Traveling to the United States is a dream for millions worldwide — from experiencing the bright lights of Times Square to exploring the open roads of Route 66. But one of the biggest hurdles for travelers is often the U.S. visa process, which can be lengthy, costly, and stressful.
That’s where the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) steps in. Designed as a streamlined option, the VWP allows travelers from eligible countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa.
As of September 2025, the list of eligible countries has expanded to 43 nations, thanks to the addition of Romania this year, alongside Qatar in 2024.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the latest eligible countries, eligibility rules, application process, and important payment details for the VWP.
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The Visa Waiver Program is a special arrangement between the U.S. and selected partner countries. It is meant to make short-term visits easier while still maintaining strong border controls.
- Purpose: Tourism, family visits, short-term business meetings, and transits.
- Stay Limit: Up to 90 days (no extensions allowed).
- Not Allowed: Long-term study, employment, or permanent relocation.
Overstaying under this program can lead to serious penalties, including being barred from entering the U.S. in the future.
New Countries Added in September 2025
The VWP continues to expand as more countries meet U.S. security and cooperation standards.
- Qatar was officially added in September 2024.
- Romania joined the list in September 2025, after years of negotiations.
This brings the total eligible countries to 43.
Full List of Eligible Countries – September 2025
Below is the updated list of VWP partner nations:
| Region | Eligible Countries (September 2025) |
|---|---|
| Europe | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| Asia | Brunei, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
| Middle East | Israel, Qatar |
| Americas | Chile |
Comparison: Visa Waiver vs Traditional Visa
| Feature | Visa Waiver Program (VWP) | Traditional U.S. Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | Online via ESTA | Embassy appointment & paperwork |
| Processing Time | Minutes to 72 hours | Weeks to months |
| Cost | $21 | Starts from $185+ |
| Stay Limit | 90 days, no extensions | Varies by visa type |
| Eligible Purposes | Tourism, short business trips | Tourism, work, study, long-term stay |
Important Rules for VWP Travelers in 2025
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond departure date.
- 90-Day Clock: Starts from the day you arrive in the U.S. — and cannot be extended.
- Transit Travel: The program can also be used for layovers while traveling to other destinations.
- Multiple Entries: Allowed within the validity of ESTA (two years), but each stay must not exceed 90 days.
Why the VWP Matters in September 2025
For travelers, the program provides:
- Convenience – No need for lengthy visa interviews.
- Affordability – At just $21, it is far cheaper than traditional visas.
- Speed – Approvals are usually immediate, avoiding long embassy wait times.
For the U.S., the program:
- Enhances tourism and economic growth.
- Strengthens international cooperation.
- Improves border management with secure pre-screening.
In September 2024 alone, millions of travelers entered the U.S. through the VWP without major issues — proof of its success.
The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) remains one of the simplest and most effective ways for eligible travelers to visit the United States. With Romania joining the list in September 2025, the total has now reached 43 partner countries.
By applying for an ESTA online, travelers can save time, money, and stress — but must remember the strict rules: stays are limited to 90 days, and entry approval rests with U.S. border officials.
For millions of visitors, the VWP is a reliable fast-track gateway to America’s landmarks, culture, and business opportunities in 2025.
FAQs
Romania was officially added in September 2025, following Qatar’s inclusion in 2024.
Travelers can stay up to 90 days per visit, with no extensions allowed.
The ESTA application fee is $21, payable online by credit or debit card.