The United States has announced the list of countries eligible for its 2025 Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The updated list, released on Monday, does not include the United Kingdom or any African nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to enter the U.S. for tourism or business without obtaining a visa, provided they meet specific requirements. Travelers under this program can stay for up to 90 days and must have prior approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
While most of the VWP list remains the same, the inclusion of Romania is a notable change. The U.S. has also made adjustments to enhance security measures and prioritize nations with strong diplomatic ties and border security standards.
On its website, the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs states, “Travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa.”
The exclusion of the UK has drawn attention, as the country has traditionally been a strong ally of the U.S. However, British citizens can still apply for a visa under specific conditions. The reasons behind the UK’s exclusion have not been officially disclosed, but changes in immigration policies and security considerations may have played a role.
African countries remain absent from the program, continuing a long-standing trend. Many nations in Africa have expressed interest in joining the VWP, but factors such as security concerns, diplomatic agreements, and visa-overstay rates may influence the decision-making process.
The 2025 Visa Waiver Program now includes 40 countries, allowing millions of people to travel to the U.S. more easily for business and tourism.
The full list of eligible countries is as follows:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Israel
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Japan
- Slovenia
- Latvia
- South Korea
- Liechtenstein
- Spain
- Lithuania
- Sweden
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Malta
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Qatar
- Romania
- Monaco
