US Visa Waiver Program 2025 – Latest List of Eligible Countries

The United States is a country in the world where millions of tourists and business people visit every year. But obtaining a US visa is considered a difficult and time-consuming process. To ease this problem, the United States introduced the Visa Waiver Program, under which citizens of selected countries can travel to the United States for 90 days without a visa. This program is proving to be a great convenience for millions of travelers in 2025 as well.

What Is The US Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program is a special scheme under which citizens of certain countries can stay in the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. For this, there is no need to get a separate visa, only ESTA approval is required.

If a person wants, he can also get a B category visa stamped on his passport in the traditional way.

Security And Stricter Requirements

In 2015, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act was enacted, which imposed some new restrictions:

• Citizens who have traveled to North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen after March 1, 2011 cannot use the VWP.
• Individuals who have traveled to Cuba after January 12, 2021 will also lose this facility.
• If someone has dual citizenship and is a citizen of Iran, Syria, Sudan, Iraq, North Korea, or Cuba, they are also not eligible for this program.

These restrictions are intended to further strengthen the national security of the United States.

What Activities Are Allowed Under The Visa Waiver Program?

If you travel to the United States under the VWP, you can:

• Business meetings, conferences, and short training courses
• Negotiating trade agreements
• Tourism, visiting relatives, or friends
• Coming for medical treatment
• Participating in social, cultural, or sporting events (if not paid for)
• Short-term courses such as cooking classes or music classes

What Purposes Cannot The Visa Waiver Program Be Used For?

• To obtain permanent residence in the United States
• To pursue a degree or higher education
• To work in any type of employment
• To work in journalism or media

Which Countries Are Eligible?

This facility is only available to citizens of certain countries. Notable countries include:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and most European countries.

In total, more than 40 countries are on this list.

ESTA Requirement

To enter the United States without a visa, ESTA approval is required. This is an online system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

• ESTA applications are submitted online and are approved immediately in most cases.
• It is essential to check the status of ESTA before traveling.
• If the ESTA is rejected for any reason, the traveler will have to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate for a traditional visa.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid to use the Visa Waiver Program.

• The passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Each family member, even a child, must have a separate passport.
• An e-passport is required, which has an electronic chip installed. This chip is used to verify the traveler’s identity.

Emergency or temporary passport

If you have an emergency or temporary passport, it must also have an electronic chip. Otherwise, you will not be able to travel under the VWP.

What If The Conditions Are Not Met?

If a traveler does not meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program or his ESTA application is denied, he can obtain a traditional visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate. In certain circumstances, such as an emergency medical issue, a funeral, or urgent educational admission, the visa process can be expedited.

Conclusion

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program 2025 is a great convenience for travelers around the world. This program not only facilitates tourism and business travel, but also strengthens the relationship between the United States and partner countries. However, this facility is only available to those who meet all the conditions, who have a valid e-passport and an approved ESTA, and who comply with the security rules. In short, this program makes the United States more open to the world but with strict security rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the Visa Waiver Program?

This program allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days, without a traditional visa.

Question: Who can benefit from this program?

Travelers who have an e-passport, have been approved for ESTA, and have not returned after traveling to a restricted country.

Question: How long can they stay in the United States?

A maximum of 90 days, for tourism or business purposes only.

Question: What are the prerequisites?

E-passport, ESTA approval, and compliance with US security rules.

Question: Does this affect US security?

No, this program includes strict security conditions so that security is not compromised.