Visa-Free Travel to the US: 41 Nations Included

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an ongoing effort to enhance international mobility and foster stronger diplomatic and economic ties, the United States continues to extend visa-free access to citizens of 41 countries through its Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The initiative, which has been in place for several years, allows nationals from participating countries to enter the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa—provided they meet certain eligibility requirements and secure prior approval via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The Visa Waiver Program is designed to simplify entry into the U.S. for short-term tourism and business purposes, offering a more efficient alternative to the conventional B1/B2 visitor visa process, which often involves lengthy paperwork, consulate interviews, and processing delays. ESTA, in contrast, is an online authorization that can typically be obtained within 72 hours of application, further streamlining the travel experience.
While the program benefits millions of travelers annually, it remains exclusive in its reach. The 41 participating nations span mainly Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and select parts of the Middle East and Latin America. Notably absent from the list, however, is India, despite the country's close strategic ties with the United States and its large diaspora of frequent travelers.
Who Can Travel Visa-Free to the U.S.?
Under the current VWP, eligible travelers must:
Hold a valid passport from a participating country
Be traveling for tourism, business, or transit
Stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less
Secure ESTA authorization prior to departure
Countries Included in the Visa Waiver Program
Europe (30 nations) United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, 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
Asia-Pacific (3 nations): Australia, Japan, New Zealand
Middle East (2 nations) Israel, Qatar
Other regions (2 nations): Andorra, Chile
These countries have been selected based on reciprocal travel agreements, low visa overstay rates, and robust security cooperation with U.S. authorities. The program is jointly managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State, with periodic reviews to assess compliance and eligibility.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Mail​

27 minutes ago

• Daily Mail​

Brooks Nader showcases her jaw-dropping figure in plunging brown dress as she joins stylish Georgia Fowler and Olivia Palermo at fashion event in New York

Brooks Nader, Georgia Fowler and Olivia Palermo looked incredible as they attended alice + olivia x Ford Bronco Can't be Tamed Launch in Montauk, New York on Friday. Model Brooks, 28, ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived to the event in a dark brown dress with a plunging neckline that highlighted her figure. The Sports Illustrated star styled her blonde locks into loose waves and drew further attention to her look with a gold pendant necklace. Victoria's Secret model Georgia, 33, turned heads in a black low cut vest top which she paired with multi-patterned trousers. She wore her brunette tresses in a sleek updo and complimented her outfit with a brown leather handbag. Olivia, 39, cut a glamorous figure in a white midi dress with a green leaf print which she paired with silver flats. The former reality star drew further attention to her look with a pair of dramatic silver earrings and she also carried a cream clutch bag. Also in attendance at the event was Ella Bleu Travolta, the daughter of actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston. The 25-year-old cut a laid back figure in a denim jacket and matching jeans which she paired with a white T-shirt. Actress Bijou Phillips donned a multi-coloured crop top with a matching skirt as she performed with a guitar for attendees. The event just weeks after Brooks revealed she wants to start dating women after her breakup with Gleb Savchenko as she admitted 'all of her exes hate her.' The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue alum, who has been romantically linked to Tom Brady, also mentioned her ex at the launch party for the latest issue and even seemingly shaded him following their split in April. She also talked about who she is looking to date next as she said she has already moved on from her now-ex, whom she partnered with when she competed on Dancing with the Stars. The 25-year-old cut a laid back figure in a denim jacket and matching jeans which she paired with a white T-shirt (pictured with model Sailor Brinkley-Cook) Last month, Brooks, who was previously married to Billy Haire until their divorce was finalised in April, revealed she is open to dating women after her recent breakup. She declared herself 'freshly single' as she told ET that she has moved on in the 'two or three weeks' since she called it quits with the dance pro. 'It's a wrap on that one,' she said. 'But yeah, no I'm not looking for anything. I'm rocking with work. When asked about the qualities she is looking for next in her 'Mr. Right,' Nader responded: 'Honestly I don't even know. Maybe it's mister, maybe it's missus. I don't even know. Who knows? My sister keeps telling me I got to switch teams.' She continued: 'She's, like, over me with the guys. Who knows? I'm 28 and I've been married only so I'm like, "We'll see what happens." I'm open to whatevs but I'm not looking for any kind of a partner right now.' At the same star-studded soirée, she also admitted that 'all of my exes hate me' before seemingly shading her ex. She told People that she doesn't stay friends with her exes after their relationship runs its course.

Belfast Telegraph

27 minutes ago

• Belfast Telegraph

Anger as bomb squad called to Belfast Islamic Centre after suspect device is hurled inside in ‘vile attack'

Latest | A man linked to a security alert at the Belfast Islamic Centre claimed he was "trying to save the world'. A device was thrown inside the building and a window was smashed during last night's incident. It happened between 10pm and 10.30pm at the Islamic centre on the University Road area of south Belfast. Staff at the centre told the Belfast Telegraph the centre had to be evacuated, disrupting evening prayers. A video from the first floor of the centre, seen by this newspaper, shows a man reaching into the building. One witness said he saw flames as the suspect allegedly attempted to set fire to the site. "I saw the flames in his hand from above but couldn't capture it in the video," they said. A pedestrian walking by stopped the suspect from doing any damage. A clip of the incident shows the young man grabbing the suspect and pulling him away. The suspect can be heard telling the pedestrian that he was "trying to save the world" as he was being dragged away. "He was the first to stop him," the witness continued. "Only then did we reach there." Officers subsequently arrested the man and cordoned off the site to conduct further investigations. A spokesperson for the Islamic Centre today said they strongly condemned the 'vile attack'. 'During evening prayers last night, one of the windows was broken and a device was thrown inside the building. 'Everyone was evacuated from the building and the police were quick to respond. 'We were unable to continue night prayers as the whole area was cordoned off and nobody was allowed near the building. 'A bomb squad eventually removed the device in the early hours of this morning. 'We have had incidents in the past but nothing of this kind.' "I think he'd be very well qualified": Leo Varadkar on Colum Eastwood Irish presidential run Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack. 'This is just the latest example of an attack motivated by hate which does not reflect the diversity of South Belfast in 2025,' the South Belfast Assembly member said. 'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time. 'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity. 'I would like to express my solidarity with all those who were evacuated, and my thanks to all those who worked to ensure their safety.' A PSNI spokesperson said early this morning: 'Police are currently at the scene of a security alert at University Road in south Belfast. A number of cordons are in place in the vicinity. 'A 34-year-old man has been arrested and is currently in custody. 'Members of the public are asked to avoid the area at this time.'

Daily Record

27 minutes ago

• Daily Record

Rangers facing Panathinaikos venue switch for Champions League tie in major boost for travelling fans

The Ibrox side face the Greek giants away from home in the second leg of their qualifier Panathinaikos are set to confirm that they will host Rangers at the Olympic Stadium in Athens for their Champions League showdown. Russell Martin 's side face a tough task to get past the Greeks after this week's draw and the first leg will be at Ibrox at the end of next month. ‌ Panathinaikos' ramshackle ground, Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, is being rebuilt and the club will return back to their spiritual home for the new season. ‌ But it won't be ready in time for their clash with Rangers. A further complication is Athens' Olympic Stadium is getting roof repairs, but Panathinaikos have received reassurances from the Greek government that work will be delayed until after the game. With a huge capacity of 65,000, tickets won't be a problem for Rangers fans, with Panathinaikos rarely coming close to selling out in most of their European games. And Rangers will be reassured to learn their second qualifying round, second leg tie won't be a true home game either for their hosts. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers page, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here. Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.