Visa Waiver Program Countries — Complete VWP & ESTA List
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) lets citizens of participating countries travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Instead of a visa, VWP travelers apply online for an ESTA — the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Below you will find the complete list of visa waiver countries, how ESTA works, and answers to the most common questions.
What Is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the State Department. It allows nationals of designated countries to enter the United States for stays of 90 days or less for tourism or business without obtaining a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. In exchange, VWP countries generally extend reciprocal visa-free travel to U.S. citizens.
Travel under the visa waiver program requires three things: a passport from a VWP country, an approved ESTA, and a return or onward ticket. The 90-day limit is strict — it cannot be extended, and you cannot switch to another immigration status while in the United States under the waiver.
Visa Waiver Program Countries List (2026)
The following countries currently participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of these countries can apply for ESTA instead of a visa.
| Region | VWP Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, 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–Pacific | Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan |
| Middle East & Americas | Chile, Israel, Qatar |
Not sure whether your passport qualifies? Check the full United States visa requirements page, which shows the entry rule for every nationality — VWP/ESTA, visa-free, or visa required.
How to Apply for ESTA
ESTA is the online pre-clearance system used by all Visa Waiver Program travelers. The process is entirely digital:
- Go to the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) — beware of third-party sites that charge extra fees.
- Fill in your passport and travel details. The application takes about 10 minutes.
- Pay the $21 fee by credit or debit card.
- Wait for approval. Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours.
An approved ESTA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and covers multiple entries. Remember: ESTA approval authorizes you to board a plane to the US — final admission is always decided by the border officer on arrival.
VWP vs. B-1/B-2 Visa — Which One Do You Need?
If your country is on the visa waiver list, ESTA is almost always the faster and cheaper route for short trips. You should apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa instead if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, if your ESTA was denied, or if you have previously overstayed in the United States. Travelers who have visited certain countries (including Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba after specific dates) may also be ineligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa even if they hold a VWP passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries are in the Visa Waiver Program?
As of 2026, around 42 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, including most of Europe, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Chile, Qatar, and Israel. The list changes occasionally as new countries are designated.
Is ESTA the same as a visa?
No. ESTA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It is available only to citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, costs $21, is usually approved within 72 hours, and allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business.
How long can I stay in the US on the Visa Waiver Program?
VWP travelers may stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 days per visit. This period cannot be extended, and you cannot change to another immigration status while in the US under the Visa Waiver Program.
What if my country is not in the Visa Waiver Program?
If your country is not a VWP member, you need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a US embassy or consulate before traveling. Use our visa checker to see the exact requirement for your nationality.
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check if you need a visaLast data update: 2026-07-26 · Disclaimer