Traveling to the United States often involves a complex visa process, but for citizens of specific nations, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) offers a simplified and more efficient way to visit. This program allows eligible individuals to enter the US for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a visa, granting stays of up to 90 days.
The Visa Waiver Program facilitates international travel by easing entry requirements, strengthening diplomatic relations, and promoting economic and cultural exchanges between the US and participating nations.
US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Travelers under the Visa Waiver Program must secure authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding their flights. ESTA pre-screens visitors to confirm they meet security and eligibility criteria for entering the US.
How to Apply for ESTA
To apply for ESTA, travelers must visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta and complete an online application form, which includes biographic details and eligibility-related questions. A $21 application fee is required, payable via MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only), or PayPal.
When to Apply
Applicants should apply as soon as they begin planning their trip and must submit their application at least 72 hours before departure to avoid last-minute complications.
ESTA Application Status
Most applications receive real-time status updates. If denied, travelers must apply for a non-immigrant visa to enter the US.
Important ESTA Considerations
It is important to avoid applying for ESTA with a lost or stolen passport. Furthermore, obtaining ESTA authorization does not guarantee entry into the US. The final admission decision is made by US Customs and Border Protection officers upon arrival.
Countries Eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program
The following is the updated list of countries eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program in 2025:
- Andorra
- Andorran citizens can visit the US for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program, making travel more convenient for tourism, business, or transit.
- Australia
Australia has long been a part of the program, allowing its citizens to enter the US without a visa. This arrangement strengthens economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
- Austria
Austrian citizens benefit from the program by enjoying visa-free travel to the US. This enhances business and tourism connections between the two countries.
- Belgium
Belgium, home to the European Union headquarters, is part of the VWP. Its citizens can visit the US for business or leisure without a visa, simplifying transatlantic travel.
- Brunei
Brunei remains the only Southeast Asian country in the VWP, allowing its citizens visa-free entry to the US for short-term visits. This facilitates trade, tourism, and educational exchanges.
- Chile
Chile, the only South American country in the VWP since 2014, benefits from strengthened trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties with the US.
- Czech Republic
Czech citizens can enter the US visa-free for short-term visits, fostering business and tourism relationships.
- Croatia
Croatia joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2021, simplifying US travel and strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural ties.
- Denmark
Danish citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the US, reinforcing strong diplomatic relations.
- Estonia
Estonia, known for its digital advancements, is part of the program, enabling its citizens to travel visa-free to the US for up to 90 days.
- Finland
Finland has participated in the Visa Waiver Program for years, making travel easy for Finnish citizens while fostering international business and tourism.
- France
France is a key member of the VWP, allowing its citizens to visit the US without a visa, strengthening economic, educational, and cultural exchanges.
- Germany
Germany, a major economic power, benefits from its VWP status by facilitating seamless travel for its citizens, thereby boosting trade, tourism, and international cooperation.
- Greece
Greek citizens enjoy visa-free entry to the US, reinforcing historical and diplomatic ties.
- Hungary
Hungary’s participation in the program enables its citizens to visit the US without a visa, fostering tourism and economic collaboration.
- Iceland
Icelanders can travel to the US visa-free for up to 90 days, supporting business and tourism exchanges.
- Ireland
Ireland’s VWP membership strengthens cultural and economic ties by allowing its citizens easy access to the US.
- Italy
Italian citizens benefit from visa-free US travel for up to 90 days, facilitating tourism, business, and diplomacy.
- Israel
Israel joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2023, marking a milestone in US-Israel travel relations.
- Japan
Japan has been a long-time participant, allowing visa-free US travel and enhancing economic, technological, and cultural ties.
- Latvia
Latvia’s inclusion in the VWP fosters trade and diplomatic engagement with the US.
- Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, despite its small size, enjoys VWP membership, facilitating business and leisure travel.
- Lithuania
Lithuania has participated in the VWP since 2008, strengthening economic and cultural exchanges.
- Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s VWP inclusion simplifies US travel for its citizens, promoting international business relations.
- Malta
Malta benefits from the program, allowing visa-free travel to the US for up to 90 days and encouraging tourism and trade.
- Monaco
Monaco’s citizens can travel to the US visa-free, supporting tourism and investment opportunities.
- Netherlands
Dutch citizens benefit from streamlined US entry, reinforcing economic and business ties.
- New Zealand
New Zealand’s participation enhances business, tourism, and academic exchanges between the two nations.
- Norway
Norwegian citizens enjoy easy travel to the US, reinforcing historical and economic ties.
- Poland
Poland joined the VWP in 2019, simplifying US travel for its citizens.
- Portugal
Portugal’s inclusion fosters tourism and business opportunities with the US.
- Qatar
Qatar became the first Gulf nation in the VWP in 2024, enhancing diplomatic and economic relations with the US.
- Romania
Romania is expected to join the program on March 31, 2025, enabling its citizens visa-free access to the US.
- San Marino
San Marino, one of the world’s smallest nations, enjoys visa-free travel to the US.
- Singapore
Singapore’s VWP membership strengthens business and tourism ties with the US.
- Slovakia
Slovakian citizens enjoy easy access to the US for business and tourism.
- Slovenia
Slovenia benefits from the program, making US travel more accessible for its citizens.
- South Korea
South Korea’s long-standing VWP membership strengthens business and tourism links with the US.
- Spain
Spain’s participation ensures smooth US travel for its citizens.
- Sweden
Swedish citizens enjoy visa-free travel, enhancing international cooperation.
- Switzerland
Switzerland’s VWP membership simplifies travel and boosts business ties.
- Taiwan
Taiwanese citizens benefit from visa-free travel, fostering trade and tourism.
- United Kingdom
The UK has long been part of the program, facilitating tourism, business, and diplomatic cooperation.
Conclusion
The Visa Waiver Program streamlines travel for citizens of participating nations, improving global mobility and fostering stronger diplomatic and economic relationships. Travelers must check ESTA requirements and comply with US entry regulations before their trip.
