Visa the U.S. (Countries with Visa-Free Access to the United States)

Aditya Putri Ismarini

Visa to the U.S. (List of Countries with Visa-Free Access to United States)

Planning a short trip and wondering which countries enjoy visa‑free access to the US? Here’s what you need to know with the most up‑to‑date information as of mid‑August 2025.

What Counts as 'Visa-Free'?

This refers to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens of participating countries can travel to the US for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit without needing a traditional visa, but they must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering.

Latest Updates (2025)

As of July 2025, the VWP includes 43 countries, with Qatar and Romania most recently added.
Some sources mention 41 or 42 countries, reflecting slight discrepancies depending on timing and accuracy.
Ukraine and Argentina: Romania’s addition has been confirmed; Argentina has begun the process to rejoin, though it's not yet finalized.
United Kingdom: Not generally included, remains eligible only under the “right of abode” condition, not through general VWP.

Current Eligible Countries (Industry-Cited Lists)

Many travel sources list the 2025 VWP participants as follows (approx. 40 countries):

Europe & Microstates
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus (exclusion noted in some sources), 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.

Asia-Pacific & Middle East
Australia, Brunei, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan*.
*Taiwan included under special terms.

Americas
Chile, plus Qatar (added 2024) and Romania (added 2025).

VWP Requirements and Details

Hold a biometric (e‑passport).
Apply and receive ESTA approval before travel.
Stay up to 90 days for designated purposes only (tourism, business, transit).
Must meet security and reciprocity standards, including a low visa refusal rate (below ~3%).

Policy Movements & Fees

A new $250 “visa integrity fee” will apply to many nonimmigrant visa applicants starting around October 2025 but VWP travelers are exempt (though their ESTA fee may rise from $21 to $40).
Political dynamics: Argentina is currently under a statement of intent to rejoin, but not officially reinstated yet.

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FAQs

Are any countries excluded from the VWP?

The UK isn’t part of the general list (only eligible under special conditions). No African countries are on the list. Argentina may rejoin in future.

What are the key entry requirements?

You need an e‑passport, approved ESTA, and your travel should be short‑term (≤ 90 days) for tourism/business/transit purposes. Security and low visa refusal rates matter too.

What happens to other countries not included in the VWP?

Countries not part of the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a regular U.S. visitor visa (such as a B‑1 or B‑2 visa) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

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Written by a real person 💙

Aditya Putri Ismarini

I love to travel and share my story through writing to help other travelers. My lifetime goal? To visit as many countries as possible and experience the world!