The United States has released its list of eligible countries for the 2025 Visa Waiver Program (VWP), notably excluding Nigeria and several other countries.
The VWP allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
However, travelers must obtain a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before their trip and fulfill all other requirements.
Key Details:
- Exclusions: Nigeria, along with other African nations such as Ghana and South Africa, has been excluded from the 2025 VWP. The United Kingdom is also excluded but remains eligible under specific conditions.
- New Entrants: Romania has been added to the list of eligible countries for the first time.
- Eligible Countries: The 2025 VWP includes 40 countries, such as Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Romania.
The US Department of State has emphasized enhanced security checks and prioritized nations demonstrating strong diplomatic ties and robust border security standards in its selection process.
The decision to exclude Nigeria and other countries has raised concerns among travelers and officials, with many expressing disappointment over the new development.
The VWP aims to simplify visa-free entry for millions of travelers worldwide, facilitating business, tourism, and transit travel to the United States.
However, those who prefer a visa in their passport can still apply for a visitor visa.
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