US unveils 2025 Visa waiver list, snubs UK, Nigeria

The United States government has released the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) list, outlining countries whose citizens can visit the US visa-free for up to 90 days.

According to reports, the United Kingdom was excluded from the programme but remains eligible under certain conditions.

Notably, no African country—including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa—was included. While most participating nations remained the same, Romania was added, marking a key update to the programme.

The US Bureau of Consular Affairs explains that the VWP allows citizens of eligible countries to enter the US for tourism or business without obtaining a visa.

However, travellers must first secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.

“Travellers must have a valid ESTA approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa,” the US agency stated.

The US government has tightened security checks, prioritizing countries with strong diplomatic ties and strict border security standards.

This year’s update aims to streamline visa-free travel for eligible visitors, facilitating business, tourism, and transit travel to the United States.

As of 2025, a total of 40 countries are included in the Visa Waiver Programme, granting their citizens visa-free access to the US.

See the full list below:

1. Andorra,

2. Australia,

3. Austria,

4. Belgium,

5. Chile,

6. Czech Republic,

7. Croatia,

8. Denmark,

9. Estonia,

10. Finland,

11. France,

12. Germany,

13. Greece,

14. Hungary,

15. Iceland,

16. Ireland,

17. Italy,

18. Israel

19. Norway,

20. Poland,

21. Portugal,

22. San Marino,

23. Singapore,

24. Slovakia,

25. Japan,

26. Slovenia,

27. Latvia,

28. South Korea,

29. Liechtenstein,

30. Spain,

31. Lithuania,

32. Sweden,

33. Luxembourg,

34. Switzerland,

35. Malta,

36. Netherlands,

37. New Zealand,

38. Qatar,

39. Romania

40. Monaco