Islamabad, July 1, 2025: Many people dream of visiting the United States. From New York’s skyscrapers to sunny California beaches, America is on many travel lists. But for most, the hardest part is the visa process — long forms, interviews, and embassy visits can take months.
To help, the US offers the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you qualify, you can skip the usual visa. Instead, you get an online travel pass called ESTA.
Who Can Use It
Travelers from 43 countries can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa. This covers holidays, short business trips, or transit stops. Qatar joined the list last year. Romania is the newest member in 2025. Countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and much of Europe are already included.
What You Need
- A valid biometric passport (with a chip)
- An approved ESTA. It costs about $21 and is done online.
- A return ticket to show you’ll leave the US within 90 days.
You can’t work or study under this program. If you’ve visited countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria, or North Korea since 2011, you won’t be eligible.
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How It Works
First, check your passport. It must be valid and have an electronic chip. Then, apply for ESTA at the official site. Most get approval in minutes, but it can take up to three days. After that, book your flight. When you arrive, border staff will check your papers and ask a few questions.
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Many travelers forget to apply for ESTA early. Some use old passports by mistake. A few overstay by a day — which can cause problems later. Always follow the rules: no work, no long stays, no hidden plans.
Why It Helps
No embassy lines. No visa interviews. Just a quick online form and you’re ready to fly. For people from Visa Waiver Program countries, this is the easiest way to see the US without paperwork stress.
Check if your country is on the list — this could be your ticket to America.
