List of Visa-Exempt Countries for the United States (Visa Waiver Program)
No visa is required to fly to the United States—at least not if you are a citizen of one of the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This is an American initiative that allows citizens from 40 countries to visit the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.
In this article, we will review which countries participate in the program, what the conditions are, and what important exceptions should be known in advance.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The program is designed to facilitate the movement of tourists and businesspersons between the United States and its friendly nations. To enter the U.S. under the program, one must hold a passport from a VWP-participating country and obtain prior approval through an electronic system called ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
This authorization is digital, valid for two years, and must be issued at least 72 hours before flying to the United States.
Conditions for Entry Under VWP
If you plan to travel to the USA without a visa, you must meet all the following conditions:
-
Passport must be biometric and issued by one of the participating countries in the program.
-
Purpose of Visit should be for tourism or business only (not work, study, or immigration).
-
Duration of Stay must not exceed 90 days.
-
ESTA Approval must be obtained before boarding the plane or ship.
Visa-Exempt Countries for the USA
As of today, citizens of the following countries can enter the United States without a visa, provided they comply with the program’s rules:
-
Andorra
-
Australia
-
Austria
-
Belgium
-
Brunei
-
Chile
-
Croatia
-
Czech Republic
-
Denmark
-
Estonia
-
Finland
-
France
-
Germany
-
Greece
-
Hungary
-
Iceland
-
Ireland
-
Israel
-
Italy
-
Japan
-
Latvia
-
Liechtenstein
-
Lithuania
-
Luxembourg
-
Malta
-
Monaco
-
Netherlands
-
New Zealand
-
Norway
-
Poland
-
Portugal
-
Qatar
-
San Marino
-
Singapore
-
Slovakia
-
Slovenia
-
South Korea
-
Spain
-
Sweden
-
Switzerland
-
Taiwan
-
United Kingdom (including residents with permanent residence rights in the UK, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man)
<h2 data-start=”2036″ data-end=”207
The option to enter the USA without a visa saves time, money, and bureaucracy – but requires meeting clear conditions. Make sure to check if you meet the requirements and apply for an ESTA as early as possible. Israel, as of now, is among the exempt countries, which is a significant advantage for travelers from Israel.
