The United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP) continues to make international travel easier for millions of visitors in 2025–2026, enabling eligible citizens from 42 approved countries to enter the U.S. for business or tourism without a visa for up to 90 days. Managed jointly by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), this program reflects a balance between traveler convenience and strong national security standards.
Through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), qualified travelers can complete a quick online application instead of attending long visa interviews—an approach that has already facilitated more than 20 million annual visits to the United States.
Key Features of the Visa Waiver Program
Under the VWP, travelers must obtain approved ESTA authorization before boarding their flights or ships. ESTA applications are submitted online at the CBP’s official website, cost $21, and are typically processed within 72 hours—though many receive instant decisions. Once approved, an ESTA remains valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first, allowing multiple visits within the validity period.
The authorization is electronic, meaning travelers do not need a printout at the airport, though carrying a copy is recommended. Applicants need a biometric (e-passport) and must confirm travel intentions consistent with visitor activity—tourism, short-term business, conferences, or self-funded medical treatment under $10,000.
New Additions: Romania and Qatar Join the VWP
In early 2025, the United States expanded the Visa Waiver Program by adding Romania and Qatar, bringing the total participating nations to 42. Romania earned its place after lowering its U.S. visa refusal rate below the 3% threshold and upgrading to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliant biometric passports. Qatar’s inclusion reflected enhanced intelligence sharing and border cooperation following commitments made during the 2022 World Cup and post-2023 counterterrorism accords.
No further additions have been confirmed as of December 2025, marking stability in the program’s current structure.
Complete List of 42 Eligible VWP Countries (2025–2026)
Europe (30):
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Romania.
Asia-Pacific (7):
Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan.
Americas & Middle East (5):
Chile, Israel, Qatar.
British Overseas Territories citizens also qualify through U.K. passports that state the right of abode.
Updated Rules and Restrictions
The U.S. government continues to apply tight security oversight to the program.
Dual nationals from VWP countries who also hold citizenship from Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, or Libya are not eligible to enter under ESTA and must apply for traditional B-1/B-2 visas instead. This restriction falls under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015.
In addition, individuals who have recently visited high-risk nations or have prior U.S. visa denials may be denied ESTA approval and required to apply through consular services.
Entry refusals under VWP carry no appeal rights, and overstaying beyond the 90-day limit can result in bans of three to ten years from reentry. VWP travelers cannot extend stays or adjust status inside the U.S.—they must exit and reapply if wishing to return.
ESTA Application Essentials
- Fee: $21 (includes $4 processing and $17 authorization charge).
- Processing Time: Instant to 72 hours.
- Validity: Two years or until passport expiration.
- Renewal: Triggered by new passport, data changes, or at expiration.
- Children: Require independent ESTA applications regardless of age.
Applicants must use official CBP or DHS websites or the official mobile ESTA app to avoid scams. Family or group submissions can be linked together online for convenience, with a single payment covering all. Corrections or updates can be made for simple changes like travel itinerary or contact information.
Land entries from Canada or Mexico also require ESTA approval beginning October 2023, aligning with air and sea entry procedures.
What Travelers Can Do Under the VWP
Visitors can participate in short-term tourism, attend business meetings, conventions, or conferences, undergo limited medical treatment, or transit through the United States to another destination. Small-scale amateur performance or sporting participation is permitted, but paid work, journalism, and full-time study are prohibited.
Multiple visits are allowed as long as no stay exceeds 90 days and total stays do not imply U.S. residence. Travelers visiting nearby countries like Canada, Mexico, or Caribbean islands can reenter the U.S. if their combined stay still fits within the limit.
Security and Compliance Measures
The U.S. government continues updating pre-arrival vetting to guard against misuse. Partner nations are required to share Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, giving American authorities advance notice of traveler movements and potential risks. Biometric comparison through Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks ensures faster yet more secure entry at ports.
Annual DHS reviews measure each participating nation’s security and cooperation standards, including visa refusal rates below 3% and overstay rates below 2%. Countries exceeding thresholds may risk temporary suspension from the program.
Enhanced border technology and airline coordination have strengthened internal oversight, with carriers fined for noncompliance or incomplete traveler data submission.
Economic and Diplomatic Significance
Beyond security improvements, the Visa Waiver Program generates substantial economic value. According to U.S. travel industry estimates, VWP travelers contribute over $200 billion annually to the national economy, supporting nearly 1.5 million jobs in tourism, hospitality, and business sectors.
For partner nations, participation symbolizes strong diplomatic and intelligence partnerships with the United States, often viewed as recognition of advanced passport integrity and cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Several countries remain in negotiations or are completing “roadmap” milestones toward future inclusion, including Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Uruguay. U.S. officials note that new additions depend on maintaining low refusal rates, verifiable biometric systems, and comprehensive data exchange agreements.
Experts predict one to three new designations by late 2026 if standards are met. The United States remains cautious but open to expanding the network of trusted partners as global migration reshapes travel flows.
Final Notes for Travelers
Eligible citizens planning U.S. trips should apply for ESTA approval at least 72 hours before departure, verify that their passport is e-chip enabled, and review the latest entry guidelines at CBP.gov. Keep ESTA confirmation accessible, maintain proof of onward travel, and ensure compliance with stay limits to avoid complications during future visits.
The US Visa Waiver Program 2025–2026 reflects the country’s dual commitment to fostering international connectivity and preserving border integrity. With new participants, clear eligibility rules, and more efficient digital vetting, the program continues to represent the most secure and convenient way for millions of global travelers to visit the United States visa-free.