US allows visa-free entry for 41 nations: See if India is included, and all key details

As of April 2025, citizens of 41 countries can, reportedly, enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, thanks to the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program facilitates tourism and business travel by allowing eligible travelers to bypass the traditional visa process, provided they meet specific requirements.
The VWP comprises nations from the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are among the notable participants. The most recent participant, Romania, joined the program in March 2025. It's crucial to remember that India is not a VWP member. Indian nationals must apply for a US visa via the normal procedure.
Read more: The great Indian bizarre bazaar: 5 most unusual markets that sell just one thing
To travel under the VWP, travellers must:
Hold a valid electronic passport (e-passport): This passport must have a digital chip containing biometric information.
Obtain an approved ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is mandatory for VWP travelers. Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure.
Plan a stay of 90 days or less: The visit must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Travelers must have a return ticket or proof of onward travel to demonstrate their intention to leave the United States within the 90-day period. Additionally, they must have no history of visa overstays, criminal activity, or travel to specific countries after designated dates.
See more: Pahalgam attack: ‘Do Not Travel’: US issues advisory for J&K in wake of Pahalgam attack


The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) relies on an automated system known as ESTA to assess whether a traveler qualifies for entry into the United States. Once granted, an ESTA is valid for two years—or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever occurs first—and allows for multiple visits. To apply, individuals must provide personal details, respond to eligibility questions, and pay a processing fee. As approval times can differ, travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their planned departure.
Read more: 8 strangest-looking animals and places to spot them
ESTA approval does not guarantee entry: US Customs and Border Protection officers make the final determination at the port of entry.
Travel history matters: Individuals who have visited certain countries (e.g., Iran, North Korea) after specific dates may be ineligible for the VWP.
Passport validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US, unless exempted by country-specific agreement.
The Visa Waiver Program offers a streamlined path for citizens of participating countries to visit the United States for short stays. By understanding and adhering to the program's requirements, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free entry into the US. For those not eligible under the VWP, including Indian citizens, the traditional visa application process remains the appropriate route.