US offers 90-day visa-free entry to 41 countries under Visa Waiver Program; is India included?
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This program allows eligible travelers to visit the US for up to 90 days without the need for a visa, provided they meet specific criteria and secure an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval in advance. The policy is particularly beneficial for short-term tourism and business travel, offering a streamlined alternative to the more extensive B1 and B2 visa procedures. However, while many European and Asia-Pacific nations are part of this list, India is not currently included in the Visa Waiver Program.
What is the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program is administered by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in collaboration with the US Department of State. It was created to facilitate mutual short-term travel between the United States and designated partner countries, reducing bureaucratic hurdles while maintaining stringent security checks.
Under this program, citizens of approved countries can travel to the US for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days.
In return, US citizens enjoy reciprocal benefits when traveling to those nations for similar durations.
US Visa Waiver Program: 41 countries eligible for 90-day entry as of April 2025
As of April 2025, the following 41 countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program:
Europe: United Kingdom, 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
Asia-Pacific: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Brunei
Middle East: Israel, Qatar
Other: Andorra, Chile
India excluded from US Visa Waiver Program: What Indian travelers need to know
No, India is not currently part of the Visa Waiver Program. Indian citizens must continue to apply for a B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) visa through the standard visa application process at a US consulate or embassy. The decision not to include India in the program may stem from several factors, including reciprocity requirements, immigration policies, and bilateral security assessments.
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Who is eligible for visa-free entry in the US
While the VWP allows visa-free travel, not all citizens of participating countries automatically qualify. To be eligible:
Travelers must hold a passport from a VWP country.
The purpose of the visit must be for business or tourism.
The stay must be 90 days or less.
Travelers must apply for and receive ESTA approval before boarding a US-bound flight.
Visa Waiver Program restrictions and ineligibility
Even if a traveler holds a passport from a VWP country, certain conditions can disqualify them:
Travel history : Recent travel to Iran, North Korea, or Cuba (on or after January 12, 2021) may render an individual ineligible.
: Recent travel to Iran, North Korea, or Cuba (on or after January 12, 2021) may render an individual ineligible. Dual citizenship : Citizens who hold dual nationality with countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Cuba, or North Korea are not eligible.
: Citizens who hold dual nationality with countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Cuba, or North Korea are not eligible. Such individuals must apply for a B1 or B2 visa through the regular process.
Understanding the B1 and B2 visa options
For those ineligible for VWP or from non-participating countries like India, the B-1 and B-2 visas remain the standard options for short-term travel to the US.
B1 Visa : Issued for business purposes, such as attending conferences, consulting with business associates, or negotiating contracts.
: Issued for business purposes, such as attending conferences, consulting with business associates, or negotiating contracts. B2 Visa : Intended for tourism, medical treatment, or visiting friends and family.
: Intended for tourism, medical treatment, or visiting friends and family. B1/B2 Combination Visa: Commonly issued to allow a mix of business and leisure during a single trip.
These visas do not permit employment in the United States.
How to apply for ESTA authorisation
Before traveling under the VWP, eligible travelers must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This system pre-screens individuals for eligibility before they board a US-bound carrier.
Key points about ESTA:
Not a visa : ESTA is a travel authorization, not a replacement for a visa.
: ESTA is a travel authorization, not a replacement for a visa. Validity : An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until the passport expires.
: An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until the passport expires. Multiple entries : Travelers can make multiple trips to the US, as long as each stay is less than 90 days.
: Travelers can make multiple trips to the US, as long as each stay is less than 90 days. Application timeline: Apply at least 72 hours before departure, though earlier is recommended.
Application process:
Visit the official ESTA website.
Fill out the online form with personal and travel details.
Answer eligibility questions related to security and travel history.
Pay the required processing fee.
Await confirmation, which is usually sent via email.
Entry to the US is ultimately subject to inspection by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon arrival, regardless of ESTA status.
Security measures and program evolution
The VWP has evolved to incorporate enhanced security protocols, especially after 2015.
Travelers' data is cross-checked with various databases to detect security threats, criminal records, and prior immigration violations.
The US Congress and DHS continuously review the eligibility criteria and participating countries. Nations can be added or removed based on changing geopolitical and security conditions.
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