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 StageUS Senators Push Back on Social Media Handles for Visa Waiver Program ESTA
U.S. Senators are urging the CBP to scrap a draft rule requiring Visa Waiver Program travelers to submit five years of social media history and ten years of email addresses.…
Ghana and Zambia Agree Mutual Visa Waiver to Boost Regional Travel and Trade
Ghana and Zambia have eliminated entry visa requirements for each other's citizens to promote regional trade and integration.…
British and French Travellers to the US Will Need to Provide More Personal Details to Enter Visa Waiver Program
New U.S. travel rules will soon require British and French ESTA applicants to provide extensive personal data, including…
ESTA Rules to Tighten for Visa Waiver Program Travelers
CBP has proposed major ESTA changes for Visa Waiver travelers, but no final rule is in effect yet.…
Vietnam to Expand Unilateral Visa Waivers to Attract High-Quality Tourists
The Vietnamese government has directed ministries to expand visa waivers and simplify entry procedures to hit a 2026…
Azerbaijan and Oman approve mutual visa waiver for diplomats
Azerbaijan has ratified a mutual visa waiver with Oman for diplomatic and service passport holders. The law, signed…
Saudi Arabia and China Agree Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Passports
Saudi Arabia and China signed a targeted mutual visa exemption on Dec. 15, 2025 for diplomatic, service, and…
What the US entry rules mean: ESTA, social media checks
Beginning late 2025, CBP will require five years of social media history and additional data through a redesigned…
DNA Not Required for ESTA Right Now, CBP Sees Future Data Use
A CBP proposal would expand I-94 and ESTA data collection—potentially including DNA and extended social media, phone and…
US Expands ESTA Checks to Include Five Years of Social Media
A December 2025 CBP proposal would make social media disclosure and expanded biometrics mandatory for VWP travelers applying…