The United States has announced the list of eligible countries for its 2025 Visa Waiver Program (VWP), highlighting several updates. Notably, the United Kingdom is excluded from general eligibility but remains eligible under specific conditions.
No African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa, made the list.
A significant update is the inclusion of Romania, reflecting the U.S. government’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and prioritizing nations with robust border security measures.
The VWP, as detailed by the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, allows citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a visa.
According to the bureau’s website, travelers must obtain valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before travel and meet all specified requirements. Alternatively, individuals can still apply for a visitor visa if they prefer.
The 2025 VWP introduces changes to travel policies and eligibility criteria, simplifying visa-free travel for millions while promoting easier access for business and tourism purposes.
Eligible Countries for the 2025 Visa Waiver Program
A total of 40 countries have been approved under the updated program:
– Andorra
– Australia
– Austria
– Belgium
– Chile
– Croatia
– Czech Republic
– Denmark
– Estonia
– Finland
– France
– Germany
– Greece
– Hungary
– Iceland
– Ireland
– Israel
– Italy
– Japan
– Latvia
– Liechtenstein
– Lithuania
– Luxembourg
– Malta
– Monaco
– Netherlands
– New Zealand
– Norway
– Poland
– Portugal
– Qatar
– Romania
– San Marino
– Singapore
– Slovakia
– Slovenia
– South Korea
– Spain
– Sweden
– Switzerland