Which Countries Need Visas to Visit the United States?

✳️ 1. Most Countries Require a Visa

Citizens of most countries worldwide, including India, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and many others, must apply for a U.S. visa before traveling — even for short visits.

These travelers need to apply for one of the following:

B-1 Visa: For business visits

B-2 Visa: For tourism, visiting family/friends, or medical treatment

B-1/B-2 Visa: Combined visa often issued for both purposes

???? Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Countries

Citizens of VWP countries can visit the United States without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business — but they must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel.

✅ List of Visa Waiver Program Countries (as of 2025)

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* (must have full British citizenship)

Asia-Pacific:

Australia

Brunei

Japan

New Zealand

Singapore

South Korea

Taiwan (holders of a Taiwan passport with national ID number)

North America:

None (Canada is visa-exempt but not part of VWP)

South America:

Chile only

???????? Special Note on Canada and Bermuda

Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for short visits to the U.S. for tourism or business.

Permanent residents of Canada (not citizens) must apply for a visa based on their nationality.

Citizens of Bermuda can stay up to 180 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes.

⚠️ Important Exceptions

Even if your country is in the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for a visa if:

You plan to stay longer than 90 days

You’re visiting for study, work, or journalism

You’ve previously overstayed a U.S. visa

You’ve visited Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Yemen, or Somalia after March 1, 2011"