Eligibility of Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
What is Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
According to of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 217(c) and 8 U.S.C. § 1187, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) was established. Generally, the VWP allows nationalities of specific countries to travel to the United States for a short visit or up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. This program was administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the Department of State. However, all travelers from eligible countries must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel the U.S.
What are the requirements for eligible VWP?
According to the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, the travelers are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if the travelers are:
Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
Please note that this applies only for VWP applicants and they may still qualify for a visitor (B) visa.
What are the criteria for VWP eligibility countries?
Generally, designation as a VWP country is the discretionary determination of U.S. government and it could change time to time. The State Department stated their requirements for VWP eligibility, but it does not mean that meeting the requirements of the VWP guarantees a country will receive VWP eligibility. The requirements include, but are not limited to:
enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States
issuing e-passports
having a visitor (B) visa refusal rate of less than three percent
timely reporting of both blank and issued lost and stolen passports; and
maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.
How many countries are recognized as VWP as of 2025?
As of 2025, according to State Department, the following countries are eligible for entry into the United States without a visa under the VWP.
Andorra; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Brunei; Chile; Croatia; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland
France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Japan; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania
Luxembourg; Malta; Monaco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; San Marino
Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Taiwan and the UK
