Nigeria, Ghana Missing as US Releases Eligible Countries for 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (Full List)

The United States has released its updated list of eligible countries for the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), with notable absences including Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana. The revised list, announced by the US Department of State, includes 40 countries whose citizens can travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business.

This year’s update introduces Romania as a new addition to the programme, while the United Kingdom and Taiwan remain eligible under specific conditions. The VWP aims to simplify travel for millions worldwide, making short-term visits to the US more accessible without requiring a visa. Instead, eligible travellers must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.

While much of the list remains unchanged, the US has prioritised countries with strong diplomatic ties and border security standards. Despite being part of the visa waiver programme, Romania, Taiwan, and the UK remain excluded from the US visa and interview waiver programme for 2025.

The full list of eligible countries includes:

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. Morocco

As the VWP continues to evolve, many countries excluded from the list will still require a visa to enter the United States. The programme remains a key element of US immigration policy, offering streamlined travel to select nations while maintaining strict security measures.