New List of Countries Eligible for US Visa Waiver Program 2025
The U.S. Department of State has officially released the much-anticipated 2025 List of Countries Eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), opening new doors for seamless travel to the United States. This year’s list brings excitement for millions of travelers worldwide as the program continues to streamline the visa process for business, tourism, and transit purposes.
What is the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes. Instead of the lengthy visa application process, eligible travelers can simply apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a flight to the U.S.
New Eligible Countries for US Visa Waiver Program 2025
The 2025 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) features 40 countries whose citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to the United States. The updated list is as follows:
- Romania (New Entry!)
- Taiwan (With a personal identification number)
- United Kingdom (With the right of abode).
| 2025 List of Countries that now qualify for US Visa Waiver Program | ||
| Ireland | Sweden | Czech Republic |
| Brunei | Greece | Liechtenstein |
| Chile | South Korea | Poland |
| Andorra | Iceland | Slovakia |
| Netherlands | Israel | Australia |
| France | Norway | Switzerland |
| Portugal | San Marino | Malta |
| Latvia | Austria | Japan |
| Spain | Hungary | Belgium |
| Slovenia | Denmark | New Zealand |
| Qatar | Monaco | Germany |
| Estonia | Croatia | Italy |
| Luxembourg | Lithuania | Singapore |
| Finland | South Korea | Latvia |
What’s Changed in 2025?
While the core list remains familiar, this year’s updates focus on streamlining security checks and enhancing travel efficiency. The program now prioritizes countries with strong diplomatic ties and robust border security standards.
However, it’s worth noting that Romania, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom have been excluded from the Visa and interview waiver program for 2025 (Ref), a move that surprised many travelers and industry experts. Officials cited security protocol updates and reciprocity conditions as the reasons for this shift.
Why Does This Matter?
- Faster Entry: No need for a visa appointment or long waiting times.
- Simplified Travel: Apply for ESTA, book your flight, and you’re set!
- Boost for Tourism & Business: Easier access means more cross-border opportunities.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, the VWP facilitates over 20 million visits annually, generating billions of dollars in economic activity.
How to Apply for Visa-Free Travel Under VWP in 2025?
Eligible travelers must:
- Hold a valid passport from a VWP country.
- Apply for ESTA approval online before travel.
- Have no prior visa denials or immigration violations.
For official ESTA applications, travelers can visit the https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html.
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