US Visa Waiver Program 2025 – Updated List of Eligible Countries
In 2025, the United States continues to welcome visitors from many parts of the world through its Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This scheme allows citizens from certain countries to visit the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. It’s a convenient and fast way to travel across the Atlantic or Pacific. This article explains the updated list of eligible countries, how the program works, what travelers need to know, and answers common questions—all in a clear, easy-to-understand style.
What Is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program is an agreement between the US and multiple countries to simplify short-term travel. If you are a citizen of a VWP country and meet the requirements, you don’t need to apply for a visa. Instead, you fill out an online form called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), pay a small fee, and you’re set to enter the US.
This program helps tourists, business travelers, and families visiting the US without the delay of consulate visits or visa interviews.
Who Is Eligible in 2025?
The list of eligible countries for the VWP has been updated for 2025. Here is the current list of 42 nations whose citizens can apply for travel under this program:
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Andorra
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Australia
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Austria
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Belgium
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Brunei
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Chile
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Czech Republic
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Denmark
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Estonia
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Finland
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France
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Germany
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Greece
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Hungary
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Iceland
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Ireland
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Italy
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Japan
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Latvia
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Liechtenstein
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Lithuania
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Luxembourg
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Malta
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Monaco
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Netherlands
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New Zealand
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Norway
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Poland
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Portugal
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San Marino
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Slovakia
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Slovenia
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Singapore
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South Korea
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Spain
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Sweden
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Switzerland
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Taiwan
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United Kingdom
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Croatia
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Cyprus
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Romania
This list reflects recent additions and removes the four countries that no longer meet the updated security and data-sharing requirements.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) |
| Number of Eligible Countries | 42 (as of 2025) |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days |
| Allowed Purposes | Tourism, Business, Transit |
| Application Method | Online through ESTA |
| ESTA Fee | US$21 (approx.) |
| Validity of ESTA | Up to 2 years or until passport expires |
| Entry Mode | Via air or sea |
| Visa Requirement | No consular visa needed |
| Not Allowed | Work, study, long-term stays |
How It Works
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Check Eligibility: Confirm your country is on the VWP list.
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Apply for ESTA: Fill out the online form before booking travel. This usually takes less than 20 minutes.
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Pay the Fee: A small fee (around US$21) must be paid during application.
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Receive Approval: Most applications are approved quickly, often within minutes or hours.
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Plan Your Trip: With an approved ESTA, you can book flights or cruises to the US.
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At the Border: Present your passport and ESTA. The customs officer will stamp your passport, marking the start of your 90-day stay.
Requirements for Travelers
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Be a citizen of a VWP country.
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Have a valid electronic passport with an e‑chip.
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Stay under 90 days for tourism or business.
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Visit by air or sea (land border entry from Canada or Mexico is not allowed under VWP).
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No prior visa denials or criminal record.
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Obtain an ESTA before departure.
What’s New in 2025?
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Two New Countries Added: Croatia and Romania joined the VWP, bringing the total to 42.
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Stricter Rules: Travelers must have an e‑passport with biometric data.
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Focus on Security: Background checks and data sharing between governments have been strengthened.
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More Transparency: Applicants are now informed of their ESTA status within 72 hours.
Benefits of the VWP
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Avoid visa interviews and consulate visits.
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Save time and money.
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Greater travel flexibility.
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Straightforward application process.
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Trusted safety via background screening.
Things to Know Before Traveling
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ESTA is Not a Visa — It allows boarding, but final admission is decided at the port of entry.
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Duration Limit — You cannot stay longer than 90 days. If you need to extend, you must apply for a visa.
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No Work or Study — Under VWP, you cannot work or study. Separate visas are required.
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Update ESTA If Details Change — Change of name, gender, nationality, or email requires a new application.
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Two-Year Validity — ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
FAQs
1. What if I am denied ESTA approval?
If your ESTA is denied, you will need to apply for a regular tourist (B‑2) or business (B‑1) visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. This process involves an interview and more documentation.
2. Can I travel on ESTA multiple times?
Yes, you can travel multiple times within the ESTA validity period (up to two years), as long as each stay is under 90 days.
3. What happens if I stay longer than 90 days?
You violate the terms of the VWP. This can lead to future travel bans and difficulty obtaining US visas.
4. Are children included in ESTA?
Yes, every traveler, including babies and children, must have their own approved ESTA.
5. Can I switch to another visa while in the US on ESTA?
No. ESTA visitors cannot change status or apply for a different visa while in the US. You must return to your home country and apply from there.
Final Thoughts
The US Visa Waiver Program in 2025 remains a convenient way for tourists and business travelers from 42 countries to visit the United States. With the addition of Croatia and Romania, the list has grown, reflecting global collaboration.
It is important to use the program responsibly—stay within the 90-day limit, carry an e‑passport, and apply for an ESTA in advance. For those who need to stay longer, work, or study, applying for the appropriate visa is essential.
The Visa Waiver Program makes short-term travel easy, but it also comes with certain responsibilities. By following the rules and preparing carefully, you can enjoy a smooth trip to the United States without the need for a visa.