US Visa Waiver Program 2025: New Updated List of Eligible Countries Released

By Roy
On: October 26, 2025 6:35 AM
US Visa Waiver Program

For entering the United States, the US Visa program tends to permit people without visas for 90 days from 42 particular qualifying countries around the world. The electronic system for travel authorization of the USA clarified that travellers are needed to have the biometric passport to maintain their living status in the USA for 2 years from the authorized notion.

The electronic system for travel authorization approval should not be considered as guaranteed entrance to the USA, but there are other entry points that are guarded by the US Customs and Border Protection officials.

US Visa Waiver Program 2025

The US Visa Waiver Program maintains its goals to solidify travel in the country and participate in many tourism and commercial prospects from the mentioned qualifying countries. The process maintains laser time to decrease the need for visa interviews and certain documentation, which is intended to first process many diplomatic prospects with the partner countries.

Visa Waiver Program In USA 2025 Overview

DepartmentDepartment of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection
Program NameUS Visa Waiver Program (VWP) 2025
CountryUSA
Processing FeeTypically $21
Stay DurationUp to 90 days
Eligible Countries42 (including Romania in 2025)
ESTA Validity2 years or until passport expiration
CategoryGovernment Aid
Official Websiteesta.cbp.dhs.gov & travel.state.gov

US Visa Waiver Program Rules and Entry Requirements

The visa program, which includes 42 participating countries in 2025, newly recognizes Romania as it begins to align its processes with our security system under diplomatic probation. As mentioned, the qualifying country’s citizen or the tourist can enter the US within 90 days of tourism activities or the business meeting.

To submit to the proper authorities by 72 hours before the travel, proper biometric-based passports are needed for travel within the countries. This process strictly prohibited the employment or the education or the immigration process within that time, and the tourists who are using this process should submit the return or onward ticket within 90 days.

Eligibility Criteria for US Visa Waiver Program

  • Living proofs of one of the 42 participating countries.
  • Having a validated biometric passport.
  • Absence of no such criminal record or visa problems in the United States.
  • No recent travel to validated restricted countries, for example: Iran, North Korea, etc.
  • Travel based reasons are limited to tourism, business, or transit only.
  • Stay of 90 days or less are needed.
  • A valid return and in need of onward ticket for leave from the US within 90 days.

Documents Required for US Visa Waiver

  • A valid biometric passport issued by an eligible country.
  • An itinerary that includes a return or onward travel ticket.
  • Personal identification details.
  • Payment method for the processing fee.

How to Apply for ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Program

  • Go through the official ESTA website in this regard.
  • Finish the online application form.
  • Paying processing fee online.
  • Submit travel and visa application at least 72 hours before the time.
  • Acquire ESTA authorization, which is valid for two years or until your
  • passport expires.
  • Keep or print your ESTA confirmation for travel use.

How to Check ESTA Application Status

  • Access the official ESTA website.
  • Enter the application number along with personal details.
  • Check the status for approval, denial, or pending.
  • Modify trip details if necessary.

Latest Updates On US Visa Waiver Program

The recent update on the US Visa Waiver program in the current prospects shows that 42 countries can file regulations that are mandated within the 72 hours before the travel. The security screening from the US customs always maintained and ensured the validated traveller safety within the USA.

Though the process maintains the 90-day limitation or a few lesser days for particular reasons based on their business and transportation.

FAQs

Is the process is possible to upgrade my stay above 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program?

A valid visa application is needed if you plan for over 90 days.

Am I authorised to work or study in the US under the VWP?

Participation in any kind of employment or study within the program, which are validated by law.

Does ESTA sanctions ensure entry into the United States?

The final entry is based on the validations from Customs officials at the border.

Roy

Roy is the Publisher at AeromagOnline, managing news and stories on aviation, defense, space, and technology. He is a New York University graduate with over 4 years of experience in digital media. Roy focuses on sharing clear, accurate, and trusted news to keep readers informed about the latest industry updates.

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