Are you planning to visit the United States next year? You might be able to travel without a visa! The US government has updated its Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for 2025, permitting citizens of 43 countries to enter the US visa-free for up to 90 days.
This initiative simplifies travel for millions, enabling short visits for tourism, business, or transit without the hassle of securing a visa.
Understanding the Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals from designated countries to enter the US without a visa, provided they apply for and receive approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is an online, automated system managed by US Customs and Border Protection, designed to pre-screen travelers before they board their flights.
Key Requirements for Visa-Free Travel
Before you make travel arrangements, make sure you meet the following criteria:
• You must hold a valid passport from a VWP-approved country.
• An approved ESTA application is required before departure.
• Your visit must be for tourism or business purposes only.
• Your stay in the US cannot exceed 90 days.
• You must not have traveled to certain restricted countries after specified dates.
Who Does Not Qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?
Even if you hold a passport from a VWP country, you may be ineligible if:
• You have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
• You traveled to Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
• You hold dual citizenship with Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, or North Korea.
If any of these conditions apply, you will need to apply for a standard B-1/B-2 visitor visa to enter the US.
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry under the VWP in 2025
1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brunei
6. Chile
7. Croatia
8. Czech Republic
9. Denmark
10. Estonia
11. Finland
12. France
13. Germany
14. Greece
15. Hungary
16. Iceland
17. Ireland
18. Israel
19. Italy
20. Japan
21. Latvia
22. Liechtenstein
23. Lithuania
24. Luxembourg
25. Malta
26. Monaco
27. Netherlands
28. New Zealand
29. Norway
30. Poland
31. Portugal
32. Qatar
33. Republic of Korea (South Korea)
34. Romania
35. San Marino
36. Singapore
37. Slovakia
38. Slovenia
39. Spain
40. Sweden
41. Switzerland
42. Taiwan
43. United Kingdom
This expanded list reflects the US government’s ongoing efforts to facilitate safe, streamlined travel for its closest international partners.
