ESTA
Electronic System for Travel Authorization and Visa Waiver Program rules for 41 eligible countries. Covers application process, denial reasons, ESTA vs B-1/B-2 comparison, and CBP entry inspection procedures.
Top questions about ESTA
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat are the new visa waiver policies for certain countries effective May 22, 2025?
On May 22, 2025, the Cabinet approved a major visa waiver for citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, and for foreign nationals who hold valid residence permits from the United States, the European Union and the Schengen Area, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Read: Armenia Reports Nearly 3,600 Foreign Nationals Gained Residency in Six MonthsWhat changes were made to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2025 for non-African countries?
In 2025, Romania was added to the VWP, while interview waiver renewals now require submission within 12 months instead of 48 months.
Read: No African Nations Included in U.S. 2025 Visa Waiver ProgramWhat changes were made to the visa-waiver program in July 2024?
Visa-free land entry was expanded to 35 additional European countries, allowing entry at international road and rail checkpoints.
Read: Belarus Sees 167,506 Visa-Waiver Travelers by Sept 2025What changes were made to U.S. visa policies in 2025?
In 2025, the U.S. tightened visa rules for some countries by suspending visas for nationals of 19 countries due to security concerns, making the process more stringent.
Read: Woman Shares Struggle After B1/B2 and F-1 Visa Denials to USWhat new rules did the U.S. introduce in March 2025 regarding travel authorizations?
Non-U.S. citizens must register their local address while in the United States and carry proof of registration at all times; visa waiver program travelers face separate requirements, potentially including fingerprinting.
Read: USA Blocks Lee Dohyun From World Cup StageU.S. Travel Welcomes Taiwan’s Visa Waiver Program Entry, Easing ESTA Approval
Taiwanese citizens can visit the U.S. visa-free for 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program, provided they obtain ESTA approval before travel.
3,000 Norwegian Encore Passengers Face CBP Facial-Recognition Delay in San Francisco
CBP delays Norwegian Encore in San Francisco due to biometric system failures and mandatory processing for 3,000 passengers…
Ghana Adds Three Countries to Visa Waiver List as Foreign Minister Sam Ablakwa Boosts Passport Power
Ghana added four countries to its visa waiver list in July 2025, strengthening reciprocal travel access and expanding…
85-Year-Old French Widow Detained in U.S. Immigration Custody After Visa Waiver Overstay
85-year-old French widow Marie-Thérèse Ross-Mahé deported in 2026 after 16-day ICE detention following an Alabama estate dispute and…
86-Year-Old French Widow Detained by ICE After Visa Waiver Overstay in Alabama
ICE detains 86-year-old French widow of a U.S. veteran for a 2026 visa overstay, sparking a diplomatic push…
US Adds New Selfie Checks to Visa Waiver Program for ESTA Travelers
New U.S. travel rules require ESTA applicants from 41 countries to submit a passport-style selfie. This adds a…
Israel, Visa Waiver Program, January 30, 2023: First U.S. Hurdle Cleared
Israel remains in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program as of 2026. Eligible citizens can use ESTA for 90-day…
U.S. Embassy Confirms France Keeps Visa Waiver Program ESTA Rules
The U.S. Embassy confirms no immediate changes to ESTA for French citizens; the 90-day Visa Waiver Program remains…
China Expands Visa Waiver for 30-Day Visa-Free Entry Starting February 17 2026
China adds Canada and the UK to its 30-day visa-free travel list starting Feb 17, 2026, allowing easier…
China Expands Visa Waiver Program for 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
China adds Canada and the UK to its 30-day visa-free entry program, allowing 50 countries to visit without…