Published on
August 18, 2025
UK Joins France, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Qatar, Germany, and More in the Groundbreaking New US Visa Waiver Program, Revolutionizing Summer and Winter Travel for Global Tourists. The recent expansion of the United States visa exemption program empowers UK passport holders, plus several additional nationalities, to enter the States visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, instantly trimming the length of the travel checklist for holidaymakers. The easy ESTA—Electronic System for Travel Authorization—transition is designed to smooth arrivals for holiday stacks, whether they’re headed to Atlantic-side summer sun or Rocky Mountain powder, and to beckon visitors to America’s iconic destinations, driving stronger transatlantic tourism in the process.
If you’re planning a trip to the United States, here’s some exciting news: You can visit for up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa. That’s right, the U.S. has a special program called the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which simplifies the travel process for citizens of certain countries. However, there’s a catch—only nationals from participating countries can take advantage of this privilege.
In this article, we’ll explain how the program works, which countries are eligible, and how to apply for this streamlined travel option.
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to visit the United States without needing a visa for up to 90 days. The program is designed to make it easier for people to travel for tourism, business meetings, and short stays. This means less paperwork, fewer approvals, and faster travel. If you’ve ever applied for a visa to the U.S., you know that the process usually involves long waiting periods, extensive documentation, and the stress of attending interviews. The VWP bypasses these traditional hurdles, making it an attractive option for eligible travelers.
However, this government policy doesn’t eliminate the need for some form of pre-authorization. Instead of a visa, travelers must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a fast-track approval process that grants permission to board a U.S.-bound flight. But while the process is simpler, it comes with a few restrictions, and not all countries are included in the program.
Which Countries Are Eligible for the Visa Waiver Program?
Unfortunately, India is not one of the countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program as of 2025. The list of approved countries is updated periodically, and as of now, 43 countries can take advantage of this travel benefit. These countries allow their citizens to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, and short-term visits.
Some of the countries included in the VWP are:
United KingdomGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanSouth KoreaSingaporeAustraliaNew ZealandQatarChileBrunei
In recent updates, Qatar was added to the list in 2024, and Romania was included in 2025, while Bulgaria was dropped.
While the Visa Waiver Program is a significant advantage for travelers from these countries, it comes with strict guidelines. For example, travelers cannot engage in any kind of work or study while on this program. The stay is strictly limited to 90 days. Any violation of these conditions could lead to serious immigration consequences, including being barred from entering the U.S. in the future.
How to Apply for ESTA: The Simple Application Process
The good news is that applying for the ESTA is much easier than applying for a visa. There’s no need to visit an embassy or undergo a lengthy interview process. Instead, travelers can submit their ESTA application online before their departure.
Here’s how to apply:
Visit the ESTA website: Go to the official U.S. government website for ESTA applications. It’s an easy-to-navigate platform designed for quick submissions.Fill out the application form: The ESTA application requires basic information such as your name, passport details, and travel plans. You’ll also need to answer a few security-related questions.Pay the application fee: The ESTA costs approximately $21 per application. This is a one-time fee, and it’s important to complete the payment before submitting your application.Receive your ESTA approval: After submitting your application, you’ll typically receive a decision within minutes. However, it’s advisable to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid any last-minute issues. Once approved, your ESTA will be valid for up to two years.ESTA Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Not everyone is eligible for ESTA approval. To qualify, travelers must meet the following criteria:
Citizenship: The traveler must be a citizen of one of the VWP participating countries.Valid E-Passport: A valid electronic passport (e-passport) is required for the application. An e-passport is a passport with a microchip embedded to store data securely.Approved ESTA Application: You must have an approved ESTA application before boarding your flight. Without ESTA approval, airlines won’t let you board.Round-Trip or Onward Ticket: You must have a return ticket or a ticket to another destination.No Previous Violations: You should not have overstayed your visa during previous visits to the U.S. or violated any immigration rules.Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
It’s important to note that while the ESTA allows for short-term visits to the U.S., it does not grant the right to work or study. Anyone who wishes to engage in these activities must apply for the appropriate visa, even if they are from a participating country.
What Happens if Your ESTA Is Denied?
If your ESTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a regular B-2 Tourist Visa or B-1 Business Visa through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. The process for obtaining these visas can be lengthy and requires additional paperwork, interviews, and approval.
It’s important to ensure that your ESTA application is accurate and complete to avoid delays or complications. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need further assistance, it may be wise to consult with a travel advisor or immigration expert.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) offers a convenient way for travelers from participating countries to visit the United States without the hassle of obtaining a traditional visa. While this program eliminates the need for time-consuming visa applications and interviews, it’s not without its restrictions. If you’re planning to visit the U.S. for tourism or business and are from an eligible country, the ESTA system makes the process quick and easy.
UK Joins France, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Qatar, Germany, and More in the Groundbreaking New US Visa Waiver Program, Revolutionizing Summer and Winter Travel for Global Tourists. This new initiative allows UK citizens and others from participating countries to visit the U.S. without a traditional visa, making travel simpler and faster, while boosting tourism during peak travel seasons.
However, if you’re from a country like India, you’ll need to apply for a traditional visa to visit the U.S. If you’re eligible for ESTA, make sure to apply well in advance and ensure that you meet all the requirements. Safe travels!
