- The US 2025 Visa Waiver Programme now includes 40 countries
- Romania was a new addition, while the UK was excluded but remained eligible under specific conditions
- No African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa, were added to the list
The US Department of State revealed its updated 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) on Monday, February 24, outlining a new list of countries eligible for visa-free travel to the United States.
The VWP allows citizens from participating nations to visit the US for up to 90 days without needing a visa, whether for tourism or business.
Eligible travellers can apply for an ESTA instead of a traditional visa
Instead of the traditional visa application process, eligible travellers can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before their departure.
“Travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa,” the agency stated.
The update aimed to streamline travel to the US, making it easier for millions of individuals around the world to visit for business, tourism, or transit purposes. However, while the new rules provide benefits for many countries, some have expressed disappointment.
New visa waiver programme includes 40 nationalities
Notably, the United Kingdom has been excluded from the updated programme but remains eligible under specific conditions.
No African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa, were added to the list either. However, Romania was welcomed into the programme for the first time.
In addition to expanding access, the US emphasised stricter security checks and placed a higher priority on countries with robust diplomatic relations and strong border security measures.
The updated Visa Waiver Programme now includes citizens from 40 countries, allowing them to travel to the US visa-free.
Countries eligible to enter US visa-free
TheRadar compiled the list of countries whose citizens can visit the United States visa-free below:
1. Andorra
2. Australia,
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Chile
6. Czech Republic
7. Croatia
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Ireland
17. Italy
18. Israel
19. Norway
20. Poland
21. Portugal
22. San Marino
23. Singapore
24. Slovakia
25. Japan
26. Slovenia
27. Latvia
28. South Korea
29. Liechtenstein
30. Spain
31. Lithuania
32. Monaco
33. Sweden
34. Luxembourg
35. Switzerland
36. Malta
37. Netherlands
38. New Zealand
39. Qatar
40. Romania
US Embassy in Nigeria announces changes to visa process starting January 2025
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria required two visits to the Consulate General in Lagos for visa applicants.
According to the report, applicants who missed the in-person review will need to reschedule their visa interview.