The United States has released the list of eligible countries for its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), with notable updates. While the United Kingdom has been excluded from general eligibility, it remains eligible under specific conditions. Notably, no African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa, were included in the list.
A major highlight of the updated list is the addition of Romania, reflecting the US government’s focus on strengthening diplomatic ties and prioritizing countries with strong border security standards.
About the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP):
The VWP allows citizens or nationals from participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. However, travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before travel and meet all specified requirements.
According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, “If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa.”
2025 Visa Waiver Programme Updates:
The 2025 programme introduces updates to travel policies and eligibility criteria, simplifying visa-free entry for millions and facilitating easier access for business and tourism.
List of 2025 Visa Waiver Programme Countries:
A total of 40 countries are eligible under the updated programme:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Israel
- Japan
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Latvia
- South Korea
- Liechtenstein
- Spain
- Lithuania
- Sweden
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Malta
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Qatar
- Romania
- Monaco
Implications for Nigeria and Other African Countries:
The exclusion of Nigeria and other African countries from the VWP means that citizens of these nations must continue to apply for a visitor visa to enter the United States. This decision underscores the importance of meeting stringent security and diplomatic criteria for inclusion in the programme.
