'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The United States has released its updated list of countries eligible for the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), with notable exclusions and a significant addition. While the United Kingdom remains excluded from the programme, it retains eligibility under specific conditions. No African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, were included in the list. However, Romania has been added as a new participant, marking a key update to the programme.
The VWP allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Travellers must, however, obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and meet all programme requirements. The US Bureau of Consular Affairs emphasised that travellers who prefer to have a visa in their passport may still apply for a visitor visa.
The 2025 VWP list includes 40 countries, most of which remain unchanged from previous years. The addition of Romania reflects the US government’s focus on strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing border security standards. The programme prioritises countries with robust security measures and strong diplomatic relationships with the United States.
The exclusion of the United Kingdom from the VWP has raised questions, but the UK remains eligible for visa-free travel under specific conditions. This suggests that British citizens may still travel to the US without a visa if they meet certain criteria, though details of these conditions were not immediately clarified.
Notably, no African countries were included in the 2025 list, continuing a long-standing trend. Nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, despite their growing economic and diplomatic ties with the US, were left out. This exclusion highlights the stringent security and diplomatic requirements of the VWP, which many African countries have yet to meet.
The 2025 VWP introduces several policy updates aimed at streamlining visa-free entry into the United States. These updates are designed to make business, tourism, and transit travel more accessible for millions of people worldwide. The programme also reinforces the importance of enhanced security checks, ensuring that participating countries adhere to strict border security and data-sharing standards.
The inclusion of Romania as a new participant underscores the US government’s commitment to expanding the programme to countries that demonstrate strong security protocols and diplomatic cooperation. Romania’s addition is seen as a recognition of its efforts to align with US security and immigration standards.
Full List of Eligible Countries
The 2025 Visa Waiver Programme includes the following 40 countries:
1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Chile
6. Czech Republic
7. Croatia
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Ireland
17. Italy
18. Israel
19. Norway
20. Poland
21. Portugal
22. San Marino
23. Singapore
24. Slovakia
25. Japan
26. Slovenia
27. Latvia
28. South Korea
29. Liechtenstein
30. Spain
31. Lithuania
32. Sweden
33. Luxembourg
34. Switzerland
35. Malta
36. Netherlands
37. New Zealand
38. Qatar
39. Romania
40. Monaco
For citizens of the 40 eligible countries, the VWP simplifies travel to the United States, eliminating the need for a visa for short-term visits. However, travellers must ensure they have a valid ESTA approval before departure. The ESTA application process involves providing personal information, travel details, and answering security-related questions.
For those excluded from the programme, such as citizens of the UK and African nations, the traditional visa application process remains the primary route for entering the United States. This process can be more time-consuming and requires additional documentation, including proof of financial stability, travel itinerary, and purpose of visit.
The 2025 Visa Waiver Programme reflects the United States’ ongoing efforts to balance travel facilitation with robust security measures. While the inclusion of Romania marks a positive step, the exclusion of the UK and African countries highlights the challenges many nations face in meeting the programme’s stringent requirements. As the US continues to prioritise security and diplomatic ties, the VWP remains a key tool for fostering international travel and cooperation while safeguarding national borders.
