The United States currently permits passport holders from 43 nations to travel to its territory for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
To qualify, eligible travellers must obtain prior approval via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)—an online system managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. ESTA determines whether an applicant qualifies for visa-free entry under the VWP.
The 90-day stay must be strictly for tourism or business, and obtaining ESTA approval before travelling is mandatory.
Prominent countries included in the VWP are the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. Notably, countries like Nigeria and India are excluded from the programme.
Who Cannot Use ESTA?
Even if you’re a citizen of a VWP country, certain factors can disqualify you from using ESTA. You are ineligible if:
– You have been in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
– You visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
– You hold dual citizenship with any of the following: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
Individuals affected by these restrictions must instead apply for a standard B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free U.S. Entry (Up to 90 Days)
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. Israel
19. Italy
20. Japan
21. Latvia
22. Liechtenstein
23. Lithuania
24. Luxembourg
25. Malta
26. Monaco
27. Netherlands
28. New Zealand
29. Norway
30. Poland
31. Portugal
32. Qatar
33. South Korea (Republic of Korea)
34. Romania
35. San Marino
36. Singapore
37. Slovakia
38. Slovenia
39. Spain
40. Sweden
41. Switzerland
42. Taiwan
43. United Kingdom
