The United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP) continues to serve as a cornerstone of international travel facilitation in 2025, enabling millions of visitors to enter the United States without the traditional visa application process. The VWP, administered by DHS in consultation with the State Department, allows citizens of 41 countries to travel to the US up to 90 days without a visa. This program represents a significant diplomatic and economic tool that strengthens America’s relationships with its closest allies while contributing billions to the U.S. economy annually.
The United States welcomed approximately 18 million VWP travelers in FY 2023 who, according to the Department of Commerce, spent approximately $84 billion on goods and services. VWP travelers injected nearly $231 million a day into local economies across the country. As we navigate through 2025, understanding the current landscape of the VWP, including recent updates and eligible countries, remains crucial for international travelers planning to visit the United States.
What is the US Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries* to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below.
The program operates on the principle of reciprocity, where participating countries must also allow U.S. citizens to travel to their territories for similar durations without requiring a visa. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 42 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. In return, those 42 countries must permit U.S. citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism purposes.
Since its inception in 1986, the VWP has evolved into much more than a simple travel facilitation program. Since its inception in 1986, the VWP has evolved into a comprehensive security partnership with many of America’s closest allies. The VWP utilizes a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent terrorists, serious criminals, and other mala fide actors from traveling to the United States.
Complete List of VWP Eligible Countries in 2025
As of 2025, citizens from the following 42 countries can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program:
Europe (30 countries):
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- 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
Asia-Pacific (7 countries):
- Australia
- Brunei
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan*
Middle East (2 countries):
- Israel
- Qatar
Americas (2 countries):
- Chile
- United Kingdom**
*Taiwan requires a personal identification number for ESTA applications.
**The United Kingdom eligibility has specific conditions. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the United Kingdom’s eligibility under the VWP applies only to British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
Recent Updates and Changes in 2025
Romania’s Complex Status
One of the most significant developments in 2025 involved Romania’s relationship with the VWP. On January 10, 2025, it was announced that Romania would join the VWP by March 31, 2025. However, on March 25, 2025, Romania’s entry was put on hold amid further security review. After the conclusion of the review, on May 2, 2025, the designation of Romania to the VWP was rescinded. This development highlights the rigorous security standards that countries must maintain to participate in the program.
Qatar’s Successful Addition
On September 24, 2024, Qatar was designated to join the VWP by December 1, 2024. Qatar joined the VWP on November 21, 2024. Qatar’s inclusion represents a significant milestone for Middle Eastern participation in the program and reflects the strengthening diplomatic ties between the United States and Qatar.
Enhanced Security Measures
The 2025 program year has seen increased emphasis on security protocols. The stricter ESTA regulations are another significant changes in US Visa Waiver Program 2025. It is now advised that all VWP travelers submit their ESTA application at least 72 hours before their planned departure to the United States. This change aims to provide CBP officials with adequate time to process and review applications thoroughly.
ESTA Requirements and Application Process
What is ESTA?
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival.
ESTA Application Steps for 2025
- Verify Passport Requirements: The passport must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. As of April 1, 2016, all travelers must have an e-passport to use the VWP.
- Online Application: Visit the official ESTA website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov to complete your application.
- Required Information: Provide passport details, travel itinerary, and contact information, and answer security-related questions.
- Payment: ESTA has an application fee of 4 USD, and if approved, an additional fee of 17 USD is charged, for a total of 21 USD.
- Authorization Validity: Once obtained, the authorization is valid for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first, and is valid for multiple entries into the United States.
Timing Requirements
All incoming passengers who intend to take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program are required to apply for a travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before departure to the United States, preferably at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance.
Restrictions and Ineligibility Factors
Travel History Restrictions
The VWP includes significant restrictions based on travel history to certain countries. Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travelers in the following categories must obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United States as they are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
Additionally, Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country). Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
Waiver Possibilities
In some cases, the US Department of Homeland Security may grant a waiver if it determines that allowing a traveller to enter the United States serves law enforcement or national security interests. Waivers are assessed individually.
Countries Notably Absent from the VWP
African Nations
Additionally, no African nations have been included in this year’s update, leaving countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana without eligibility. This continues to be a point of discussion in diplomatic circles, as many African nations work toward meeting the stringent requirements for VWP inclusion.
Other Major Economies
Several significant economies remain outside the VWP framework, including India, China, Russia, and most countries in South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. Citizens from these countries must continue to apply for traditional B-1/B-2 visitor visas through U.S. embassies and consulates.
Economic Impact and Benefits
The VWP’s economic significance cannot be overstated. The program facilitates legitimate travel while contributing substantially to the U.S. economy through tourism and business activities. The ease of travel encourages more frequent visits, longer stays within the permitted 90-day limit, and increased spending by international visitors.
For participating countries, the program enhances their citizens’ mobility and strengthens business relationships with the United States. It also reflects the trust and cooperation established between the U.S. and its VWP partners in matters of security and law enforcement.
Security Partnerships and Requirements
Participation in the VWP requires countries to increase counterterrorism, law enforcement, and immigration enforcement cooperation with the United States. This cooperation includes sharing critical security information and maintaining high standards for passport security and border control.
Moreover, VWP countries have provided over 60 percent of the records in INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Document Database, which DHS utilizes in its daily vetting of ESTA applications and Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record data. This information sharing significantly enhances the United States’ ability to identify potential security threats.
Travel Limitations and Restrictions
Purpose of Travel
VWP travel is strictly limited to tourism, business, and transit purposes. Travelers cannot work, study, or engage in any activities not permitted under the visitor status. Visitors under the VWP may stay for up to 90 days in the United States and cannot request an extension of the original allowed period of stay (this practice is allowed to those holding regular visas).
Geographic Scope
Visitors may stay for up to 90 days in the United States, which also includes time spent in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the islands in the Caribbean if the arrival was through the United States. This means that trips to neighboring countries during a VWP visit count toward the 90-day limit.
Looking Ahead: Future Developments
The VWP continues to evolve as international security needs and diplomatic relationships change. Countries like Bulgaria and other EU members continue to work toward meeting the program’s requirements. The emphasis on enhanced security measures, digital passport requirements, and information sharing will likely remain focal points for the program’s development.
In Summary
The US Visa Waiver Program 2025 represents a mature, security-focused system that balances legitimate travel facilitation with national security interests. With 42 participating countries and millions of annual travelers, the program continues to serve as a bridge between the United States and its closest allies.
For eligible travelers, the VWP offers unparalleled convenience for short-term visits to the United States. However, the program’s strict requirements and security measures underscore the U.S. government’s commitment to maintaining border security while facilitating legitimate travel.
As the program continues to evolve, travelers should stay informed about current requirements, ensure their ESTA applications are submitted well in advance, and understand the limitations and responsibilities that come with visa-free travel to the United States. The 2025 updates emphasize the importance of preparation and compliance with all program requirements to ensure smooth entry into the United States.