Countries
Visa Waiver Program: these 42 countries can travel with ESTA
Last checked: · Sources: CBP, DHS, Federal Register
Not everyone can use ESTA. It is intended for citizens of the countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). According to CBP and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there are currently 42 countries. Here you will find the list, why citizenship matters and the most important distinctions.
What the Visa Waiver Program is
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of 42 countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. In return, these countries must allow US citizens similar visa-free stays. An ESTA, issued by CBP, is required in advance.
Participation does not depend on where you live: what matters is that you are a citizen or national of a VWP country and hold a valid e-passport from that country. If you live in Germany but hold a different citizenship, that citizenship is what counts.
List of participating countries
List as of 4 October 2026, source: DHS and U.S. Department of State. In alphabetical order:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
Special rules apply to certain states – such as Taiwan and the United Kingdom – which DHS marks with footnotes in the list. The list can change; the most recent addition was Qatar (21 November 2024). The authorities’ publication is always what is binding.
Who is not included
Some European states are not included either – for example the EU members Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus, which are missing from the DHS list. Citizens of these countries need a visa for visits. The same applies to all other states that are not on the list.
If you hold a valid US visa, according to CBP you can travel with it for the purpose for which it was issued and do not need an ESTA.
Being from a member country is not enough on its own
- Your passport must be an e-passport with a chip (ESTA and passport).
- Your stay may last no more than 90 days, and the purpose must be tourism, a visit, business meetings or transit – not work or study.
- The eligibility questions in the application must be answered completely and truthfully (eligibility questions).
- Children need their own authorisation (ESTA for children).
Everything important in brief: requirements and What is ESTA?. If you belong to one of the eligible countries, you can have us prepare your application or apply yourself with CBP. The costs are listed under prices.
Frequently asked questions
- How many countries take part in the Visa Waiver Program?
- According to CBP and DHS, there are currently 42 countries.
- Is Romania part of the Visa Waiver Program?
- No. Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus are EU members but are not on the DHS list of VWP countries.
- Does citizenship or residence count?
- Citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of State, you must be a citizen or national of a VWP country; your place of residence is not decisive.
- Do I need a visa for a US holiday as a German citizen?
- For stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business, generally not, if you hold an e-passport and have an approved ESTA. For longer stays, work or study you need a visa.
You will find more answers in the ESTA FAQ.
Sources and date
Checked on 4 October 2026. The information is based on the following government sources. Rules and fees can change; the current publication by CBP is decisive. This article is general information and not legal or immigration advice.
Next steps
Prepare your application, compare prices or keep reading – the decision is always made by CBP.