From 2026 onwards citizens from 42 countries across the globe will not require any traditional visa to travel to the US for a short period of time. Citizens from countries like the UK, Australia and Japan will be able to travel to the US for business trips, tourism and short trips without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. Although you do not need a visa under the US Visa Waiver Program 2026, people still have to create an ESTA pass from the official website of the US government for travel. Many European countries are under this list still countries like China and India are not yet approved.
Those who want to get this approval for travel to the US without a traditional visa under the given 90 days limit can apply from the official site of the ESTA. All you need is a valid passport of any among ESTA Approved Countries List 2026 (Updated) and to answer a few questions related to your travel and background. Upon applying, you need to pay an application fee of $21 and your ESTA will be approved within 72 hours of applying. Once your ESTA is approved, it will be valid for travel for up to 2 years or until your passport expires. Your ESTA might get cancelled if you have any criminal records or you overstay in the US over the period of 90 days.
US Visa Waiver Program 2026
Those who want to travel to the US using the ESTA can only come to the country via air or sea. With ESTA approval you cannot come to America via the land borders of Mexico and Canada. Travellers can only come to the US for a time period of 90 days with ESTA and overstaying can lead to cancellation of your temporary visa. This US Visa Waiver Program 2026 was only designed for tourism, short trips and business purposes and not for any official work or study visits. To check the list of approved countries and rules associated with the ESTA check the official website of the US government.
ESTA Visa Validity Overview
| About | US Visa Waiver Program |
| Country | USA |
| Authority | Government of the US |
| Year | 2026 |
| About | USA Visa waiver program |
| Temporary travel approved with | ESTA |
| ESTA Visa Validity | 90 days |
| Purpose | Tourism, short trips and business purposes |
| Total number of countries approved | 42 countries |
| Category | News |
| More information | Official site of the US government |
Eligibility For Travel With US ESTA Visa Or Visa Waiver Pass
- You are citizens from any of the 41 countries approved under the US government for the visa waiver program.
- You also have an approved ESTA ready with you before you board your US flight.
- The VWP permits are active only for travelers who want to visit America for the purpose of business, short trips, or training only for a period of 90 days.
- Those who have any criminal records or a history of visa denial may not be allowed.
- You are not allowed entry across land borders and only via sea or airways.
How To Fill US Visa Waiver Application Online
- Make sure you have a valid passport and you are a citizen of any of the 42 countries approved for ESTA in the US.
- Visit the official site of the US government for ESTA and provide your personal details, including passport, name, address, etc.
- Answer all questions with accuracy related to your visits, criminal records, if any, and visa denials.
- Visitors also need to provide details of a known friend or family member for the ESTA verification process.
- Pay your application fees of $21 for ESTA and submit your application which gets approved within 3 days.
ESTA Approved Countries List 2026 (Updated)
| Belgium | Andorra |
| Czech republic | Belgium |
| Denmark | Africa |
| Estonia | Taiwan |
| Austria | Singapore |
| Croatia | Korea |
| Finland | New Zealand |
| France | Japan |
| Germany | Australia |
| Greece | Switzerland |
| Hungary | Sweden |
| Ireland | Spain |
| Italy | Slovakia |
| Latvia | San Marino |
| Liechtenstein | Romania |
| Lithuania | Portugal |
| Luxembourg | Poland |
| Malta | Norway |
| Monaco | Netherlands |
FAQs: US Visa Waiver Program 2026
What is the US Visa waiver program for 2026?
This allows visa-free entry with ESTA approval for 90 days.
What is the total number of countries approved under the US visa waiver program for 2026?
There is a total of 42 countries approved under the US visa waiver program for 2026.
What is the time period of travel to the US with the ESTA approval?
With the ESTA approval, you can travel up to 90 days to the US.
