In a move that continues to ease short-term international travel, the United States now allows citizens from 43 countries to enter the country without a visa for up to 90 days under its Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—but only if certain conditions are met.

The visa-free travel privilege, however, comes with a key requirement: travelers must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure. ESTA is an automated system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that determines eligibility for those wishing to travel under the VWP.

Who Qualifies?

The VWP applies to travelers entering the U.S. for tourism or business purposes and who do not plan to stay for more than 90 days. It’s particularly beneficial for business professionals, tourists, and transit passengers from participating countries, which include most of Western Europe, parts of Asia, and Oceania.

Some of the notable countries on the list include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. However, countries like Nigeria, India, China, and South Africa are not eligible under this program.

ESTA Restrictions and Ineligibility

Even citizens from VWP countries may not qualify for ESTA under certain circumstances. Travelers are ineligible for ESTA and must instead apply for a B-1/B-2 visa if they:

  1. Have visited or been present in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
  2. Have visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
  3. Hold dual citizenship with Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

These rules are part of enhanced U.S. national security protocols, and travelers affected by them are subject to the standard visa application process.

Full List of VWP Countries (as of April 2025):

  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. South Korea (Republic of Korea)
  34. Romania
  35. San Marino
  36. Singapore
  37. Slovakia
  38. Slovenia
  39. Spain
  40. Sweden
  41. Switzerland
  42. Taiwan
  43. United Kingdom

While the Visa Waiver Program offers remarkable convenience for eligible travelers, ESTA approval is mandatory and must be obtained prior to travel. Those uncertain about their eligibility should consult the U.S. CBP website or seek advice from their local U.S. consulate to avoid last-minute surprises.