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 StageGeorge Simion responds after Romania removed from US Visa Waiver Program
Romania lost access to the US Visa Waiver Program on May 2, 2025, heightening travel barriers. George Simion supported the removal, framing it as a democratic wake-up call. Visa requirements…
US Visa Waiver Program still excludes Indian passport holders
Indian passport holders are excluded from the US Visa Waiver Program due to high overstay rates and reciprocity…
Bulgaria nears joining US Visa Waiver Program after drop in refusal rate
Bulgaria’s 2024 visa refusal rate dropped to 6.02%, nearing US Visa Waiver Program standards. Government campaigns and improved…
Foreign Traveler Numbers to China Rise After New Visa Waivers
China’s new visa waivers and tax refund policies led to 26.94 million foreign visitors in 2024, with 75%…
Can New Zealand Citizens Visit the U.S. Without a Visa Using ESTA?
New Zealand citizens can visit the U.S. for 90 days via ESTA. Mandatory digital approval is required for…
Romania removed from US Visa Waiver Program by Homeland Security
Romania’s planned Visa Waiver Program membership was reversed by the Trump administration due to security concerns. From May…
Ghana and Algeria sign visa waiver agreement to boost travel
Ghana and Algeria implemented a visa waiver agreement on May 2, 2025, improving travel and collaboration. The pact…
Visa Waiver Program now open to Romania for US travel
The United States added Romania to the Visa Waiver Program in 2025, granting Romanians visa-free travel for up…
UAE grants visa waiver to North Macedonia citizens
North Macedonian passport holders will soon enjoy visa-free travel to the UAE for short visits. The waiver eases…
Cyprus Progresses Toward U.S. Visa Waiver Program Inclusion
Cyprus targets early 2025 for Visa Waiver Program entry, emphasizing low visa refusal rates and effective data-sharing. A…