The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) lets citizens of certain countries travel to the United States without needing a visa for stays up to 90 days. It is for business or tourism or transit. One important requirement is ESTA approval prior to travel.
Details About US Visa Waiver Program
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) 2025 |
| Permit Duration | Up to 90 days stay for tourism business transit |
| Must Have | Valid biometric passport + approved ESTA |
| New Additions in 2025 | Romania and Qatar |
| Some Countries with Conditions | Taiwan UK (with special conditions) |
| Travel Purposes Allowed | Business tourism transit only |
| Study Work Allowed | No under VWP |
What’s New in 2025
- Romania formally joined the VWP on March 31 2025
- Qatar is another recent addition
- Some countries are now subject to tighter security or documentation checks
Read more: Visa-Free Entry to the US in 2025: Newly Added Countries, Updated Rules, and Application Guide
Full List of Countries Eligible in 2025
Here are the countries that are eligible under VWP for 2025
Europe
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 Romania San Marino Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom
Asia Pacific
Australia Brunei Japan New Zealand Singapore South Korea Taiwan*
Requirements & Conditions to Use VWP
- Travelers must hold an electronic (biometric) passport from one of the VWP countries
- Must apply through ESTA in advance
- Stay is limited to 90 days or less for tourism business or transit No study or employment under this waiver
Why It Matters
- Makes short travel easier for citizens of eligible countries
- Saves time and simplifies process vs regular visas
- Helps tourism and business travel flow more smoothly
- But governments must meet strict security law enforcement immigration control and document security standards to stay on the list
What to Do Before You Travel
- Check that your passport meets VWP standards (electronic biometric)
- Apply for ESTA online and pay any required fee
- Confirm that your country is still included in the VWP list (official site of DHS or US State Department)
- Plan your trip within the 90 day limit
