

Some travelers cannot avail of the VWP, such as:

• If you have been arrested for a crime (even if not convicted).
• If you have previously been denied entry or deported to the US.
• If you have traveled to Iraq, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Yemen, Somalia, Libya or Sudan after March 1, 2011.
• If you are a dual citizen of such countries (such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan).

In such cases, you will have to contact the US Embassy for a traditional B-1/B-2 visa.

Benefits of Visa Waiver Program

• Faster entry: No need to visit the US Embassy for visa processing.
• Less expensive: The fee for ESTA is much less than the regular visa.
• Easier for frequent travelers: Multiple entries can be made within the 2-year validity of ESTA.

• Do not apply for ESTA at the last minute.
• Check the validity of the passport. Only e-passports are valid.
• Do not misuse the purpose. VWP is not for studies, employment or permanent settlement.
• Do not stay for more than 90 days. Otherwise, you may be banned from visiting the US in future.

Conclusion

The Visa Waiver Program of 2025 is a great facility for millions of travelers who want to travel to the US or for business purposes without hassle. It has become even more comprehensive with the joining of Romania and Qatar.

If you are planning a trip to the US, then apply for ESTA in advance, check your passport and ticket and follow the rules. This way your journey will be safe, will be completed easily and without any obstruction.

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