American Visa-Free Entry: 2025 Look Waiver Program Country List

With increasing global travel, the United States remains one of the top business and travel destinations. To facilitate entry for its open-country travellers, the United States has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that grants business and tourist travellers an entry benefit without the need for a traditional visa. Program 2025 today has 43 member states and may include free entry for various years.

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a US government program under which visitors from specific nations can visit the United States for visit, transit, or business purposes, but not for a stay exceeding 90 days. The visitor would also require an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before foreign travel, but it is less time-consuming and faster than obtaining a visa.

Most Important Elements of the Visa Waiver Program

1. Purpose of Visit
   Holiday visits, meetings or conferences, office visits, or transit in the US are allowed with free travel and stay periods. Study, temporary residence, or work is not permitted on regular visas.
2. Duration of Stay
   The visitor can stay for a maximum of 90 days, and, according to the agreement, the visit cannot be prolonged.
3. ESTA Authorization
   All arriving visitors must pre-apply under ESTA before arrival, which can be done online. Approval through ESTA typically takes a few minutes, but no longer than 72 hours, so plan accordingly.
4. Biometric Passport Requirement
   VWP travellers must use an e-passport with electronic biometric data.
   
5. Visa Waiver Program Countries (2025)
   The following 43 countries are VWP citizens and can travel to the US in 2025

European Nations

• 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
• United Kingdom

Asia-Pacific Nations:

• Australia
• Brunei
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Taiwan

Middle East:
Israel
Qatar
South America:
Chile

2025 Developments

Admission to Qatar
Qatar joined the VWP in 2025 and is an upgraded visa-free travel partner of the United States of America and a visa-free travel partner of Middle Eastern nations. Being listed is akin to upgrading diplomatic relations and a security cooperation agreement.

Romania’s Status Adjustment

Romania was initially set to be incorporated into the VWP in 2025. However, it was delayed and suspended because it did not meet the security requirements. Suspension reflects higher levels of VWP membership and operation.

Most Common Questions

1. Can I travel visa-free in the US if I am a citizen of one of the participating countries?
   Yes. VWP citizens may travel visa-free to the US for 90 days upon approval under ESTA.
2. Is ESTA a visa?
   No. ESTA is a temporary authorisation to travel, not a restricted admission, except to the extent that the VWP itself is prohibited.
3. How long is an ESTA valid?
   The ESTA granted will typically be valid for two years or the duration of your passport validity, whichever is shorter.
4. May I work or study in the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWPP?
   No. You can work or study in the US, but you will need to obtain a separate visa. VWP is insufficient if you visit for transit, business, or pleasure.
5. I am a citizen of a country of interest and a nation of concern. What do I do?
   If you are both a citizen of a VWP country and an interested individual, you must eliminate VWP travel and use a regular visa application.
6. Is a Green Card valid in the USA under VWP?
   No. No status change under VWP, i.e., request for permanent residence.

Safe and Legal Travelling

Apply for ESTA Early

Ninety-nine per cent of travellers will receive approval for ESTA within minutes, but it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid delays.

Have a Return or Onward Ticket
American Customs will require proof of your intention to depart the country within 90 days. A return or onward ticket is usually required.
Keep Travel Records
Please bring a printed copy of your ESTA confirmation, flight ticket, and accommodation booking. The airport can print these.

The 2025 Visa Waiver Program makes American travel easier with more visa-free visits by the citizens of 43 countries.
Except for Qatar, which has been verified and will be covered shortly, Romania will also be covered, ensuring the information is updated. Despite the program being in words, it is bureaucratic, as evidenced by the ESTA clearance requirement and the 90-day single-visit rule. Such detail and preparation will be helpful for a compliant and smooth visit to the US. If you are a repeat traveller or a first-time traveller to the US, VWP status is the entry point towards a compliant visit.