Travellers From 43 Countries Can Now Visit The US Visa-Free For 90 Days.
Citizens from 43 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Australia, are now eligible to enter the United States without a visa for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The VWP allows short-term visits for tourism or business, provided that travellers meet specific conditions. While a visa is not required, travellers must obtain authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an online platform managed by US Customs and Border Protection.
ESTA approval must be secured before boarding a flight to the United States, and the permitted stay cannot exceed 90 days. The VWP aims to streamline travel while maintaining strong security standards.
However, certain restrictions still apply. Individuals from VWP countries who have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011—or Cuba on or after 12 January 2021—are not eligible for ESTA. Likewise, dual nationals of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria are excluded and must apply for a standard B-1/B-2 visa instead.
Countries currently eligible for visa-free travel under the VWP include:
1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brunei
6. Chile
7. Croatia
8. Czech Republic
9. Denmark
10. Estonia
11. Finland
12. France
13. Germany
14. Greece
15. Hungary
16. Iceland
17. Ireland
18. Israel
19. Italy
20. Japan
21. Latvia
22. Liechtenstein
23. Lithuania
24. Luxembourg
25. Malta
26. Monaco
27. Netherlands
28. New Zealand
29. Norway
30. Poland
31. Portugal
32. Qatar
33. Republic of Korea (South Korea)
34. Romania
35. San Marino
36. Singapore
37. Slovakia
38. Slovenia
39. Spain
40. Sweden
41. Switzerland
42. Taiwan
43. United Kingdom
Countries such as Nigeria and India are not currently part of the programme. The US government continues to review and update VWP participation based on diplomatic and security considerations.