US offers 90-day visa-free entry to 41 countries under Visa Waiver Program; is India included?

In a global move aimed at simplifying international travel and strengthening diplomatic ties, the United States continues to offer visa-free entry to citizens of 41 countries under its longstanding Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows eligible travelers to visit the US for up to 90 days without the need for a visa, provided they meet specific criteria and secure an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval in advance. The policy is particularly beneficial for short-term tourism and business travel, offering a streamlined alternative to the more extensive B1 and B2 visa procedures. However, while many European and Asia-Pacific nations are part of this list, India is not currently included in the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program is administered by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in collaboration with the US Department of State. It was created to facilitate mutual short-term travel between the United States and designated partner countries, reducing bureaucratic hurdles while maintaining stringent security checks.
Under this program, citizens of approved countries can travel to the US for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days. In return, US citizens enjoy reciprocal benefits when traveling to those nations for similar durations.

As of April 2025, the following 41 countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program:





No, India is not currently part of the Visa Waiver Program. Indian citizens must continue to apply for a B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) visa through the standard visa application process at a US consulate or embassy. The decision not to include India in the program may stem from several factors, including reciprocity requirements, immigration policies, and bilateral security assessments.

While the VWP allows visa-free travel, not all citizens of participating countries automatically qualify. To be eligible:


Even if a traveler holds a passport from a VWP country, certain conditions can disqualify them:


For those ineligible for VWP or from non-participating countries like India, the B-1 and B-2 visas remain the standard options for short-term travel to the US.

These visas do not permit employment in the United States.

Before traveling under the VWP, eligible travelers must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This system pre-screens individuals for eligibility before they board a US-bound carrier.
Key points about ESTA:

Application process:

Entry to the US is ultimately subject to inspection by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon arrival, regardless of ESTA status.

The VWP has evolved to incorporate enhanced security protocols, especially after 2015. Travelers’ data is cross-checked with various databases to detect security threats, criminal records, and prior immigration violations.
The US Congress and DHS continuously review the eligibility criteria and participating countries. Nations can be added or removed based on changing geopolitical and security conditions.