Traveling to the United States can be a lot simpler for folks from some countries because of the Visa Waiver Program, or VWP for short. It lets you go there for short visits without dealing with a full visa process. As we get closer to 2025, there could be more places added to the list.
What the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Lets You Do
The VWP is great if you’re from an approved country. You can stay in the US for up to 90 days, whether it’s for seeing sights, doing business, or just stopping over on your way somewhere else. No need for a visa – just have the right passport. But you do have to get something called ESTA, which is like an online okay to travel, before you get on a plane or boat. Your passport needs to have a chip in it, the electronic kind.
If you want all the details on who can join and the rules, take a look at the U.S. government’s Visa Waiver Program page over at Travel.State.Gov. There’s also a good summary from the Department of Homeland Security about how the program works.
Latest Official Updates on Expansions
Back in late 2023, Israel got added to the VWP, which was a big deal. The Department of Homeland Security shared this on September 27, and it means easier trips for people from there.
For 2025, nothing new is set in stone yet, but keep an eye out. The best way to know for sure is to visit the official Visa Waiver Program page on Travel.State.Gov. That’s where you’ll find the real list of countries that are in.
Also Read: US Visa Bulletin October 2025: Major Work Visa Advances and Priority Date Shifts You Can’t Miss
VWP at a Glance (Official Rules)
Let me sum up the key parts in this quick table, all from government sites. It helps you see the basics fast:
| Item | Policy Summary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days per visit for business, tourism, or transit | Visa Waiver Program (Travel.State.Gov) |
| Authorization | ESTA approval needed before you board | ESTA application (official site) |
| Passport | Must be an e-Passport with a chip | Visa Waiver Program (Travel.State.Gov) |
| Ticket | Return or onward ticket usually required | Visa Waiver Program (Travel.State.Gov) |
| Most Recent Addition | Israel joined on Sept 27, 2023 | DHS announcement designating Israel to the Visa Waiver Program |
These are the main things, but always check back for any updates.
Current List of Visa Waiver Program Countries (Official)
Based on what’s out there from U.S. government sites, these are the countries in the VWP right now. Make sure to look it up on Travel.State.Gov before you plan anything, just in case it changes. Here’s the list, sorted alphabetically:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czechia (Czech Republic)
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
One thing for Taiwan: Your passport has to have your national ID number on it. You can find more about that on Travel.State.Gov.
Key VWP Rules You Must Meet
To use this program without problems, there are a few must-dos. You need a good e-Passport from one of those countries. Get your ESTA sorted out first – you can apply on the ESTA application official site. Don’t stay longer than 90 days, and stick to tourism, business, or transit stuff. Have a ticket to leave or go onward if that’s what they ask for.
You also have to pass the entry checks – the folks at U.S. Customs and Border Protection make the final call when you arrive. If you’ve had issues like staying too long before, you might need a regular visitor visa, like B1 or B2, instead.
How to Apply for ESTA (Official)
Getting ESTA is pretty easy, all online. Go to the official ESTA site and put in your passport details and what your trip is about, matching exactly what’s in your passport. Pay the fee there – don’t use other sites that might rip you off.
A lot of times, you hear back quick, even right away, but do it early. If it’s good, you can use it for a few trips until it runs out or you switch passports.
Simple Pre-Flight Checklist
Right before you fly, go over this list to make sure you’re set:
- Is your passport the e-kind and good through your whole stay?
- Got your ESTA approved, and does it match your passport info?
- Booked a way back or to keep going?
- Got your hotel or where you’re staying written down for checks?
- Ready to say what your trip is for, like sightseeing or work meetings?
Where to Confirm Official Updates
If you need the real facts, go to these places. The Visa Waiver Program on Travel.State.Gov lists all the countries and rules. The Department of Homeland Security has info on the program’s setup and safety side. Use the ESTA site to apply or see your status. And for the Israel update, check the DHS announcement.
Disclaimer: Everything in this article is from official U.S. sources.
