8 underrated US cities for spring travelAs of April 2025, the United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 43 countries to enter the US for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a visa, for stays of up to 90 days. This program aims to facilitate travel and strengthen diplomatic ties with participating nations.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The VWP, administered by the US Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the Department of State, permits nationals of designated countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. In return, those countries must permit US citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism purposes .
List of VWP Countries (as of April 2025)
The current list of VWP countries includes:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- South Korea
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
Notably, Romania was added to the program in early 2025, reflecting its compliance with the program's stringent security and information-sharing requirements.
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8 underrated US cities for spring travelIs India included?
India is not currently covered by the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Before visiting the United States for business or pleasure, Indian nationals must apply for a visa. Although India and the US have been negotiating visa facilitation, India must fulfill certain requirements to be included in the VWP, such as having low visa refusal rates, improved passport security, and reciprocal visa-free travel for US nationals.
Travel requirements under the VWP
Prior to their trip, citizens of VWP nations must get an authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). They also need to have an e-passport with a digital chip that holds biometric data. Importantly, if the visitor arrived via the United States, the 90-day visa-free stay also includes time spent in nearby nations like Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands.
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12 blue-flag certified beaches to explore in IndiaThe US Visa Waiver Program continues to promote international travel and strengthen diplomatic relations with participating countries. While India is not currently included, ongoing dialogues between the two nations may pave the way for future inclusion, provided the necessary criteria are met.
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