Citizens of These 43 Countries Can Enter the U.S. Without a Visa (Updated List – 2025)

For many international travelers, visiting the United States without a visa might seem too good to be true.

However, this is already possible for millions through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

What Is the Visa Waiver Program?

This program allows citizens of certain countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing a visa.

It’s an agreement between the U.S. and selected countries that permits short-term travel for tourism, business, or transit—without the need for a traditional visa.

How Does It Work?

While travelers don’t need a visa under this program, they must still get approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

ESTA is not a visa, but it’s mandatory. Airlines will not let passengers board a U.S.-bound flight without it.

The U.S. government reviews this list of countries every year, making changes based on security and travel standards. Some nations are added, while others may be removed depending on the results of this review.

What’s New in 2025?

Qatar has now joined the program, allowing its citizens to travel to the U.S. visa-free.

On the other hand, Romania has been removed after previously being under review.

Bulgaria has also been dropped and is no longer part of the program.

As of 2025, the Visa Waiver Program includes 43 countries, mainly from Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America.

Some of the key countries include the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Australia, Chile, and Qatar.

Rules and Conditions for the Visa Waiver Program

Although VWP simplifies travel, there are some important conditions you must meet:

You must hold a valid electronic passport from a VWP country.

You must apply for and receive ESTA approval before traveling.

Your trip must be for tourism, business, or transit only.

Additional restrictions include:

You must be a citizen of a participating country.

You cannot work or study during your stay.

You must not have visited restricted countries in the past five years.

You should not hold dual nationality with any restricted countries.

List of 43 Visa-Free Countries (2025 Updated):

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. Italy

19. Japan

20. Republic of Korea (South Korea)

21. Latvia

22. Liechtenstein

23. Lithuania

24. Luxembourg

25. Malta

26. Monaco

27. Netherlands

28. New Zealand

29. Norway

30. Poland

31. Portugal

32. San Marino

33. Singapore

34. Slovakia

35. Slovenia

36. Spain

37. Sweden

38. Switzerland

39. Taiwan* (requires biometric e-passport & national ID)

40. United Kingdom* (with special restrictions for Northern Ireland residents)

41. Israel

42. Bulgaria (added in 2025)

43. Romania (added in 2025).