The U.S. government has announced the 2025 Visa Waiver Program (VWP), listing countries whose citizens can enter the United States without a visa for up to 90 days.
Interestingly, the United Kingdom did not make the list, though it remains eligible under specific conditions. Additionally, no African nation, including Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa, was included.
A key update this year is the inclusion of Romania, expanding the list of participating countries.
Understanding the Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program allows travelers from certain countries to visit the U.S. for business or tourism without obtaining a visa. However, they must secure prior authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, “Travelers must have a valid ESTA approval before departure and meet all program requirements. If you prefer a visa in your passport, you can still apply for a visitor visa.”
To maintain security and efficiency, the U.S. government prioritizes countries with strong diplomatic relations and stringent border controls.
The updated program aims to streamline entry for eligible travelers, making business and tourism visits to the U.S. more accessible.
Countries Included in the 2025 Visa Waiver Program
A total of 40 countries are part of the program, enabling their citizens to visit the U.S. without a visa:
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Andorra
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Australia
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Austria
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Belgium
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Chile
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Czech Republic
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Croatia
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Denmark
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Estonia
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Finland
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France
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Germany
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Greece
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Hungary
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Iceland
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Ireland
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Italy
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Israel
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Japan
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Latvia
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Liechtenstein
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Lithuania
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Luxembourg
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Malta
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Monaco
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Netherlands
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New Zealand
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Norway
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Poland
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Portugal
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Qatar
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Romania
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San Marino
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Singapore
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Slovakia
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Slovenia
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South Korea
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Spain
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Sweden
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Switzerland
This year’s update reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to facilitating seamless international travel while maintaining security protocols. Travelers from eligible countries should ensure they complete their ESTA process before booking their trips.
