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US Visa Waiver Program: What You Need to Know for Hassle-Free Travel
Praveen Agrawal | TIL Creatives | Apr 24, 2025, 18:01 IST
Visa-free US travel for 41 countries
( Image credit : TIL Creatives, Praveen Agrawal )
Forty-one countries' citizens can enter the US without a visa for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. The program simplifies travel for tourism and business. Travelers need an e-passport and ESTA approval. Stays must be short. Romania recently joined the program. Indian citizens still need a visa. ESTA doesn't guarantee entry.
Dreaming of a quick trip to the United States? The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) offers a streamlined path for citizens of 41 countries to visit the United States for tourism and business, allowing eligible travelers to bypass the traditional visa process for stays up to 90 days. This program includes nations from the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, with recent changes and specific requirements to keep in mind.
As of April 2025, citizens of 41 countries can enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, thanks to the VWP. This program facilitates tourism and business travel by allowing eligible travelers to bypass the traditional visa process, provided they meet specific requirements.
The VWP comprises nations from the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
![US VISA]()
The UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are among the notable participants. Romania is the most recent participant, having joined the program in March 2025.
Is India on the list?
It's important to note that India is not a VWP member. Indian nationals must apply for a US visa via the normal procedure. To travel under the VWP, travelers must meet several key requirements.
What are the requirements?
Key information
The VWP uses an automated system called the ESTA to determine a person's eligibility to travel.
An authorized ESTA permits repeated entry into the United States and is valid for two years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travelers 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.
Keep in mind that ESTA approval does not guarantee entry.
US Customs and Border Protection officers make the final determination at the port of entry.
Individuals who have visited certain countries (e.g., Iran, North Korea) after specific dates may be ineligible for the VWP.
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US, unless exempted by country-specific agreement.
For those not eligible under the VWP, including Indian citizens, the traditional visa application process remains the appropriate route.
By understanding and adhering to the program's requirements, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free entry into the US.
As of April 2025, citizens of 41 countries can enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, thanks to the VWP. This program facilitates tourism and business travel by allowing eligible travelers to bypass the traditional visa process, provided they meet specific requirements.
The VWP comprises nations from the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
US VISA
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
The UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are among the notable participants. Romania is the most recent participant, having joined the program in March 2025.
Is India on the list?
What are the requirements?
- First, they must hold a valid electronic passport (e-passport). This passport must have a digital chip containing biometric information.
- Second, travelers need to 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."
- Third, the planned stay must be 90 days or less. The visit must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
- Travelers must hold a return ticket or proof of onward travel, demonstrating their intent to leave the United States within the 90-day limit.
- Additionally, they should have no history of visa overstays, criminal offenses, or travel to certain countries after specific dates.
Key information
An authorized ESTA permits repeated entry into the United States and is valid for two years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travelers 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.
Keep in mind that ESTA approval does not guarantee entry.
US Customs and Border Protection officers make the final determination at the port of entry.
Travel history matters.
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US, unless exempted by country-specific agreement.
For those not eligible under the VWP, including Indian citizens, the traditional visa application process remains the appropriate route.
By understanding and adhering to the program's requirements, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free entry into the US.