As of April 2025, citizens of 41 countries can, reportedly, enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, thanks to the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program facilitates tourism and business travel by allowing eligible travelers to bypass the traditional visa process, provided they meet specific requirements.
Who qualifies?The VWP comprises nations from the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are among the notable participants. The most recent participant, Romania, joined the program in March 2025. It's crucial to remember that India is not a VWP member. Indian nationals must apply for a US visa via the normal procedure.
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Key requirements for VWP travellersTo travel under the VWP, travellers must:
Hold a valid electronic passport (e-passport): This passport must have a digital chip containing biometric information.
Obtain an approved ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is mandatory for VWP travelers. Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure.
Plan a stay of 90 days or less: The visit must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Possess a ticket for return or further travel: Passengers must show that they intend to depart the United States within the allotted 90 days. Travelers must also not have a criminal record, have overstayed their visas in the past, or have visited a particular country after a given date.
See more: Pahalgam attack: ‘Do Not Travel’: US issues advisory for J&K in wake of Pahalgam attack
Understanding ESTAThe VW uses an automated system called the ESTA to determine a person's eligibility to travel. An authorised ESTA permits repeated entry into the United States and is valid for two years or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first. Travellers must submit personal information and respond to eligibility questions as part of the application procedure, which costs money. Because processing times can differ, it is essential to apply well in advance.
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Important considerationsESTA approval does not guarantee entry: US Customs and Border Protection officers make the final determination at the port of entry.
Travel history matters: Individuals who have visited certain countries (e.g., Iran, North Korea) after specific dates may be ineligible for the VWP.
Passport validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US, unless exempted by country-specific agreement.
The Visa Waiver Program offers a streamlined path for citizens of participating countries to visit the United States for short stays. By understanding and adhering to the program's requirements, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free entry into the US. For those not eligible under the VWP, including Indian citizens, the traditional visa application process remains the appropriate route.
Who qualifies?The VWP comprises nations from the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are among the notable participants. The most recent participant, Romania, joined the program in March 2025. It's crucial to remember that India is not a VWP member. Indian nationals must apply for a US visa via the normal procedure.
Read more: The great Indian bizarre bazaar: 5 most unusual markets that sell just one thing
Key requirements for VWP travellersTo travel under the VWP, travellers must:
Hold a valid electronic passport (e-passport): This passport must have a digital chip containing biometric information.
Obtain an approved ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is mandatory for VWP travelers. Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure.
Plan a stay of 90 days or less: The visit must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Possess a ticket for return or further travel: Passengers must show that they intend to depart the United States within the allotted 90 days. Travelers must also not have a criminal record, have overstayed their visas in the past, or have visited a particular country after a given date.
See more: Pahalgam attack: ‘Do Not Travel’: US issues advisory for J&K in wake of Pahalgam attack
Understanding ESTAThe VW uses an automated system called the ESTA to determine a person's eligibility to travel. An authorised ESTA permits repeated entry into the United States and is valid for two years or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first. Travellers must submit personal information and respond to eligibility questions as part of the application procedure, which costs money. Because processing times can differ, it is essential to apply well in advance.
Read more: 8 strangest-looking animals and places to spot them
Important considerationsESTA approval does not guarantee entry: US Customs and Border Protection officers make the final determination at the port of entry.
Travel history matters: Individuals who have visited certain countries (e.g., Iran, North Korea) after specific dates may be ineligible for the VWP.
Passport validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US, unless exempted by country-specific agreement.
The Visa Waiver Program offers a streamlined path for citizens of participating countries to visit the United States for short stays. By understanding and adhering to the program's requirements, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free entry into the US. For those not eligible under the VWP, including Indian citizens, the traditional visa application process remains the appropriate route.
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