The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Changes to the list of eligible countries can occur, so travelers should verify the 2026 list before planning travel.
US Visa Waiver Program 2026: Key Eligibility Requirements
To use the US Visa Waiver Program 2026, travelers must meet several core requirements. Meeting these conditions is essential before planning a trip without a visa.
- Hold a passport from a VWP-designated country with an e-passport or machine-readable passport as required.
- Travel for 90 days or less for tourism, business, transit, or certain short-term study.
- Obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding a carrier to the United States.
- No prior visa ineligibility or certain criminal or immigration violations that block VWP use.
Common Restrictions to Watch For
Some travelers cannot use the VWP even if their country is listed. Restrictions include recent travel to certain countries or a prior visa denial. Check official guidance if you have complex travel or immigration history.
How to Check Updated List of Eligible Countries for US Visa Waiver Program 2026
The most reliable way to check the 2026 list is to use official U.S. government websites. These sites keep the list current and publish any additions or removals.
- Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) page for the Visa Waiver Program or the Department of Homeland Security website.
- Search for the Visa Waiver Program list of countries and any 2026 updates or press releases.
- Confirm ESTA application instructions and fees on the official CBP/ESTA site before applying.
Always use official sites ending in ‘.gov’ to avoid scams and outdated information. Travel agents and airline websites may summarize changes, but government pages are definitive.
Example List of VWP Countries (Verify Current 2026 Status)
The list below shows countries that have commonly participated in the VWP in recent years. This is an example and may not reflect 2026 changes. Always confirm on an official site.
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- 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
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
Note: Some entries have specific passport or documentation rules (for example, Taiwan). Confirm special conditions on the official site.
How to Apply for ESTA for the US Visa Waiver Program 2026
Apply for ESTA online before travel. An approved ESTA is required for most VWP travelers and is valid for multiple trips over two years or until the passport expires.
- Complete the online ESTA form on the official site using accurate passport details.
- Pay the required fee with a credit or debit card as directed.
- Wait for authorization; many applicants receive approval within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours in some cases.
- Keep a copy of your ESTA approval and verify it matches your passport data before travel.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
- Apply for ESTA well before booking nonrefundable travel—72 hours is the minimum safe window.
- Check passport validity. Some airlines require passports valid for the duration of your stay.
- Confirm return or onward travel plans, as CBP officers may ask for proof at the port of entry.
The Visa Waiver Program allows stays of up to 90 days for eligible visitors, but the ESTA itself does not guarantee entry. Final admission is determined by Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.
Case Study: Quick Business Trip Using the US Visa Waiver Program 2026
Maria is a marketing consultant from Spain planning a 10-day client visit to Boston in 2026. She checks the official CBP site to confirm Spain remains a VWP country.
She applies for ESTA 10 days before departure, pays the fee, and receives approval the same day. At check-in, her airline verifies passport and ESTA status. At the U.S. port of entry, she answers routine questions and is admitted for 90 days. The trip proceeds without a visa, saving time and processing delays.
When a Visa Is Still Required
Not all travel fits the VWP rules. You need a visa if you plan to work, study long-term, immigrate, or stay longer than 90 days. Also apply for a nonimmigrant visa if you are ineligible for VWP for other reasons.
- Work, employment, or long-term study.
- Prior visa denial or certain criminal records.
- Travel that does not meet VWP purpose rules.
Final Steps to Verify US Visa Waiver Program 2026 Eligibility
Before you finalize travel plans, follow these steps to confirm VWP eligibility.
- Check the official CBP or DHS VWP page for the 2026 list of eligible countries.
- Verify passport type and validity for VWP travel.
- Apply for ESTA and keep the approval confirmation.
- Confirm return or onward travel and packing required documents.
If anything about your travel or immigration history is unclear, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Err on the side of official government guidance to avoid last-minute travel problems.