How many countries are in the Visa Waiver Program? 42 in 2026, according to the US Department of State. Citizens of these countries can visit the USA for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they have an approved ESTA. Qatar, which joined in late 2024, is the newest member.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) lets citizens of 42 eligible nations visit the United States without a traditional visa, provided they hold an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Millions of travelers rely on it each year for tourism, business, and transit. Knowing whether your country is on the list — and what ESTA actually asks of you — saves time before you book. This guide names all 42 members, walks through the eligibility rules, and spells out what the program means for your trip. It also covers who joined recently, who has been dropped, and what could shift next.
European, Pacific, or Asian — checking your country’s status takes a minute with the list below. Let’s walk through every member and see how visa-free entry to the USA actually works.
What Is the Visa Waiver Program and How Does It Work?
The Visa Waiver Program is a set of bilateral agreements between the United States and partner countries. Citizens of those countries can enter without a standard visitor visa. Instead of applying for a B1/B2 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate, eligible travelers file an ESTA online. Approval clears you to stay up to 90 days per trip (USA.gov). That single change removes weeks of paperwork for millions of visitors a year.
Key features of the Visa Waiver Program include:
- ESTA requirement: $40.62 online application since 16 October 2026 (91 FR 62534); not a visa
- Processing: Approved within minutes to 72 hours
- Validity: ESTA generally valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires), with multiple visits of up to 90 days each
- No advance planning: Apply anytime, including same-day before travel (not recommended)
- Biometric requirements: Modern passport with biometric chip required
- Entry ports: Can enter via any US airport, seaport, or land border; ESTA is required at land borders too since 2 May 2022
The program covers tourists and business travelers alike, as long as you are not there to work or settle. Citizen of a member country planning a short trip? It almost certainly applies to you. The scheme dates back to 1986 and has grown steadily since, adding nations decade by decade.
Complete List of 42 Visa Waiver Program Countries in 2026
As of 2026, exactly 42 nations take part, as listed by the US Department of State. The roster spans most developed economies across four regions. Scan the table below to confirm your country.
| Europe (32) | Asia-Pacific (7) | Americas (1) | Middle East (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra, 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, United Kingdom | Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan | Chile | Israel, Qatar |
Europe dominates the roster, a legacy of the program’s reach across the EU and EFTA. Asia brings major economies such as Japan and South Korea, alongside Australia and New Zealand. Chile is the only participant in Latin America, and Israel and Qatar are the two members in the Middle East.
European Nations in the Visa Waiver Program
Europe is the largest single block, with 32 of the 42 members. That density mirrors decades of travel and security cooperation with the US. The list covers most EU states plus several non-EU countries.
European members include:
- EU member states (24): Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
- EFTA nations (4): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
- Other European nations (4): Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, United Kingdom
Hold a passport from any of these countries and your nationality qualifies. You apply for ESTA, not a B1/B2 visa. Note the gaps: three EU members, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania, are not in the program, and neither are Russia, Ukraine or Belarus. Their citizens still need a standard visa to enter the USA.
Asian Nations and Oceania in the Visa Waiver Program
The Asia-Pacific region contributes 7 members, its most developed economies. Each holds close security and diplomatic ties with Washington. Here is the breakdown:
- East Asia (3): Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
- Southeast Asia (2): Brunei, Singapore
- Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand
Japan and South Korea send large numbers of ESTA travelers from Asia. Australia and New Zealand have belonged for decades, a nod to shared history and defense ties. Big Southeast Asian nations — Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam — remain outside it, so their citizens apply for standard visas.
Americas Participants in the Visa Waiver Program
Only one member sits in Latin America: Chile. Proximity is not the deciding factor — the criteria are strict.
Canada is not a VWP member, but Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa or an ESTA for short visits. Mexican citizens need a US visa or a Border Crossing Card. Brazilians, Argentines and other Latin Americans apply for standard B1/B2 visas. Argentina and Uruguay were members in the past but were removed from the program in the early 2000s. See our guide to countries that need a US visa instead of an ESTA for details.
Middle East and Other Regions in the Visa Waiver Program
Two Middle Eastern countries take part, each a key strategic and economic partner. They are:
- Israel: Joined in 2023
- Qatar: Joined in late 2024, the newest member of the program
Citizens of these two can travel on ESTA. Neighbours such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain sit outside the program. Their nationals still need a B1/B2 visa to reach the US.
Visa Waiver Program Eligibility Requirements for Your Travel
Citizenship in a member country does not guarantee an approved ESTA. You still have to clear specific eligibility checks. Fall short on any of them and the application can be denied, member country or not:
- Valid biometric passport: Your passport must contain a biometric chip and remain valid for your whole stay
- Clean criminal record: No convictions that make you ineligible, such as crimes of moral turpitude or drug offences
- No previous immigration violations: No prior overstays, deportations, or visa denials
- No restricted travel: No travel to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011, or to Cuba on or after 12 January 2021, with limited exceptions
- No communicable diseases: No tuberculosis or other listed health conditions
- Clear security screening: No ties to terrorism or security concerns
- Honest application: Complete accuracy and no fraudulent information
- Purpose limitations: Visiting for tourism, business, or transit—not employment or residency
Membership is necessary but not sufficient. CBP reviews every application on its own merits. Even nationals of long-standing members get turned down when they do not qualify.
Dual Nationality and the Visa Waiver Program
Dual or multiple nationality adds a wrinkle. Hold one member passport and one non-member passport, and the details matter. Here is how that plays out for ESTA:
- Two or more member nationalities: You can apply on any of your qualifying passports
- One VWP nationality + one non-VWP nationality: You must use your VWP passport for US entry
- VWP nationality + Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria: You are not eligible for the VWP and need a visa (US Department of State)
- All non-VWP nationalities: You must apply for a standard visitor visa
With at least one qualifying nationality, you can apply on that passport, unless your other nationality is one of the six restricted countries above. Declare every nationality you hold, though — leaving one off is a false statement. And travel on the member passport your ESTA is tied to.
Recent Additions to the Visa Waiver Program
The program has grown lately. The newest members signal tighter security cooperation with the US. The most recent arrivals:
- Qatar (2024): The newest member, joining in late 2024
- Israel (2023): Admitted after meeting the program’s reciprocity and security requirements
- Croatia (2021): The most recent EU member to join
Citizens of these countries now use ESTA on the same footing as older members. Always check the official State Department list before you apply, because membership can change.
Countries Removed from the Visa Waiver Program
Growth is only half the story — countries can be dropped, too. It happens when a nation stops meeting security or bilateral standards. Argentina was removed in 2002 and Uruguay in 2003. The list is not fixed; it tracks US security assessments and diplomacy. No member has been removed in recent years, so today’s roster looks stable. That could change if the geopolitics do.
How the Visa Waiver Program Compares to Traditional Visas
ESTA and the traditional B1/B2 visa both get you into the US, but the process and rules diverge sharply. The comparison below shows which one fits your situation:
| Factor | Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) | B1/B2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $40.62 | $185 application fee |
| Processing time | Minutes to 72 hours | Weeks to months |
| Interview required | No | Yes, in-person at embassy |
| Validity period | 2 years | Up to 10 years |
| Stay duration per trip | Up to 90 days | Up to 6 months typically |
| Multiple entries | Yes, within 2 years | Multiple entries (depends on visa type) |
| Work allowed | No | No |
For short tourism or business trips, ESTA is cheaper and far quicker. Need a longer stay, or have a complicated history? A B-visa may suit you better. And an ESTA refusal does not close the door — you can still pursue a consular B-visa instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Visa Waiver Program
How many countries are in the Visa Waiver Program in 2026?
42. The US Department of State lists 32 European countries, 7 in Asia-Pacific, Chile in South America, and Israel and Qatar in the Middle East.
Is my country in the Visa Waiver Program?
Check our complete list of 42 participating nations above, taken from the US Department of State. If your country is not listed, you need a visitor visa unless another exemption applies, as it does for Canadian citizens.
Which country joined the Visa Waiver Program most recently?
Qatar, in late 2024. Before that, Israel joined in 2023 and Croatia in 2021.
Is the UK in the Visa Waiver Program after Brexit?
Yes. The United Kingdom is a VWP member in its own right, so British citizens use an ESTA for trips of up to 90 days. Brexit did not change this. See our guide to ESTA for UK citizens.
What does Visa Waiver Program status mean for my travel?
It means you can visit the USA without obtaining a traditional visa, using ESTA instead for visits of up to 90 days with a $40.62 online authorization.
Can a Visa Waiver Program country be removed?
Yes, countries can be removed if they no longer meet security or administrative standards. Argentina and Uruguay were removed in the early 2000s, though no members have been removed recently.
What if I’m from a non-Visa Waiver Program country?
You must apply for a traditional B1/B2 visitor visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which takes longer but allows you to visit the USA.
Can I use ESTA if I have dual nationality?
Yes, if one of your nationalities is from a Visa Waiver Program country and the other is not Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria. You must use your VWP passport and disclose all nationalities on your application.
How often can I visit the USA under Visa Waiver Program ESTA?
Your ESTA allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each over 2 years. Very frequent or long visits can lead CBP to question whether you really live elsewhere, so keep your trips genuinely short.
Will new countries be added to the Visa Waiver Program?
The US evaluates new nations periodically and additions require meeting specific security, economic, and bilateral cooperation criteria. Check the official State Department list for the current position.
What if my Visa Waiver Program ESTA is denied?
You can apply for a traditional B1/B2 visa instead, which provides a consular interview opportunity to explain your circumstances.
Summary: The Visa Waiver Program and Your US Travel
For citizens of 42 countries, the Visa Waiver Program turns a visa application into a short online form. If your country is on the list, you can visit the US quickly and cheaply, skipping the full consular process. Knowing who qualifies, what the rules demand, and how ESTA stacks up against a B-visa is what lets you plan with confidence.
For step-by-step help, see our guides on ESTA application procedures, ESTA eligibility requirements, and ESTA versus visa comparison. For the official word, check travel.state.gov’s Visa Waiver Program page, CBP’s ESTA information, and DHS.
Related ESTA and USA Travel Guides
Want more? These related guides add country-specific detail, process walkthroughs, and cost breakdowns.
- Maltese ESTA information
- 2026 ESTA social media changes
- Austrian ESTA guide
- Monaco ESTA requirements
- what to do if your ESTA is denied
- Greek ESTA guide
- Luxembourg ESTA information
- Polish ESTA guide
Last updated: October 2026. Information verified against official U.S. Department of State, CBP, Federal Register and DHS sources.
