Complete list of 41 countries with visa-free access to the US – does India qualify?
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The VWP, administered by the US Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the Department of State, permits nationals of designated countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. In return, those countries must permit US citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism purposes .
List of VWP Countries (as of April 2025)
The current list of VWP countries includes:
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
Notably, Romania was added to the program in early 2025, reflecting its compliance with the program's stringent security and information-sharing requirements.
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Is India included?
India is not currently covered by the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Before visiting the United States for business or pleasure, Indian nationals must apply for a visa. Although India and the US have been negotiating visa facilitation, India must fulfill certain requirements to be included in the VWP, such as having low visa refusal rates, improved passport security, and reciprocal visa-free travel for US nationals.
Travel requirements under the VWP
Prior to their trip, citizens of VWP nations must get an authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). They also need to have an e-passport with a digital chip that holds biometric data. Importantly, if the visitor arrived via the United States, the 90-day visa-free stay also includes time spent in nearby nations like Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands.
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12 blue-flag certified beaches to explore in India
The
US Visa
Waiver Program continues to promote international travel and strengthen diplomatic relations with participating countries. While India is not currently included, ongoing dialogues between the two nations may pave the way for future inclusion, provided the necessary criteria are met.
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India eyes policy reset to soften US tariff blow, plans ease of doing business hub for mfg, investment fillip
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