The United States has released the updated list of countries eligible under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for 2025, allowing approved travelers to visit the U.S. for tourism or business without applying for a traditional visa. Citizens of eligible countries can enter the U.S. using ESTA authorization for stays up to 90 days. The new update includes additions, strict compliance rules and revised security checks aimed at strengthening border protection. Here is the most recent overview.
Note: The VWP list contains 40–41 countries depending on final confirmation for 2025 (Croatia remains the newest full member in recent updates).
What the Visa Waiver Program Allows in 2025
The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of approved countries to travel to the United States for:
- Tourism
- Business meetings
- Short-term travel
- Medical visits
All without needing a traditional visa. Travelers must simply obtain ESTA approval online before departure.
Full List of Visa Waiver Program Countries for 2025
The current list includes countries across Europe, Asia and Oceania. These nations remain fully approved under the 2025 update.
| Category | 2024 Status | 2025 Update | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total VWP Countries | 40 | 41 countries | One new addition |
| Newly Added Country | Under review | Croatia / potential additional entrant | Expanded access |
| ESTA Validity | 2 years | No change | Travelers continue using existing approvals |
| Visit Duration | 90 days | 90 days | No change |
| Security Rules | Standard screening | Stricter digital checks | Better screening |
| Requirements | e-Passport | Mandatory e-Passport | Enhanced verification |
VWP Countries:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, 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.
Is Any New Country Added in 2025
The 2025 update confirms ongoing evaluation of additional countries based on:
- Security cooperation
- Passport digitization
- Border integrity standards
- Low visa refusal rates
While Croatia remains the newest confirmed VWP member, the U.S. continues reviewing other candidates. Final approval requires strict compliance with U.S. security criteria.
New Security Enhancements Under the 2025 VWP Update
To strengthen border control, new changes include:
- Improved digital security checks
- More robust traveler pre-screening
- Automated passport authentication
- Cross-border data verification
These measures ensure safer and faster entry for travelers while protecting U.S. borders. Such travelers must apply for a traditional U.S. visa. Once approved, ESTA remains valid for two years or until passport expiry.
Conclusion: The US Visa Waiver Program 2025 continues to offer hassle-free travel for citizens of eligible countries, with updated security protocols and digital screening for safer entry. With one of the world’s most trusted travel systems, the VWP allows millions of travelers to experience the United States without a visa — as long as they meet the updated requirements.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available travel and immigration updates. Travelers should check the official U.S. government website (DHS/ESTA) for the most accurate and current information before planning travel.
