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 StageDHS Initiates Process to Reinstate Argentina in Visa Waiver Program
Argentina started the long process to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2025. Approval could take two to three years. Meanwhile, visas remain mandatory until Argentina meets all U.S.…
Cyprus Nears U.S. Visa Waiver Program Entry After Resolving Key Hurdles
Cyprus completed key VWP technical and legal steps. U.S. Congress will review membership in September 2025. Visa-free travel…
Laos and Belarus Sign Visa Waiver Agreement to Boost Travel and Ties
The Laos-Belarus visa waiver agreement signed in July 2025 is not yet effective. It requires domestic ratification and…
UK Tourists to Pay Double ESTA Fee for USA Visits from October 2025
The ESTA fee for UK and Visa Waiver travelers will increase to $40 on October 1, 2025. Applying…
Bhutan Launches Visa Waiver and Crypto Payments for Tourism Boost
Starting July 2025, Bhutan offers visa waivers for select countries and accepts cryptocurrency payments. The Sustainable Development Fee…
UK Travelers Urged to Apply for ESTA Before Potential US Fee Changes
The US ESTA fee for UK travelers remains $21 in 2025, while the UK raised ETA fees to…
British Airways Pushes UK Entry into China’s Visa Waiver Scheme in 2025
China’s visa waiver now covers 55 countries but excludes the UK. British Airways is lobbying for UK inclusion…
Sergeyenko: Over 1.15 Million Europeans Used Belarus Visa Waiver
Europeans can visit Belarus visa-free up to 90 days via a waiver program valid until end of 2025.…
Romanian Citizens Removed from U.S. Visa Waiver Program as of June 2025
Romania was removed from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program on June 1, 2025, because it requires visas for…
US Visa Waiver Program 2025: Updated List of Eligible Countries
With 43 member countries, the U.S. Visa Waiver Program enables 90-day visa-free visits using ESTA and biometric passports.…