Travelling to the United States can often be a complex process, but for citizens of certain countries, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) offers a simpler, more convenient way to visit. This program allows eligible travelers to enter the US for tourism or business without obtaining a visa, granting stays of up to 90 days.
The Visa Waiver Program fosters international travel by streamlining entry requirements, strengthening diplomatic ties, and boosting economic and cultural exchanges between the US and participating nations.
US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
All travellers under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding their flights. ESTA pre-screens travelers to ensure they meet the necessary security and eligibility requirements for entering the US.
How to Apply for ESTA
- Visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
- Complete the online application with biographic details and eligibility questions
- Pay the $21 application fee using MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only), or PayPal
When to Apply
- Apply as soon as you start planning your trip
- Submit your application at least 72 hours before departure
ESTA Application Status
- Most applicants receive real-time status updates
- If denied, travelers must apply for a non-immigrant visa
Important ESTA Considerations
- Do not apply with a lost or stolen passport
- ESTA authorization does not guarantee entry into the US; final admission is determined by US Customs and Border Protection officers upon arrival
Countries Eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program
Below is the updated complete list of countries eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program for 2025:
1. Andorra
Citizens of Andorra can travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. This small European nation benefits from the program, making it easier for its residents to visit for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
2. Australia
Australia has long been a part of the Visa Waiver Program, allowing its citizens to enter the US without needing a visa. This agreement strengthens economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two countries and makes travel seamless.
3. Austria
A key European country in the Visa Waiver Program, Austria’s citizens enjoy the freedom to visit the US without a visa. This helps enhance business, tourism, and transatlantic cooperation between the two nations.
4. Belgium
Belgium, home to the European Union headquarters, is part of the Visa Waiver Program. Its citizens can visit the US for business or leisure without a visa, promoting easier transatlantic travel.
5. Brunei
Brunei is the only Southeast Asian country in the VWP, allowing its citizens to enter the US without a visa for short-term visits. This strengthens trade, tourism, and educational exchanges between the two nations.
6. Chile
As the only South American country in the Visa Waiver Program, Chile has enjoyed visa-free travel to the US since 2014. This inclusion strengthens trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
7. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a VWP member, allowing its citizens to enter the US for short-term visits without a visa. This helps foster stronger business and tourism connections between both countries.
8. Croatia
Croatia became part of the Visa Waiver Program in 2021, simplifying US travel for its citizens. This inclusion enhances economic cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
9. Denmark
Denmark’s participation in the Visa Waiver Program makes it easier for Danish travelers to visit the US for business or leisure. This further strengthens Denmark’s strong relationship with the United States.
10. Estonia
Estonia, a Baltic nation known for its digital advancements, is a part of the Visa Waiver Program. This allows its citizens to travel to the US visa-free for up to 90 days.
11. Finland
Finland has been part of the Visa Waiver Program for years, enabling Finnish travellers to visit the US with ease. This supports tourism, business, and international partnerships.
12. France
France is a key member of the Visa Waiver Program, allowing French citizens to visit the US without a visa. The agreement fosters business, education, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
13. Germany
As a major economic power, Germany benefits from its VWP status, making US travel seamless for German citizens. The program boosts trade, tourism, and international collaboration.
14. Greece
Greek citizens can travel to the US visa-free under the VWP. This facilitates tourism and business while strengthening the long-standing ties between the two nations.
15. Hungary
Hungary has been part of the Visa Waiver Program for years, allowing its citizens to travel to the US without obtaining a visa. This boosts tourism and economic cooperation.
16. Iceland
Icelanders can visit the US under the Visa Waiver Program for up to 90 days. This makes transatlantic travel more accessible and supports tourism and business relations.
17. Ireland
With strong historical ties to the US, Ireland is a Visa Waiver Program member, allowing its citizens to visit the US easily. This strengthens cultural and economic connections.
18. Italy
Italy’s inclusion in the VWP allows Italian citizens to enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days. This facilitates tourism, business, and diplomatic relations.
19. Israel
Israel joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2023, making it easier for Israeli citizens to visit the US. This marks a milestone in US-Israel travel relations.
20. Japan
Japan has been a member of the Visa Waiver Program for decades, allowing Japanese citizens to travel to the US visa-free for short stays. This enhances economic, technological, and cultural ties between the two countries.
21. Latvia
Latvia is a Baltic nation whose citizens benefit from the Visa Waiver Program, allowing easy travel to the US for business and tourism. This strengthens trade ties and enhances diplomatic relations with the US.
22. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, despite being one of Europe’s smallest countries, enjoys full participation in the Visa Waiver Program. Its citizens can travel visa-free to the US for tourism, business, and short-term visits.
23. Lithuania
Lithuania, a Baltic nation with a growing global presence, has been part of the VWP since 2008. This allows its citizens to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, boosting economic and cultural exchanges.
24. Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program simplifies travel for its citizens, enabling easy access to the US for tourism and business. This strengthens the nation’s international business connections.
25. Malta
Malta, a Mediterranean country, benefits from its VWP status, allowing Maltese citizens to travel to the US visa-free for up to 90 days. This fosters tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
26. Monaco
Monaco, known for its luxury tourism and financial sector, is part of the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens can travel freely to the US, further enhancing bilateral tourism and investment opportunities.
27. Netherlands
The Netherlands, a key European trade partner of the US, has long been a part of the Visa Waiver Program. Dutch citizens benefit from streamlined entry into the US for business and tourism.
28. New Zealand
New Zealanders benefit from visa-free access to the US, enhancing opportunities for business, tourism, and academic exchanges between the two nations.
29. Norway
Norwegian citizens enjoy easy travel to the US under the program, reinforcing the strong historical and economic ties between the two countries.
30. Poland
Poland became a Visa Waiver Program member in 2019, allowing its citizens visa-free travel to the US for tourism and business.
31. Portugal
Portugal’s participation in the program makes US travel simple for its citizens, promoting tourism, business opportunities, and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
32. Qatar
Qatar joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2024, becoming the first Gulf nation in the program. This strengthens its diplomatic, economic, and travel connections with the US.
33. Romania
Romania is expected to join the Visa Waiver Program on March 31, 2025, granting its citizens visa-free travel to the US for tourism and business.
34. San Marino
As one of the world’s smallest nations, San Marino benefits from the program, ensuring its citizens can visit the US without needing a visa.
35. Singapore
Singapore’s strong business and tourism ties with the US are reinforced through its membership in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing seamless travel for its citizens.
36. Slovakia
Slovakia’s participation in the program facilitates easy travel for its citizens, supporting tourism, business exchanges, and economic cooperation with the US.
37. Slovenia
As a Visa Waiver Program member, Slovenia enjoys seamless travel arrangements with the US, making visits easier for Slovenian citizens traveling for tourism or business.
38. South Korea
South Korea, a close US ally, has been part of the program for years, allowing its citizens visa-free travel for short-term visits.
39. Spain
Spain’s longstanding participation in the Visa Waiver Program makes travel to the US smooth and hassle-free for Spanish citizens visiting for tourism or business.
40. Sweden
Sweden’s citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program, strengthening tourism, business, and international cooperation between the two nations.
41. Switzerland
Switzerland is a longstanding Visa Waiver Program member, simplifying US travel for Swiss citizens and enhancing bilateral tourism, business, and diplomatic ties.
42. Taiwan
Taiwan participates in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing its citizens to visit the US without a visa. This boosts trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations.
43. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a long-time member of the VWP, making travel to the US simple for British citizens. The program supports tourism, business, and diplomatic cooperation.
Conclusion
The Visa Waiver Program simplifies travel to the US for citizens of participating countries, enhancing global mobility and fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties. Travelers should always check ESTA requirements and ensure compliance with US entry rules before their trip.
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