Are you travelling to United States Of America? It just got easier in 2025. On July 6, U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has released two new updates and two more countries have now joined the list.
Which would mean that tourists from 43 approved countries can now come to the U.S. without going through long and tedious visa interviews or embassy appointments.
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What Is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from approved countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a traditional visa. It’s valid for tourism, business, or short transit stops. But this program does not allow students, workers, or long stays.
Travelers can apply online for something called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) instead of long forms and appoinments. It’s quick, costs only $21, and most people get approved in minutes.
New Countries Added to the List
Qatar and Romania are now officially part of the VWP. Other such approved countries include, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Netherlands, Singapore, and more. This brings the total to 43 countries.
To qualify, you must be a citizen of one of these nations and not just a resident or traveler holding a visa from somewhere else.
What You Need to Enter Visa-Free
Even with the waiver, there are rules:
- You need a biometric e-passport, valid at least 6 months past your stay
- You must get an ESTA approval at esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- Have a round-trip ticket — showing you plan to leave within 90 days
- No criminal record or previous U.S. visa overstays
At the U.S. border, a CBP officer will check your documents. If approved, you’re good to enter.
What Can Go Wrong?
Many travelers lose their spot in the program because they they either overstay the 90 days, use ESTA for school or jobs, forget to renew their ESTA or don’t have an eligible passport. These mistakes can lead to denied entry or even a ban on future visits.
Why It’s a Big Deal in 2025
The U.S. is trying to balance smooth travel experience for travelers and security of the country. By expanding the Visa Waiver Program, they are making it easier for business, tourism, and global ties to grow smoothly. For travelers, it means fewer delays, faster approvals, and no visa interviews.
If your country is on the list and you follow the rules, you might not need a visa at all to enter the U.S. this year.
