US Visa Waiver Program Announced: Check the New List of Eligible Countries

Travel to the United States will soon be more accessible for millions, with the 2025 US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) unveiling an updated list of 43 participating countries. The program, managed by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department, permits citizens from eligible nations to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes without a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days.

The 2025 revision marks one of the most significant updates in recent years, with Romania joining as a new member and the United Kingdom being removed from the eligibility list. These changes reflect diplomatic and security considerations under the updated travel policy aimed at balancing accessibility with advanced border protection standards.

What the Visa Waiver Program Allows

Under the Visa Waiver Program, travelers from participating nations can visit the US without obtaining a traditional visitor visa. Instead, they must apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) — a secure online platform that screens travelers before departure.

Once approved, ESTA authorization is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. It permits multiple short visits to the United States, provided that each stay remains under 90 consecutive days and the purpose of travel is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or transit.

The program simplifies travel for millions each year and supports tourism and business exchange while maintaining stringent background checks and biometric requirements to safeguard US borders.

What’s New in the 2025 Update

The 2025 US Visa Waiver Program features important changes that will directly impact travelers from several regions:

• Romania joins the VWP: After years of diplomatic negotiations, Romanian citizens now qualify for visa-free entry to the United States. This inclusion represents a significant milestone in US‑Romania relations, expanding opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Romanian travelers must still apply for and receive ESTA authorization before entering the country.
• United Kingdom removed from eligibility: In a major policy shift, the UK has been removed from the 2025 VWP list, meaning British citizens must now apply for a standard US B‑1 (business) or B‑2 (tourist) visa. The change reflects recent adjustments to data-sharing and border security compliance standards.
• Reaffirmed partners: Longtime participants such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, and Chile remain included. European nations such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands also continue under the program.
• Conditional participation for Taiwan: Taiwan continues as a partner under a special condition requiring travelers to hold a valid Personal Identification Number (PIN) alongside their biometric passport.

Updated List of Eligible Countries (2025)

Region	Eligible Nations
Europe	Romania, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, Iceland, Greece, Slovenia, Slovakia, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino
Asia-Pacific	Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan*, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei
Middle East	Israel, Qatar
Americas	Chile
Other Partners	Andorra, Monaco, San Marino

*Taiwan participation requires a valid PIN.

This expansion to 43 total countries under the VWP represents the US government’s continued strategy to strengthen diplomatic ties while maintaining rigorous security and data‑sharing protocols.

Application Process and ESTA Requirements

All travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries must secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a flight or ship to the United States. The process is simple, electronic, and entirely web‑based.

Steps for ESTA application:

1. Access the official ESTA website operated by US Customs and Border Protection.
2. Fill out the online form with personal details, travel plans, and passport information.
3. Verify that you possess a biometric e‑passport meeting US security standards.
4. Pay the required application fee electronically.
5. Submit the application at least 72 hours before departure.

Most ESTA approvals are granted within minutes, but applicants are advised to apply several days in advance in case additional verification is needed.

Once approved, the ESTA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and allows multiple short visits within a two‑year validity window. However, travelers must reapply if they renew or replace their passports during that time.

Requirements and Restrictions

To remain eligible under the Visa Waiver Program, travelers must meet several conditions:

• Possess a valid biometric e‑passport issued by a participating country.
• Visit for purposes limited to tourism, business, or airport transit.
• Stay no longer than 90 consecutive days in the United States.
• Have secured ESTA authorization prior to boarding.
• Not have traveled to restricted nations, including Iran, Syria, or North Korea, within the past five years.
• Not hold dual nationality with any restricted country.

Violating any of these conditions — such as overstaying the permitted duration — can result in substantial penalties, including permanent suspension from the Visa Waiver Program.

How the 2025 Rules Affect Frequent Travelers

For citizens from countries like Romania, Japan, and Australia, the 2025 program simplifies entry into the US even further, cutting wait times and paperwork for business trips and vacations. However, British travelers now must adapt to the reinstated visa requirement — a process involving embassy scheduling, interviews, and longer processing durations.

Meanwhile, countries already in the program may continue benefiting from reciprocal travel privileges, as their citizens enjoy simpler entry procedures and faster customs clearance under pre‑approved biometric channels in many US airports.

Implications for Global Mobility

The updated 2025 Visa Waiver Program highlights the importance of security partnership and digital coordination between the United States and allied nations. Countries admitted under the VWP must maintain strict data‑sharing cooperation and report lost or stolen passports promptly through international databases.

The addition of Romania underscores the progress of Central and Eastern European nations in aligning with American security standards. Conversely, the UK’s removal demonstrates how geopolitical and data policy shifts can influence international travel arrangements, even among traditionally close allies.

Quick Facts: 2025 Visa Waiver Program

Category	Detail
Number of Countries	43
New Entry	Romania
Removed	United Kingdom
Stay Duration	Up to 90 days
Application	Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
ESTA Validity	2 years or until passport expiry
Purpose of Travel	Tourism, business, or transit

Final Takeaway

The 2025 US Visa Waiver Program continues to serve as a cornerstone of the United States’ modern travel strategy, connecting qualified nations through secure, visa‑free visits while maintaining rigorous safety protocols.

With Romania’s inclusion and the United Kingdom’s removal, the latest update reshapes travel patterns for millions across Europe and beyond. Eligible travelers from the 43 approved countries are urged to apply for ESTA authorization at least 72 hours before departure to ensure smooth entry into the US.

As global travel rebounds, the 2025 VWP demonstrates America’s commitment to promoting international exchange — combining convenience for trusted travelers with enhanced protection at its borders.