Which countries are in the US Visa Waiver Program?
The short answer
DHS lists 42 Visa Waiver Program countries, last updated 28 October 2026. Citizens of these countries can visit the US for up to 90 days for business or tourism without a visa, with an approved ESTA. Four entries carry footnotes: the Netherlands, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and Brunei.
The 42 countries
This is the list on the Department of Homeland Security page, in its order.
- Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei
- Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia
- Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary
- Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan
- Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg
- Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway
- Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore
- Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
- Taiwan, United Kingdom
Footnotes that matter
- United Kingdom: only British citizens with an unrestricted right of permanent abode in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). British overseas citizens, British dependent territories' citizens and citizens of other Commonwealth countries are excluded.
- Taiwan: only people with an unrestricted right of permanent abode on Taiwan who hold an electronic passport with a personal identification (household registration) number.
- Netherlands: citizens of Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten are not eligible when they apply with passports from those territories.
- Brunei: ESTA eligibility has been reduced from two years to one year.
What the program allows
CBP says the program lets citizens of 42 countries travel to the US for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. CBP says ESTA approval does not decide whether you are admitted. A CBP officer decides that on arrival.
For the e-Passport rule, the ESTA steps and the fee, see our guides linked below.
If your country is not on the list
Citizens of other countries should check the State Department's visa pages for the visa they need. The list can change, so check the DHS page before you book.
Sources: DHS: Visa Waiver Program countries, CBP: Visa Waiver Program. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries are in the Visa Waiver Program?
DHS lists 42 countries, last updated 28 October 2026. CBP's program page also says 42.
Is the United States on the list for US citizens?
No. The list covers the countries whose citizens can visit the US without a visa. US citizens do not use it.
Can a British citizen use the program?
Only if they have an unrestricted right of permanent abode in the UK. DHS excludes British overseas citizens, British dependent territories' citizens and citizens of other Commonwealth countries.
Are Israel and Qatar on the list?
Yes. Both appear on the DHS list of 42 countries.
How long can I stay?
CBP says stays of up to 90 days for business or tourism.