Planning a trip to the United States in 2026 has become easier for citizens of many nations, but it is vital to have the most current information before you book your flight. As of December 27, 2025, the US Visa Waiver Program allows nationals from 42 specific countries to enter the US for tourism or business without the long wait times associated with traditional visas. While the list of eligible partners recently expanded to include Qatar, travelers should be aware of all current regulations to ensure their entry is approved. This guide covers the verified list of countries, the newest member to join, and the critical rules you must follow for a smooth arrival.
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How the Visa Waiver Program Works
The Visa Waiver Program is managed by the Department of Homeland Security and permits eligible travelers to visit the United States for stays of up to 90 days. Instead of visiting a US embassy for an interview, you simply apply for an authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, also known as ESTA. This online approval process screens travelers before they depart their home country. Once approved, an ESTA is typically valid for two years or until your passport expires. It allows for multiple entries, so you can return to the US several times within that two year window as long as each individual stay does not exceed the 90 day limit.
Qatar Joins as the Newest Member
The most significant recent addition to the program is the State of Qatar. In late 2024, Qatar became the first Gulf nation to be fully admitted into the Visa Waiver Program. This milestone allows Qatari citizens to travel to the United States for business or leisure using an ESTA rather than a B-1 or B-2 visa. While there were discussions and a brief designation regarding Romania earlier in 2025, it is important to note that as of today, Romania is not currently an active participant in the program due to updated regulatory decisions made in May 2025. Therefore, the total number of confirmed eligible countries stands at 42 for the start of 2026.
Confirmed 2026 List of Eligible Countries
The following table provides the complete and verified list of the 42 countries participating in the program as of December 2025. Citizens of these nations may apply for an ESTA for short term travel.
| Region | Eligible Countries |
| Europe | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| Asia Pacific | Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan |
| Middle East | Israel, Qatar |
| Americas | Chile |
Strict Rules for Entry and Stay Limits
Traveling under this program comes with non negotiable conditions. The most critical rule is the 90 day limit on your stay. Unlike a standard tourist visa which might allow for an extension, an ESTA entry cannot be extended under any circumstances. You must depart the United States before your 90 days are up. Additionally, taking a short side trip to Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands usually does not reset your 90 day clock. If you re enter the US from these locations, you will likely only be admitted for the remaining days of your initial entry period.
Passport and Application Requirements
To qualify for entry, you must hold a valid e-passport that contains a digital chip with your biometric information. This has been a standard requirement for several years to enhance security. Additionally, new updates for 2026 indicate a shift toward using the official mobile app for ESTA applications, simplifying the process for travelers on the go. You must also possess a valid return or onward ticket to prove to border officials that you do not intend to stay in the United States indefinitely.
Key Eligibility Criteria for 2026
- You must be a citizen or national of one of the 42 designated countries.
- You must hold a valid e-passport with a digital chip.
- Your trip must be for 90 days or less for business, tourism, or transit.
- You must have a valid return or onward travel ticket.
- You must not have a criminal record or previous immigration violations.
- You must arrive via a compliant air or sea carrier.
- You generally cannot use the program if you have traveled to restricted countries like Iran, North Korea, or Syria after March 2011.
