The U.S. Department of State has officially announced the 2025 list of countries eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), opening up greater travel opportunities for international visitors. This latest update enhances accessibility for millions of travelers by enabling visa-free entry to the United States for business, tourism, and transit purposes.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of qualifying nations to visit the United States for up to 90 days without requiring a visa. Rather than undergoing the traditional visa process, eligible travelers can instead apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
New Additions to the 2025 US Visa Waiver Program
The 2025 Visa Waiver Program now includes a total of 40 countries, with Romania joining as the newest participant. Meanwhile, Taiwan and the United Kingdom remain eligible, but under specific conditions.
Complete List of Countries in the 2025 US Visa Waiver Program
The following is an updated alphabetical list of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free travel to the U.S. under the VWP:
| Country | Country | Country |
| Andorra | Greece | Norway |
| Australia | Hungary | Poland |
| Austria | Iceland | Portugal |
| Belgium | Ireland | San Marino |
| Brunei | Israel | Singapore |
| Chile | Italy | Slovakia |
| Croatia | Japan | Slovenia |
| Czech Republic | Latvia | South Korea |
| Denmark | Liechtenstein | Spain |
| Estonia | Lithuania | Sweden |
| Finland | Luxembourg | Switzerland |
| France | Malta | Taiwan* |
| Germany | Monaco | United Kingdom* |
| Netherlands | New Zealand | Romania (New Entry!) |
| Qatar | — | — |
(*Taiwan requires a personal identification number; the United Kingdom requires the right of abode.)
Key Changes in 2025
While most of the VWP list remains the same, the inclusion of Romania represents a notable change. The U.S. government has also strengthened security measures, placing greater emphasis on countries with strong diplomatic ties and robust border security protocols.
Despite Romania’s inclusion in the program, it, along with Taiwan and the United Kingdom, is not covered under the U.S. visa and interview waiver program for 2025. This exclusion has drawn concern among travelers, with officials pointing to updates in security protocols and reciprocity agreements as primary reasons for the decision.
Why the Visa Waiver Program Matters
The VWP plays a crucial role in facilitating smoother travel for millions of visitors each year. Some of its key benefits include:
- Faster Entry – Eliminates the need for visa interviews and lengthy processing times.
- Simplified Travel – Travelers can apply for an ESTA, book their flights, and visit the U.S. without the usual visa-related hassles.
- Economic Contribution – According to the U.S. Travel Association, the VWP enables over 20 million visits annually, generating billions of dollars in economic activity.
How to Apply for Visa-Free Travel in 2025
For those seeking to travel under the Visa Waiver Program, the following conditions must be met:
- A valid passport from a VWP country is required.
- Travelers must apply for an ESTA online before departure.
- There must be no history of visa denials or past immigration violations.
For official ESTA applications, travelers should refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Updated Interview Waiver Policy for 2025
Alongside the VWP updates, the U.S. Department of State has revised its Interview Waiver Policy for nonimmigrant visa applicants.
Who Qualifies for a Visa Interview Waiver?
Under the updated policy, consular officers now have the authority to waive in-person interviews for specific applicants, including:
- Holders of diplomatic and official visas (A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1).
- Those renewing their visas within 12 months of expiration (previously, this period was 48 months).
- Applicants filing from their country of nationality or residence.
- Individuals with no prior visa refusals or ineligibilities.
One major change under this policy is that first-time visa applicants and those whose visas expired more than 12 months ago will now need to attend an in-person interview. Previously, visa renewals could be processed without an interview if the visa had expired within 48 months.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 updates to the US Visa Waiver Program promise a more efficient travel experience for citizens of participating countries. However, travelers should remain informed about any shifts in policy, particularly regarding the interview waiver program.
With the simplified ESTA process, visa-free travelers can look forward to a streamlined entry into the United States.