Nigeria and other African countries are not included in the United States’ new Visa Waiver Program for 2025 as the U.S. updates its policies on permit privileges and eligibility.
The U.S. Department of State has updated the 2025 Visa Waiver Program, adding Romania as the newest eligible country effective March 31, 2025 according to Reuters.
The program now includes 43 countries, allowing their citizens to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business.
This update simplifies visa-free entry into the U.S. for millions worldwide, enhancing accessibility for business, tourism, and transit travel.
However, no African country, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana, is part of the VWP.
To qualify, countries must meet strict criteria, such as a low visa refusal rate, secure passport issuance, and strong security measures. Many African nations have not met these requirements.
Travelers from non-VWP countries must obtain a visa, which requires an application, fee payment, and an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. For the latest information, travelers should check official U.S. embassy websites
The updated Visa Waiver Program list includes Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, and Israel.
Others include Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Japan, Slovenia, Latvia, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Spain, Lithuania, Sweden, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Qatar, others.
While most of the VWP list remains unchanged, the addition of Romania is a notable update. The U.S. has also strengthened security checks and prioritized countries with strong diplomatic ties and robust border security standards.
