US Visa Waiver Program in 2025: What You Should Know
Every year, the United States reviews and updates rules around the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows citizens of designated countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a visa — provided they satisfy certain conditions. The changes slated for 2025 involve both additions and removals of eligible countries, tightened security measures, and procedural tweaks to the application and screening processes.
Here’s a complete, verified breakdown of the 2025 updates: who’s added, who’s been removed or delayed, what new rules apply, and how travelers should prepare.
What Is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
Before diving into the 2025 changes, a quick refresher:
- The VWP allows nationals of participating countries to enter the U.S. without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for business, tourism, or transit.
- Travelers must first obtain authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before arrival.
- Even with an approved ESTA, admission is not guaranteed — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) retains final authority at the port of entry.
- Countries are designated for VWP participation only if they meet a series of strict criteria, including passport security standards, low visa-refusal rates, reciprocal visa-free entry for U.S. citizens, and collaboration on law enforcement and counterterrorism.
The program helps streamline travel with trusted partners while reinforcing U.S. border security through enhanced screening and data sharing.
Key 2025 Developments: Additions, Delays & Removals
Romania’s Status: Added, Then Reconsidered
One of the most-discussed changes heading into 2025 was Romania’s proposed addition to the VWP. In a January 2025 announcement, the U.S. declared that Romania would join the program as of March 31, 2025. However, by March 2025, that decision was put on hold pending further security review, and by May 2025, the approval was rescinded.
So, although some early 2025 sources still list Romania as a participant, the official and current stance is that Romania is not part of the VWP as of late 2025.
This flip-flop underscores how dynamic and conditional VWP designations can be. A country’s compliance with security, information-sharing, visa-overstay metrics, and other evaluation criteria remains under continuous review.
Qatar Joins the Club
Unlike Romania’s uncertain status, Qatar’s inclusion is confirmed. It joined on November 21, 2024, making it the first Gulf country in the program. This move signals an expanded diplomatic outreach, and it stands as a significant development in U.S.–Middle East relations.
Argentina: On the Horizon but Paused
In July 2025, there was an announcement that Argentina was poised for reentry into the VWP—having been removed earlier in 2002 for security or administrative reasons. Yet, as of now, the process is paused. No formal reinstatement is in effect.
What the Current (Late 2025) List Looks Like
According to the most reliable sources, 42 countries currently participate in the VWP as of late 2025 without Romania. If Romania were still included, many sources had counted 43.
Here’s a representative list by region (as per 2025 status):
Europe & Western Hemisphere
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, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Asia / Asia-Pacific
Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan*
Americas & Middle East
Chile, Israel, Qatar
Note on Taiwan: To participate, travelers must have a personal identification number in their passport.
Some sources still list 43 or even 40, due to older versions or differing inclusion of Romania. Always check the official U.S. Department of State, CBP, or DHS sources for the most current list.
What Changed Beyond the List: Procedural Adjustments & Security Upgrades
ESTA & Cost Changes
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) remains the gateway for VWP travelers. It checks eligibility and screens security risks in advance.
One major update: the cost of applying for ESTA is scheduled to increase. While currently it’s a $21 fee, starting September 30, 2025, the fee will double to $40. Travelers should budget accordingly if planning later-year trips.
Interview Waiver Policy Tightened
In 2025, the U.S. Department of State revised rules around the interview waiver or “dropbox” option for visa renewals. Effective September 2, 2025, eligibility narrows significantly. Most applicants — even those under age 14 or over 79 — will need to attend an in-person interview, unless they fall into very restricted categories (such as diplomatic or official visas) or are renewing under tight conditions.
This change doesn’t directly affect VWP/ESTA travelers, but it impacts those applying for regular nonimmigrant visas (such as B1/B2) from eligible or non-eligible countries.
Travel to Certain Places & Dual Nationality Restrictions
The U.S. continues to enforce ineligibility for ESTA if a traveler has visited or holds dual nationality with certain countries. If, since March 2011, you have traveled to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria or hold Cuban dual nationality, you may be barred from using ESTA.
Even if your country participates in the VWP, eligibility for ESTA is conditional on individual travel history and citizenship status.
Continuous Country Compliance Reviews
VWP membership isn’t permanent. Countries are evaluated every two years (or more frequently) for compliance with the program’s requirements: maintaining a visa refusal rate below 3%, sharing data on criminal/terrorist activity, securing passports, and cooperating in immigration enforcement.
Romania’s removal after a brief inclusion illustrates that admission to VWP is conditional, not guaranteed.
Practical Advice for Travelers
1. Always Confirm the Official List Before Booking
Because additions and removals still occur in 2025, always refer to official U.S. government sources (such as DHS, CBP, or State Department) for the current list before purchasing tickets or planning travel.
2. Apply ESTA Early
ESTA approval is typically fast (within hours to a few days) but can take up to 72 hours. Applying well in advance of your trip is wise, especially with the increased fee effective from September 2025.
3. Check Passport Requirements
You must hold a biometric or e-passport with an embedded chip. Ordinary, non-biometric passports are not accepted under the VWP.
Also, for countries like Taiwan, your passport must include your national ID number.
4. Be Aware of Travel & Citizenship History Restrictions
If you have visited or hold citizenship in certain restricted countries (Cuba, Iran, etc.), you may be disqualified from ESTA even if your nationality is a VWP country.
5. Plan for Alternate Visas, if Needed
If your nationality is not part of the VWP or your travel history makes you ineligible for ESTA, you must apply for a B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant visa. Given the tightening of interview waiver rules, expect potential in-person interviews starting late 2025.
6. Monitor New Fees & Policy Changes
- ESTA Fee will increase to $40 effective September 30, 2025.
- A newly announced “visa integrity fee” of $250 is set to start October 1, 2025 — but only for applicants from non-VWP countries.
- Always stay alert to announcements about new country additions or removals.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Landscape
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2025 remains a powerful and convenient mechanism for eligible travelers, but its landscape is dynamic. The case of Romania’s brief inclusion and subsequent removal emphasizes that entry into the program is conditional and tied to rigorous compliance.
Qatar’s confirmed entry marks a diplomatic and strategic extension. Argentina’s pending reentry shows that change continues to brew. Procedural changes — from revamped interview waiver eligibility to ESTA fee hikes — also influence how accessible U.S. travel will be for many.
If you’re planning travel to the U.S. in 2025 or beyond, your best bet is to:
- Check the official VWP list from U.S. government sources
- Apply for ESTA early
- Confirm your passport is biometric
- Review your travel history & dual nationality status
- Be prepared for the possibility of a regular visa application if you fall outside VWP eligibility
FAQs
1. What is the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The VWP allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a visa.
2. Do travelers under VWP still need approval?
Yes, travelers must get prior approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before entering the U.S., even though they don’t need a visa.
3. Is Romania part of the Visa Waiver Program in 2025?
No, Romania was briefly added in early 2025 but was removed by May 2025 after a security review.