The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 41 designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a visa. Managed by the Department of Homeland Security, the VWP streamlines travel between the US and its trusted international partners through reciprocal agreements.
As of April 2025, the VWP includes countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan. Recently, Romania was added to the list of eligible countries in March 2025. To check the up-to-date list of VWP countries, it is best to consult the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for the VWP, travelers must meet several requirements, including holding an e-Passport with a digital chip, and obtaining approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travel. An ESTA application should be submitted preferably at least 72 hours in advance of travel. Travelers who have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, may not be eligible for the VWP and may need to apply for a visa. Even with ESTA approval, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers make the final determination at the port of entry.
While the VWP offers a convenient travel option, travelers can still apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa for longer stays, multiple entries, or greater flexibility.