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The topic of which countries are exempt from a U.S. visa is of great interest to many, especially for those planning to travel, work, or settle in the United States. The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to enter the U.S. without a visa, provided they meet strict conditions. In this article, we will explore which countries are included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, the requirements for visa-free entry, and other essential information..
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to enter the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa. Instead of a visa, travelers must apply for approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure. ESTA is an online system that enables the U.S. government to screen travelers to ensure they meet security requirements.
The VWP was established to promote tourism and economic exchange between the U.S. and allied countries while maintaining national security. Countries participating in the program are typically those with strong diplomatic ties to the U.S., developed economies, and low visa refusal rates.
As of September 2025, 40 countries are part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Below is the complete list of these countries:
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
Note: This list is subject to change based on U.S. immigration policies. Countries may be added or removed from the program depending on factors such as security, visa refusal rates, or diplomatic agreements.
Although citizens of the listed countries are exempt from obtaining a visa, they must meet several strict requirements to enter the U.S. under the VWP. Here are the key conditions:
Before traveling to the U.S., travelers must apply for and receive approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA application is submitted online, requiring personal information, passport details, and answers to security-related questions. An approved ESTA is typically valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travelers must possess a valid electronic passport (e-passport) issued by a VWP country. The passport must include a biometric chip containing personal information and remain valid throughout the stay in the U.S.
The VWP applies only to travel for tourism, business, or transit. If the purpose of the trip is to study, work, or settle in the U.S., travelers must apply for the appropriate visa, such as a student visa (F1), work visa (H1B), or immigrant visa.
The maximum duration of stay in the U.S. under the VWP is 90 days. Travelers are not permitted to extend their stay or change their status to another visa type while in the U.S. under this program.
Travelers must have a round-trip ticket or an onward ticket to a country other than Canada or Mexico, proving they will leave the U.S. within 90 days.
Individuals who have previously been denied a U.S. visa, deported, or violated U.S. immigration regulations may not be eligible for the VWP.
The ESTA application process is straightforward but should be completed at least 72 hours before departure. Here are the basic steps:
Visit the official website: Access the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) to submit the application.
Provide personal information: Enter details about your passport, travel history, and answer security-related questions.
Pay the fee: The ESTA application fee is approximately $21 (including processing and authorization fees).
Await approval: Approval is typically granted within minutes, but in some cases, it may take up to 72 hours.
Nếu ESIf an ESTA application is denied, travelers can still apply for a U.S. visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Entry is not guaranteed: Even with an approved ESTA, the final decision to allow entry rests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry. Travelers should carry relevant documents (passport, flight tickets, travel itinerary) to verify the purpose of their trip.
Travel to Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands: If travelers leave the U.S. for Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands like the Caribbean within the 90-day period, this time still counts toward the VWP stay limit.
Strict security checks: The U.S. applies rigorous security screening for VWP travelers. Ensure you have no history of legal or security issues that could affect eligibility.
Currently, Vietnam is not included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Vietnamese citizens must apply for a U.S. visa for purposes such as tourism (B1/B2 visa), study, or work. To obtain a U.S. visa, Vietnamese citizens need to prepare a complete application, schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and answer questions about the purpose of their trip.
However, if a Vietnamese citizen also holds citizenship of a VWP country (e.g., South Korea or Japan), they may use the passport of that country to apply for ESTA and enter the U.S. under the VWP.
Time and cost savings: No need to visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a visa interview.
Convenient for short trips: Ideal for short-term tourism or business travel.
Promotes tourism and economic exchange: Facilitates easier travel for citizens of allied countries.
Limited stay duration: Travelers are restricted to a maximum of 90 days in the U.S.
Restricted purposes: Not applicable for study, work, or immigration purposes.
Strict security requirements: ESTA approval may be denied if security criteria are not met.
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program is a convenient policy for citizens of 40 participating countries, allowing them to enter the U.S. without a traditional visa. However, travelers must meet strict requirements regarding passports, ESTA approval, and travel purposes. For Vietnamese citizens, a U.S. visa is still required unless they hold dual citizenship with a VWP country.
Always check the latest information from official sources, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website or a U.S. Embassy, for updates on the list of VWP countries and related requirements. Wishing you a smooth journey to the land of opportunity!
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